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Russia — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Russia is 12,750,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Russia is 8.91 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Russia ranked at No. 92

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Russia ranked at No. 681

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Russia is reported to be 5,000,0002

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Russia is 3.503

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In Russia, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 226,0004

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Russia, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 3,410,0004

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Russia are reported to have 29,820,9605 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Russia are reported to have 1,550,0006 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Russia, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 21,6037
2008: 23,908
2007: 25,650
2006: 28,989
2005: 35,817
2004: 39,396
2003: 42,160
2002: 44,675
2001: 43,556
2000: 41,386
1999: 38,589
1998: 33,982
1997: 35,4057 8
1996: 39,490
1995: 45,799

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Russia, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 15.17
2008: 16.77 9
2007: 17.9
2006: 20.2
2005: 24.9
2004: 27.3
2003: 29.1
2002: 30.7
2001: 29.8
2000: 28.2
1999: 26.2
1998: 23.0
1997: 23.9
1996: 26.6
1995: 30.8

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Suicides (any method)

In Russia, annual suicides by any means total

1998: 51,77010

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Russia, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1998: 36.1410

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Russia, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence4

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Russia is ranked 'major'11

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Regulation of Firearm Exports

In Russia, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 12

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Russia is reported to be US$44,286,00713 (2011)14 15

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Russia is categorized as 'major'16 15

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Regulation of Firearm Imports

In Russia, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 12

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Russia is reported to be US$45,664,99713 (2011)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Russia is moderate4

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Russia is reported to be US$50017

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Russia, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law18

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Russia was ranked number 45 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 6.00 points of a possible total of 2519

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Russia is categorised as restrictive20

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Russia includes the Federal Weapons Act of 1996,4 the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation,21 and the Convention of 1 July 1969 on Reciprocal Recognition of Proofmarks on Small Arms22

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Russia, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms and handguns23

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Russia, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited23

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Russia, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is not specifically prohibited in law23

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Regulation of Handguns

In Russia, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited23

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Russia, only licensed gun owners24 25 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Russia are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security4

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Russia is 18 years25

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Russia must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, and medical25 26 records

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Firearm Safety Training

In Russia, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required4 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Russia gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 5 years27

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Russia, the law requires28 23 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Russia, licensed gun makers are required29 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Russia, State agencies are required30 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Russia include27 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Russia include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Russia, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law31

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Firearm Tracing

In Russia, state authorities carry out28 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Russia, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited, with some exceptions32 27

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Russia, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited, with some exceptions32 27

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Russia, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 8 years and a fine27

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Russia was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office33

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Russia abstained from endorsing34 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed35 by Russia

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Russia committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects36

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Russia has submitted one or more national reports37 18 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Russia, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated38 18

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Russia, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated38 18

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been donated18 by Russia to other UN Member States

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UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided18 to Russia by other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Russia has not declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Russia has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194539

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists40 Russia as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Russia.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4311)Full Citation

4.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Table 1 - Estimated Law Enforcement Firearms in 20 Selected Countries.’ Armed Actors - Estimating Law Enforcement Firearms.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q6544)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Russia.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6274)Full Citation

8.

Barclay, Gordon, Cynthia Tavares and Arsalaan Siddique.2001.‘Crimes Recorded by Police: Homicide.’ International Comparisons of Criminal Justice Statistics 1999.London:UK Home Office,1 May. (Q2143)Full Citation

9.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Europe and Central Asia, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3816)Full Citation

10.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

11.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

12.

Russia.1996.‘Smuggling.’ Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, No.63-FZ of June 13, 1996 (with Amendments and Addenda to December 2004).Moscow:President of the Russian Federation,13 June. (Q5558)Full Citation

13.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

14.

Berman, Eric.2011.‘Small Arms Transfers: Exporting States.’ Weapons and Markets.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,25 October. (Q5982)Full Citation

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Herron, Patrick, Jasna Lazarevic, Nic Marsh and Matt Schroeder.2011.‘Top Exporters and Importers of Small Arms in 2008.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5983)Full Citation

16.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

17.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

18.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

19.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

20.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

21.

Russia.1996.‘Criminal Law of the Russian Federation.’ Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, No.63-FZ of June 13, 1996 (with Amendments and Addenda to December 2004).Moscow:President of the Russian Federation,13 June. (Q5557)Full Citation

22.

UNGA.1969.‘Reciprocal Recognition of Proof Marks.’ Convention for the Reciprocal Recognition of Proof Marks on Small Arms of July 1, 1969.Brussels:United Nations General Assembly,1 July. (Q5999)Full Citation

23.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5372)Full Citation

24.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5387)Full Citation

25.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5423)Full Citation

26.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5382)Full Citation

27.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5445)Full Citation

28.

Russia.2010.‘Record-Keeping – Civilian Gun Registration and Tracing.’ National Report of Russia on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4578)Full Citation

29.

Russia.2010.‘Record-keeping – Manufacturers.’ National Report of Russia on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4576)Full Citation

30.

Russia.2010.‘Record-keeping – State-Owned Firearm Records Keeping.’ National Report of Russia on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4577)Full Citation

31.

Russia.2010.‘National Marking Practices.’ National Report of Russia on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4575)Full Citation

32.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5409)Full Citation

33.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

34.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

35.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

36.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

37.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

38.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

39.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

40.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation