Internal Affairs Ministry develops training program for gun owners

13:25, 04 января 2022, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Maria ORLOVA

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has developed a program for organizing the initial training of owners and users of guns and rules for the safe handling of weapons. The ministry submitted the corresponding draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers for public discussion.

As the background statement says, in accordance with the Law on Weapons, persons purchasing a weapon for the first time are required to pass a test of knowledge of the rules for safe handling of weapons.

«These rules define that a weapon is a tool originally designed to destroy. Incorrect and inept handling of it can lead to irreparable consequences: injury, death, criminal liability. Therefore, the first thing that a person who decides to acquire a weapon must master is safe handling. It forms the basis of arms culture,» the document says.

Persons who acquire sporting firearms, hunting weapons, self-defense weapons and throwing weapons for the first time must pass a test of knowledge of the rules of safe handling of weapons at their place of residence.

It is noted that training should be carried out according to the rules, which include study of the tactical and technical characteristics of weapons, the basics of first aid, practical shooting, the study of responsibility for violation of the procedure for storing, carrying, transporting and registering (re-registering) weapons.

«Testing of knowledge of the rules for the safe handling of smooth-bore and long-barreled self-defense weapons, self-defense firearms, gas pistols and revolvers, throwing weapons is conducted after appropriate training in suitability for actions in conditions associated with the use of firearms has been completed,» ​​the background statement says.

The training will be conducted by educational organizations that have the appropriate license.

If the test results are positive, the citizen receives a document (certificate) on the completion of the training program, established by the state body in the field of education.

«Persons who already have permits to store and carry hunting, sporting or service weapons, as well as servicemen and employees of state paramilitary organizations, who are assigned service weapons, are not subject to inspection,» the document says.

The ministry notes that the proposed program is aimed at more responsible compliance with the norms of the country’s legislation in terms of the culture of using weapons, compliance with the requirements for carrying, storing, using and transporting weapons by citizens and users.