'Owning guns in Uruguay' Expat

Owning guns in Uruguay

Can they be imported with our household goods if they are a legal firearm. I'm talking about pistols, rifles and shotguns and not machine guns.

Does anyone know what type and how many are acceptable.

Thanks

Terry

* Ownership permit ("tenencia")

* Carry permit ("porta de armas")

* Collector's permit ("carné de coleccionista")

The ownership permit covers firearms up to and including 9mm. The collector's permit allows you to own higher calibre firearms, and to conduct importations on behalf of others.

The permits are a bit tedious to apply for, but the requirements are not cumbersome. The ownership permit requires:

* Citizenship, or permanent residency approved or in process

* Criminal record check (within Uruguay)

* Proof of income

* Certificate of "psychophysical suitability" (You take a multi-page written test, which is evaluated by a psychological professional, who issues the certificate.)

* A half-day course in firearms laws, safety rules, and gun handling

It is good for five years.

For a carry permit, the main additional requirement is further practical instruction, until the instructor is satisfied. The standard is quite a bit higher, including qualification on both semi-autos and revolvers, and quick-draw proficiency.

Each firearm you import must be registered and receives its own registration card, which identifies both the firearm and its owner, and which must be kept with the firearm. It is good for ten years.

If you want to start the process, the place to visit is the Porte de Armas. They can answer your questions and give you a piece of paper that lists the requirements. The Porte de Armas is on San José, between Carlos Quijano and Dr Aquiles Lanza, across from the Policía Central. Go in where there is a sign for Red BROU, pass the cajero automático booth on your left, and then turn left into a narrow corridor.

The firearms courses can be taken at Primera Escuela Uruguaya de Tiro. They are not cheap -- US$150 for the half-day course, I believe. Their website also lists the requirements for each of the three permits:

• Primera Escuela Uruguaya de Tiro

Are the collector permots hard to get and what do they require? Most of my guns are larger calibre than 9mm. Does it also cover shotguns?

Does a collector permit in effect make you a gun dealer because that is what it sounds like? I was once a licensed dealer in the US.

Thanks

Terry

Shotgun ownership used to be legal without any permit, but I heard that the law on that changed recently, so now I'm not sure.

Shotguns fall under the basic THATA. It covers shotguns, any semiauto pistol or semi/bolt rifle up to 9mm, and any revolver in any caliber.

could stay in practice and improve my skills?

Also, what kind of hunting is available?

This is a very welcome subject to me.

Erich

As far as hunting goes there are several options.

1. Go on a guided expedition for ducks, boar, etc.

2. Find a friend with some land where you can go kill things and eat them or make trophies out of their forlorn severed heads.

3. Find a farmer with a rabbit problem.

4. Find a hunting ground and pay to use it.

uruguaynatural.com has some info about hunting and fishing, headcounts for limited genocide of the local fauna, and what permits are required. There is also a magazine with the same name (I have seen it in Tienda Inglesa) which has articles about outdoorsy stuff including ads and items for us members of "People for the Eating of Tasty Animals."

If you want to go shooting in the indoor range let me know and I'll join you. Need to burn off some old ammo and dust off the pistola.

Why not explore different places and see how the cultures operate in various places before imposing American values on other countries/cultures.

Don't take that as an attempt to diminish the Second Amendment, but more a realization that the Second American, is the right to bear arms in the United States of America.

It may be a good idea. It may not be. That is besides the point here. In another country, it is best to FIRST see how things function there. It might be that you can have a happy, prosperous and safe life without bringing "American" values with you.

Of course as Shirley pointed out above, gun owner ship isn't so hard here. I would also pay close attention when Shirley posts, as her participation is often just a few words occasionally, but always to a point and almost always with a very informative link.

You might also talk to someone about rights to self defense in your house. I've been told they are possibly better than those in the USA.

Expert Page: Quick Tips for Getting Settled in Uruguay

Alberto, guns being an American cultural icon might be a part of it. I can't speak for Kirk, but for me, it's the best way I have to defend myself against someone who means to do me harm. Those people can exist anywhere. If there is a place where the society or government does not recognize my right to defend my own life, that would be a very important factor in my decision whether or not to live there.

Thanks for the kind words, Glen. It's forums like yours that helped me so much when I was planning my move here, and I like to help others out when I can. Happy to share what information I have.

PS For whatever reason, the system rejected my title of "Guns".

I think the word "guns" is too short to work as a title.

I'm a lousy shot with a hand gun and am likely to shoot myself in the foot so I favour more traditional weapons like a sabre and half-pike instead :-)

Target shooting is also a great hobby. I enjoyed watching my wife grow from absolutely hating guns, (her first husband blew his head off within 10 feet from her and she saw it happen), to now owning and handling a big bore long barrel 45 Colt pistol with ease. She really enjoys target shooting and can hit all right at 30 feet. Being the lightest sleeper I have ever known, I now have to announce myself when I come to bed at night. (just kidding) Her fear of someone breaking in at night when I'm away is now all but gone. Defending herself is not a problem.

In the larger picture, if you are aware of the horrific events in Mexico due to the drug cartels, the corruption....and the people are not allowed to own guns, so they have no way to defend themselves. We never want to be in that position in the States or anywhere.

As of January 1, 2011, we in Iowa cannot be refused a concealed weapons permit if we have a clean rap sheet and take the 8 hour course. I know the home invasions, muggings, carjackings, and armed roberies of convenience stores will dramatically decrease when that law takes affect. An armed society is a civil society. I hope to bring lots of guns to Uruguay when I move there. I hear it's civil there.

It is a different way of living and American's should learn and accept the Uruguayan way, not to try to impose new ideas that really are not working too good overhere.

Jorge

Did you or anyone else for that matter, ever stop to think that maybe some of us are coming to Uruguay for reasons other than to become Uruguayan and/or embace a Uruguayan lifestyle. I want to retire there for many reasons, non of them to adopt a Uruguayan and become someone I am not. I'll bet there's many more poeple out there with that same notion. Check out some of the newcomers to Punta del Este sometime. Uruguay has much more to offer than only to fit in by becoming Uruguayan by choice. I like and respect Uruguayans I have met. I find conversations interesting as I get an insight into the Uruguayan way of living and doing things, but I don't want to become one, nor do I have plans to surrender many of my American ways at the immigration office. And I have no plans to try to convert Uruguayans to an American idiology of any sort. I feel they will reciprocate as Uruguayans seem to respect the differences. If that happens, and I feel it will, we'll both be happy and content in our international individuality while living as civilized people of different cultures should.

Treat poeple as interesting and intellegent and they will respond at a significantly higher level.

Why would you go someplace to DISRESPECT their culture?

The entire reason Uruguay may offer something you prefer over the USA is because the culture of Uruguay is different! If you want to bring the USA culture to Uruguay then in turn you will bring the problems of the USA too.

You should absolutely seek to embrace the cultures where ever you visit or live.

Go build an bunker in Idaho and enjoy your American life in America! Or come to Uruguay, embrace the culture here and enjoy a more quiet peaceful life.

Why would I want to do that when I can build one in Uruguay. Maybe I'll invite you over there for lunch some time.

You don't have a clue as to my reasons for coming to Uruguay. I don't judge you for your reasons. But it's obvious that I don't have your insight and mind reading capabilities to know my reasons for moving to Uruguay, so that you can openly judge mine. One can enjoy another cultue by observing and conversing without participating. As I said, Uruguay has a lot to offer someone without becoming Uruguayan. Some of you have a real hard time with anything that doesn't fit in your world vision. You are the ones who need the bunker. There are communes out there that I'm sure will embrace you. Jim Jones comes to mind. Real love there wasn't there Linda. I can deal with people like you a whole lot easier than you can deal with people like me. Maybe you should consider a private island.

The US has the right to bear arms enshrined in its constitution so its understandable that USA-ians care about it. Here in the ROU the right to bear arms in included in the Instructions of the Year XIII... a document which pre-dates the foundation of the state and our first constitution. Subsequent governments have imposed various conditions and controls on gun ownership but the ROU seems to have held to a "middle way" unlike the UK where only the armed forces and the police are permitted to possess hand guns. Sad to say such draconian controls are only respected by law abiding people so the law has no obvious effect on criminals and the under 16s. :-(

Not to long ago I wrote to a Uruguayan Television Station to thank them for what they do for the community in the United States. They liked my letter, it was important for them. The Lady answered my E-Mail saying to me - Thank you Jorge for your support, KISSES and her name.

Would you think that an American TV Station will answer your E-Mail and send you kisses, in Uruguay it's normal.

If the Uruguayans accept you (and you will know)it will be because of your good heart, modesty and simplicity. Just like the Americans "that not too many people in Uruguay know about" embraced me here in this great land.

I know I heard from one or more news sources that a high percentage of the population own guns.

But I respect your opinion because you show me knowledge and respect for the facts.

No doubt that Montevideo is not what it once was, just looking at Houses windows and the fences in front, for me that is a shock.

I was reading about Argentines Soccer players coming to play in Uruguay, making less money because the security and good schools for their family that they can find in Montevideo compares to Buenos Aires.

We probably are one of the safest Cities in Latin America, that doesn't make us good just better.

Also I'm reading about the new Budget and a big chunk will go to fight crime. Trying to reduce the Army and use the excess troops to become Police etc.

We're cleaning at the top and we should recuperate the bottom, preparing them for the challenges of the future

The biggest challenge will be Education, something that all Uruguayan were proud and now we're learning that a whole generation is lost and with no future. It's sad to know that the more money your family has, the better your education will be and also your future, that is sad and not too Uruguayan in my opinion.

My reasons are personal. Maybe at a later date I will tell you.

What I have been saying and nobody seem to hear is that Uruguay has many good things to consider and evaluate. And you don't have to be Uruguayan to enjoy them. Certain conditions are condusive to the lifestyle I want in my early retirement years. I mean no offense to Uruguayans, but right now, I could not be one. I'm just not that laid back.When I got off the plane in Montevideo, I felt flat. Maybe in my later years when I have to slow down more, adopting your culture will be more attractive to me. Maybe once I get there, it will grow on me before I get that old. I approach all this with much skepticism. My American ways served me well in many a situation, both good and bad, in several different countries and I will give them up only for something better and better needs to prove itself to me, not vice versa.

Jane keeps me as grounded as humanly possible. She came along at the right time.

I've lived a somewhat fast and sometimes rough life. I did pretty much anything I wanted to do because I have no children. I have succeeded and gained respect in a very tough occupation. Work is focused and often dangerous. You just don't turn it off like a light switch at the end of a career.

In the words of the great BB King, "You only live once and when you're dead you're done so let the good times roll."

When I can't let it roll any more , I'll have to make some changes.

Hello Uruguay.

That's the best answer I can give without getting into specifics.

I really would like to have a beer with you sometime. I think you and I could be friends, disagree, and remain friends. Those are among my best friends in America.

Does that answer your question?

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