India is one of the countries where it is legal to own guns. There are countries like China where even it is difficult to own an air gun, but in India right from the days of the British Raj it is legal to own weapons. The nodal point for this is the Indian Arms Act, which has been amended after 1947, when India became free.
An Indian can get an arms license that is above 18 years of age and is of same mind and not having any criminal convictions. The arms license can be obtained for rifles, shotguns
Another addition is that self loading weapons like automatic rifles are also banned for civilians. Thus unlike the USA where an American can own an AK47 or AK 56, an Indian cannot do so. In addition an Indian citizen when applying for an arms license must specify why he is applying for a weapon license. At present a civilian can apply for an arms license only for self protection, hunting and sportsman ship.
The Individual must apply on the prescribed form to the district magistrate. In case he is staying in an area which has a police commissioner like Delhi or Mumbai, the application is made to the arms department of the Commissioner’s office. The License is usually issued in about 60 days after necessary police verification is completed.
Owning an Indian made weapon is fairly cheap and a shot gun is available fro Rs 20- 35000. A revolver/pistol of .32 bore will cost about Rs 75000. However in case you wish to buy a foreign made weapons it can set you back by 4/5 lakhs of rupees. A .32 bore Webley Scott made in England can go for Rs 5, 00,000.
Applying and getting an arms license is fairly easy in India , except in areas where insurgency has taken roots. License can be applied in any state of India and is valid all over India. Thus it is not uncommon for people to get a arms license from Meghalaya for use all over India.
