Firearms regulation in Montesayette

Firearms regulation in Montesayette permits semi-automatic firearm acquisition by Montesayettean citizens and foreigners with permanent residence. At the constitutional level, the Constitution of Montesayette explicitly includes the "right to defend one's own life or another person's life, also with arms, under conditions stipulated by law."

In Montesayette, firearms are accessible to individuals who obtain a firearms license. Similar to obtaining a driving license, this process involves passing a proficiency exam, undergoing a medical examination, and having a clean criminal record. While permits for concealed carry are available, they are granted sparingly. Montesayettean gun owners own firearms for personal protection, while hunting and sport shooting are less common purposes. It is worth noting that due to mandatory conscription, most Montesayettean citizens who choose to serve in the military have already undergone firearms training. However, even those with military training still need to go through licensing to acquire firearms.

Montesayette civilian firearm possession dates back to 1903. This is when firearms were first used as primary weapons by the Montesayettean militia. This was during significant events such as the Uprising of 13 May and the Montesayettean Commune. During these periods, firearms became vital tools for the predominantly commoners militia, serving as instruments in their fight for freedom and independence. Throughout its history, the right to be legally armed has been a symbol of liberty in Montesayette. This is alongside freedom of expression and free elections. Today, it is recognized that lawful firearm ownership represents an individual's ability to exercise their inherent rights and protect themselves.

Summary table

Subject/Law	Long guns	Handguns	Notes
Background checks required for private sales?	Yes	Yes
Campus carry?	No	Yes	Individuals may carry firearms in designated areas such as parking lots, parking garages, and outdoor walkways, subject to each university's specific rules.
Castle doctrine law?	Yes	Yes	Residents lawfully occupying a dwelling have the right to use deadly force against an individual who unlawfully and forcefully enters or attempts to enter the dwelling, or who unlawfully and forcefully removes or attempts to remove someone from the dwelling. Individuals who have a legal right to be where they are at the time of a defensive shooting have no duty to retreat before using justified force.
Duty to inform?	Yes	Yes
Firearm registration?	Yes	Yes
License required for concealed carry?	N/A	Yes
Magazine capacity restriction?	Yes	Yes
Open carry allowed?	Yes	Yes	Handguns must be carried in a holster. Open carry of firearms on university campuses is prohibited.
Owner license required?	Yes	Yes	Licensing and shooting training courses are mandatory. Individuals must pass a proficiency exam, undergo a medical examination, and maintain a clean criminal record to obtain a firearms license.
Permit required to purchase?	N/A	N/A	Individuals do not require a separate permit to purchase. The ownership license granted to individuals specifies the category of firearms they can purchase from licensed storefronts.
Purchase age restriction?	N/A	N/A	There is no specific law regarding purchase age restrictions. However, ownership licenses are only granted to 18 year olds and above.
Vehicle carry?	Partial	Yes
Waiting period?	Yes	Yes	A waiting period of 14 days was introduced following the January 2010 Nerfoy attacks. This applies to all purchases, regardless of the category.

Military-issued firearms

The M21 rifle is used by the Montesayettean military. Following the completion of their service, reservists have the opportunity to acquire their M21 rifles for personal ownership.

The Montesayettean Defense Forces have long relied on large, inactive reservist pools, trained and organized to swiftly respond to foreign aggression. This resembles a militia structure. Basic military training is expected of all able-bodied Montesayetteans, regardless of gender or religion, with few exceptions. Prior to the January 2010 Nerfoy attacks, members of the Montesayettean Defense Forces and Internal Troops were provided with 50 rounds of ammunition for their service rifles. These rounds were stored in sealed ammo boxes and subject to regular government audits. In the aftermath of the attacks, a comprehensive set of firearm restrictions was implemented. Only specialized reservists can keep military-issued ammunition at home, while others receive ammunition from military armories during an emergency.

Upon completion of their service, reservists have the option to purchase their personal M90 or M21 rifles after they are converted to semi-automatic. They can also hold onto some equipment. However, retaining firearms beyond their service requires a permit.

The government sponsors rifle training and shooting competitions for interested adolescents, both male and female. The sale of military-issued ammunition, including rounds for M90 and M21 assault rifles, is subsidized by the government and available at licensed shooting ranges. Ammunition sold to minors at these ranges must be used immediately under supervision.