Category A firearms and war materiel
Verified 12 August 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The acquisition and possession of a category A weapon are forbidden with exceptions. These are firearms (category A1) and war materiel (category A2). This page provides the most important rules to know about weapons classified as Category A.
He is forbidden to acquire or possess a weapon classified in category A1, with certain exceptions.
Ranking | Designation | Features |
---|---|---|
A1 - 1° | Firearm camouflaged as another object | |
A1 - 2° | Handgun of any type or operating system | Allows the firing of more than 21 munitions without replenishment. The power supply (charger) has a capacity greater than 20 cartridges. The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon. |
A1 - 3° | Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with ring percussion | Allows the firing of more than 31 munitions without replenishment. The charger has a capacity greater than 30 cartridges. The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon. |
A1 - 3° bis | Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with center percussion | Allows to shoot more than 11 shots without recharging. The charger has a capacity greater than 10 cartridges. The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon. Note: the weapon remains classified in category B if the magazine is not inserted. Only the charger is classified in category A. |
A1 - 3 deg b | Semi-automatic repeating long gun | Band-based power system regardless of capacity |
A1 - 3c | Manual repeating shoulder gun | Allows the firing of more than 31 munitions without replenishment. The charger has a capacity greater than 30 cartridges. The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon. |
A1 - 4° | Rifled gun and ammunition therefor | The projectile of the weapon shall have a maximum diameter of 20 mm or more unless the weapon is designed to fire exclusively non-metallic projectiles. |
A1 - 5° | Smooth-bore firearm and ammunition therefor | Ammunition caliber is greater than 8. Note: some smooth-barreled firearms and ammunition are classified in category C or D by ministerial decision. |
A1 - 6° | Ammunition with a projectile of 20 mm or more | Such ammunition is classified as category C if it is used by a weapon classified as category C. |
A1 - 7° | Components of weapons and components of ammunition classified in category A1 | |
A1 - 8° | Handgun power supply system | The feed system contains more than 20 rounds of ammunition. |
A1 - 9° | Ribbon percussion long gun power supply system | The feed system contains more than 30 rounds of ammunition. |
A1 - 9a | Semi-automatic repeating middle-strike long gun power system | The feed system contains more than 10 rounds of ammunition. |
A1 - 9° b | Hand-repeating and center-strike long gun power system | The feed system contains more than 30 rounds of ammunition. |
A1 - 10° | Weapon or type of weapon having technical characteristics equivalent to a weapon classified in category A1 | The weapon is classified in category A1 by ministerial decision for reasons related to its dangerousness, public order or national security. |
A1 - 11 deg | Automatic repeat firearm converted to semi-automatic repeat firearm, manual repeat firearm or single shot firearm | The conversion of the firearm allows it to become a firearm that meets the criteria of a semi-automatic, manual repetition or single-shot weapon. |
A1 - 12 deg | Semi-automatic repeating long gun | The length of the weapon can be reduced to less than 60 cm using a collapsible or telescopic stock, or a tool-less stock, without losing its functionality. |
He is forbidden to acquire or possess a weapon classified in category A2, with certain exceptions.
Weapons classified in category A2 are war materiel, equipment intended to carry or use firearms in combat, and equipment to protect against combat gases.
Examples: automatic repeater weapon, gun, mortar, rocket launcher, torpedo, mine, missile, grenade.
Sports shooter
One sports shooter may be authorized, subject to conditions, to acquire and possess a weapon of category A1 - 3° bis.
It is a semi-automatic center-fire long gun capable of firing more than 11 rounds without recharging, with the magazine, with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, being an integral part of the weapon, or removable and inserted.
Please note
In case of category B weapons upgraded to category A, a sports shooter must regularize his situation if necessary.
Other person
Some individuals may be authorized to acquire and possess a Class A weapon based on their professional activity.
For example, a licensed weapons and ammunition expert at the Court of Cassation or an appeals court.
The acquisition, possession or sale of one or more Class A weapons without authorization shall be punishable by a prison sentence of 5 years maximum and one fine of €75,000 maximum.
The prison sentence is 10 years maximum and the fine of €500,000 maximum when the offense is committed in organized band.
The judge pronounces the additional penalties unless a reasoned decision is taken:
- Prohibition of possession or carrying of a weapon subject to authorization for a maximum period of 15 years
- Confiscation of one or more weapons owned or freely disposed of by the convicted person.
Who can help me?
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If you live in Paris
Paris Police Department - Arms and Explosives Section
The Arms and Explosives Section does not receive users.
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Arms and Explosives Section
1 bis rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
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Classification of weapons
Classification of war materials, weapons and ammunition
Conditions for issuing authorization for the acquisition and possession of category A and B weapons
Exception to the prohibition on the acquisition of a category A weapon for certain collectors (Article R312-27)
Exception to the prohibition on the acquisition of a category A weapon for authorized forensic experts
Exception to the prohibition on the acquisition of a Category A weapon for sports shooters (Article R312-40)
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