Argentina Lifts 30-Year Ban on Civilian Semi-Automatic Rifle Ownership

Historic Reversal of Gun Control Policy

In a significant shift in national policy, Argentina has officially lifted a 30-year ban on civilians purchasing and possessing semi-automatic rifles. The change was enacted via a presidential decree signed by President Javier Milei, Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, and was published in the official gazette on June 19, 2025. This move fulfills a central campaign promise by President Milei to liberalize the country's gun ownership laws.

Details of the New Decree

The decree specifically allows 'legitimate users' to acquire and possess semi-automatic weapons equipped with detachable magazines. This includes firearms similar to assault rifles, carbines, or submachine guns derived from military-use firearms, provided they are in calibers above .22. Previously, the acquisition and ownership of these categories of weapons were exclusively reserved for the military. The original prohibition was established by a decree in 1995, signed by then-President Carlos Menem, which broadly prevented civilians from obtaining such firearms with only rare exceptions authorized by the Defense Ministry.

Regulatory Framework and Previous Reforms

The new system for authorizing civilian ownership will be overseen by the National Agency of Controlled Materials (ANMAC), an entity operating under the Security Ministry. Prospective 'legitimate users' will be required to demonstrate 'proven sporting uses and other objective conditions' to ANMAC to obtain authorization. This latest reform is part of a broader effort by the Milei administration to ease gun regulations. Other significant changes include:

• In December 2024, the minimum age for gun ownership was lowered from 21 to 18 years.
• In May 2025, an express online application process for gun licenses was introduced, streamlining the permit acquisition process.

Government's Rationale

The Argentine government justified the lifting of the ban by stating that the strict 1995 legislation had led to numerous 'irregular situations' for firearm owners. The decree highlights the necessity to re-evaluate control mechanisms and acknowledge the potential for these weapons to be used in 'sport settings or other lawful activities.' Officials indicated that the previous administrative doctrine of ANMAC had become overly restrictive, tending to limit the issuance of permits 'to a minimum.' The government's aim is not necessarily to dramatically increase the number of semi-automatic weapons in civilian hands, but rather to regularize existing situations and simplify bureaucratic procedures for legitimate users.