Gun control

For international arms restrictions, see Arms control. For techniques for the safe handling, possession, and storage of firearms, see Gun safety. For the debate about gun control in the U.S., see Gun politics in the United States. For comparison of gun laws between countries, see Overview of gun laws by nation.

Firearm guiding policy by country according to the University of Sydney (April 2022)

  Permissive jurisdiction

  Restrictive jurisdiction

  Not included

Gun control, or firearms regulation, is the set of laws or policies that regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, or use of firearms and ammunition by civilians.

Most countries allow civilians to own firearms but have strict firearms laws intended to prevent misuse or violence.

As of 2026, very few countries have firearms laws considered to be "permissive", the United States being the paradigmatic example.

In some countries, such as Australia or the United States, gun control measures can be implemented at the national, state, or local levels. Countries like the United States and Mexico have constitutionally protected gun rights.