The Defiant Swiss and Their Guns

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Interesting...

Swiss diehards defy rifle reform

Swiss gun-rights activists, whose logo is a muscular William Tell clutching a crossbow, are taking aim at European Union firearm reform... a gun-advocacy group plans to trigger a referendum to block the implementation of tighter EU restrictions on semi-automatic firearms... Protell and its supporters in the nationalist Swiss People's Party bridle at Brussels laying down laws they say are unnecessary in Switzerland, where gun crime is rare... The Swiss government supports the tougher EU rules, highlighting concessions that mean ex-soldiers can still get permits to own and use their semi-automatic rifles, which are already converted to eliminate rapid-fire shooting... Gun-rights activists Protell said the new directive will make it more expensive and complicated to retain an army issue semi-automatic rifle, which is insulting for those who have served their country, according to General Secretary Robin Udry...

[smittty]

I certainly hope they fight it!

The article stated that not following the EU on this would void their right to travel without passports which would hurt tourism...iow they would be giving up rights for money!

For most of the smaller countries, joining the EU was a mistake.

[KublaiGun]

EU seems anti-european.

[CinnamonBear723]

Clearly this bill is antiamerican and unconstitutional. Do they not understand the bill of rights or what? Silly Europeans.

[TimRB]

Europe sucks, including Switzerland. Say it with me:

"Europe sucks, including Switzerland."

Europe is why America exists. When people found out there was someplace they could go to get out of Europe, they came here in droves.

Tim

[superdave50]

Europe is why America exists. When people found out there was someplace they could go to get out of Europe, they came here in droves.

Tim

sig worthy

[GW]

Europe sucks, including Switzerland. Say it with me:

"Europe sucks, including Switzerland."

Europe is why America exists. When people found out there was someplace they could go to get out of Europe, they came here in droves.

Tim

Lol
Spot on.

[theLBC]

the EU sucks.
ban guns, import terror. freaking idiots.

[Zin_dawg]

Europe sucks, including Switzerland. Say it with me:

"Europe sucks, including Switzerland."

Europe is why America exists. When people found out there was someplace they could go to get out of Europe, they came here in droves.

Tim

LOL! My family (both parents) came to California from Switzerland. I was born here. So, yes, I get it.But, Switzerland isn't the only country fighting this: I have acquaintances in Slovakia (IPSC shooters) who are also fighting this.

Now, see the parallel with the US: we're fighting equally suck-tastic laws here in California. Do people in other states really believe that they can ignore the spread of bad ideas and laws?

[DBA]

To our bros in Switzerland.
Thank you for your contributions to firearms and marksmanship traditions thus far. May you keep your wonderful history alive!

[k1dude]

Something is wrong with the story. Switzerland DOESN'T BELONG TO THE EU.

It only has some miscellaneous free trade treaties with the EU.

Also, the only reason Switzerland has NEVER been invaded is because of their neutrality, natural barriers, and citizen army. If the EU somehow takes away their neutrality and the weapons of their citizen army, Switzerland will be defenseless for the first time in their history.

I'm sure the leftists love that thought.

[Zin_dawg]

Something is wrong with the story. Switzerland DOESN'T BELONG TO THE EU.

You're quite right: Switzerland is *not* part of the EU; however, it is a part of the "Schengen Area: free-trade neighboring countries whose citizens can travel to and from the EU without a passport or visa, just an ID card. Oh, and similarly, eased customs for trade goods. "Open Borders"

However, the EU requires signatory countries to abide by their rules and regulations: firearms, in this case. AFAIK, they look like California's: 10 round mags, no full auto except for military and police. The Swiss army has been a citizen militia for centuries: as of right now, the standard issue is a STGW-90 (.223 Sig 550), with the giggle switch (but, ya don't use it: that is verboten )

It only has some miscellaneous free trade treaties with the EU.

Also, the only reason Switzerland has NEVER been invaded is because of their neutrality, natural barriers, and citizen army.

Not exactly: Napoleon & the revolutionary armies had some success in 1798-1814.

No once since, notably the Kaiser (WWI) and Hitler (WWII) .

If the EU somehow takes away their neutrality and the weapons of their citizen army, Switzerland will be defenseless for the first time in their history.

I'm sure the leftists love that thought.

Absolute truth.

[orangeusa]

To our bros in Switzerland.
Thank you for your contributions to firearms and marksmanship traditions thus far. May you keep your wonderful history alive!

As to gun rights they are limited to who is a gun club member. And handguns are frowned upon.

I think its funny that folks think that CH is a panacea.
.

[I Swan]

Kind of reminds me of CGNers who post pics of IDF women and think Israel is a gun owners paradise.

[The War Wagon]

Europe is why America exists. When people found out there was someplace they could go to get out of Europe, they came here in droves.

I could see Trump saying this to their face. WITHOUT blinking.