In Germany, around 5.5 million firearms are legally registered in private ownership. Most are used for sport shooting, hunting, historical reenactments, or collected as artifacts. Behind this is a well-connected community that actively lobbies to preserve access to firearms.
While personal defense is not a primary motive for owning guns, as it often is in the United States, there are clear cultural parallels. Inspired by the National Rifle Association, German gun owners founded their own advocacy group, the German Rifle Association, to protect their interests.
The influence of American action films and video games is unmistakable, shaping how weapons are perceived and fueling interest among some enthusiasts. What emerges is a subculture that is highly organized, technology-driven, and deeply invested in its passion.
Scroll down
↓