Black powder firearms in Poland – licence rules explained
Interest in black-powered weapons is still very widespread. Although the production of authentic models of these weapons has officially ceased, both historical pieces and faithfully reproduced replicas are still available on the market.
However, many people wonder about the legality of this type of weapon. Are black powder weapons available without a permit? Who can purchase a black powder weapon? These and other questions are answered in our article.
What is a black-powered weapon?
Black-powered weapons is a firearm that uses black powder to fire projectiles. Unlike modern fused ammunition weapons, it is a split-loading weapon. This means that gunpowder and bullets are placed separately in the barrel or barrel chambers. This type of weapon was produced and used in many armies around the world until the late 19th century.
As we mentioned above, a black firearm is a firearm - both technically and legally. The legal act defining the concept of firearms in Poland is the following Act of 21 May 1999 on Arms and Ammunition as amended. Article 7(1) of this law clearly states that it is a firearm:
For the purposes of the Act, a firearm is any portable barrelled weapon that expels, is designed to expel or may be adapted to expel one or more projectiles, or substances by the action of a propelling material.
Are black-weapons legal in Poland?
Not everyone knows this, but black-weapons are fully legal in Poland and do not require any permit, despite the fact that they are firearms. This follows from the Arms and Ammunition Act, specifically Article 11(10), which states:
A gun permit is not required for:
(10) Possession of a separable loading firearm manufactured before 1885 and replicas of such firearms;
It follows from the above provision that both original revolvers, pistols, rifles or split-loading shotguns manufactured before 1885 and their modern replicas do not require any permits.
This means that you can purchase such weapons from, for example, an online shop without fear of legal consequences. No special permit or medical examination is required. It is worth remembering, however, that you must be at least 18 years old to buy such weapons.
Which black-pistol weapons are legal to buy?
Wondering what type of black firearm you can buy without a permit? The main choices are: pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns.
The revolver is undoubtedly the most popular black-pistol weapon that can be legally purchased. Thanks to its multi-chambered drums, it can fire up to six shots without reloading. In addition, some models offer the possibility of quickly exchanging an empty drum for a loaded one.
Particularly popular is the Remington 1858 revolver replica, which is a modern and faithful replica of the historic firearms used in the Wild West and during the Civil War.
It is also legal to buy a pistol, and the most popular in particular are the so-called Derringers - these are pocket replicas of mid-19th century black-powder cap pistols. Pistols resembling those used by the British in Indian territory are also popular.
There are also rifles to choose from, which, thanks to their long, threaded barrel, allow accurate shooting from up to several hundred metres. The rifles used by the American colonists are popular.
It is also legally possible to own a black-pistol shotgun, which is characterised by high firepower at short distances. Black-pistol shotguns are manufactured in single and double-barrel versions.
Where can you shoot a black powder weapon?
Article 45. of the Weapons and Ammunition Act makes it clear that firearms, including black firearms, may be used for training and sporting purposes only on shooting ranges. Using it outside the shooting range is illegal and carries serious legal consequences.
Before entering the shooting range, it is always necessary to read the rules and regulations on the first visit. Not every shooting range permits the firing of black-rifle weapons. Typically, indoor ranges may not allow you to shoot such weapons due to the poor ventilation of the room and the very high amount of smoke produced by this type of weapon. If in doubt, it is always advisable to consult a range supervisor to make sure that shooting black-powder weapons is possible at the location and time.
This does not mean, of course, that we cannot undertake activities other than shooting with black-rifle weapons outside the shooting range. At home, for example, we can engage in the cleaning and maintenance of the weapon.
We also do not have to worry about the journey to the shooting range, as well as the return journey, because black powder weapons may be legally carried according to Article 32. of the UBiA, however, unauthorised access to weapons and ammunition must be prevented. The law does not prohibit the carrying of black-rifle weapons even when loaded, and it does not matter whether one goes to the shooting range with them or carries them for other reasons.
In doing so, we should remember to comply with the special regulations governing the carrying of weapons in selected situations (public transport, mass events, assemblies, ports and seagoing vessels), which can be found in the Decree of the Ministers of Transport and Maritime Economy and Internal Affairs and Administration of 10 April 2000.
It should also be noted that it is forbidden to carry weapons by persons who are under the influence of alcohol, intoxicants or psychoactive substances, as detailed in the text of Art. 51. of the AIA.
Do you need a licence for black powder?
Buying a black-powder weapon is not a problem, but acquiring black powder is another matter. In order to purchase it in Poland, it is required to present the EKBP in the shop, i.e. the European Firearms Charter/strong>. This is due to the licensed dealer's obligation to keep records of such transactions and Article 14. of the Arms and Ammunition Act.
An application for a card may be made by any person over the age of 18 who is in possession of a firearm. In order to obtain an EKBP, we submit an application to the Provincial Police Chief of the Police Headquarters having jurisdiction over the place of residence. The documents should be handed over to the Administrative Proceedings Department of the respective Provincial Police Headquarters; this can be done by correspondence. The application must contain our details:
- name, date and place of birth,
- address of permanent residence,
- weapon data: type, make, calibre, serial no.
It is advisable to enclose with the application a document confirming that it is a separable loading firearm manufactured before 1885 or a replica thereof and certifying ownership. This can be a copy of the purchase receipt from the shop or a purchase contract. Two 3.5 x 4 cm photographs are also required, as well as proof of payment of stamp duty in the amount of PLN 105 to the account of the City Hall where the provincial headquarters is located.
If we have fulfilled the conditions listed above, the card will be issued to us. This can be done straight away, when applying in person, or by post. The EKBP is valid for 5 years with the possibility of extension for another 5 years.. In addition to being able to purchase gunpowder, the card also entitles the holder to transport the listed weapons and ammunition to other European Union countries.
In a situation where we have not yet made a card and cannot purchase gunpowder, it can be given to us at the range, perfectly legally, by another black-powder shooter.
If we are in possession of a firearm covered by the Arms and Ammunition Act, a separable loading firearm manufactured before 1885 or a replica thereof, we may legally possess gunpowder without additional permits. This is confirmed by the Supreme Court resolution of 24.02.2010 and KZP 29/09.
It should be remembered that manufacturing black powder on your own is not only illegal under Art. 171. § 1. of the Penal Code, but also highly dangerous, as is the subsequent firing of a weapon loaded with homemade gunpowder.
The range of black firearms and accessories available at Militaria.pl
Militaria.pl offers faithful replicas of pistols, revolvers and black-pistol rifles that were originally manufactured before 1885. The available replica models will prove useful for both training and recreational purposes, and will enrich the weapon collection of history and militaria enthusiasts. Militaria.pl's offer includes fully functional replicas of black-rifle weapons from brands such as Uberti, Pedersoli and Pietta.
Among the weapons we offer are. revolver Uberti 1858 New Improved Army .44 8" Caliber Blackpile Revolver, which is a faithfully reproduced replica of the Remington classic Civil War-era cap-and-bolt model. Also worth noting is the revolver Uberti 1873 Cattleman .44 7,5" Steel Black Arms Revolver, which is a replica of one of the most famous cap revolvers in history, originally manufactured by the legendary American company Colt.
At Militaria.pl we also sell ammunition for black firearms and other accessories to facilitate the maintenance, loading and safe use of this type of weapon. Our wide range of accessories includes, among others: holsters, aiming devices, powder magazine, stretchers, decoys, shot putters and many others.
