Finally comes the definitive clarification from the Ministry of the Interior on the question of the duration of the firearms license for hunting and skeet shooting.
After numerous requests and solicitations for more clarifications about the changes to the duration of the firearms license for hunting and skeet shooting, the Ministry of the Interior finally responds with its own circular.
With the circular n.557PAS12982.AP3 of 22 February 2012, the Ministry of the Interior definitively clarifies that the amendment of Article 42 of the Consolidated Law on Public Security contained in the recent simplification decree does not concern the carrying of firearms for hunting and skeet shooting, therefore it is to be considered that the duration of the same remains six years.
In fact, we read in the circular in question: at lett. b) of the same paragraph 1, an amendment has been introduced to art. 42 of the TULPS, previo insertion, in the relevant third paragraph (actually first paragraph following the abrogations that have occurred), of the period: "The license is valid for one year".
In this regard, it is specified that this news must be understood as referring only to the validity of the license to carry a weapon (both short and long) for personal defense and so, nothing innovates with regard to the provisions - referred to in the current special legislation - which provide for the six-year validity of the long-term hunting firearms license (art. 22, paragraph 9, of the l. 11 February 1992, n. 157) and of the license to carry a rifle for shooting (single article, law 18 June 1969, n. 323).
The climate of controversy and discontent unleashed by the vague interpretation given to the decree simplification that has so much engaged the Hunting Associations, the Sports Federations and the Arms Sector in asking the Ministry of the Interior, deputies and senators, to clarify the rule.