Buying a Gun Legally In Mexico Is No Fiesta

Everyone has heard about strict gun laws in Mexico. Its nearly impossible to get a legal gun there unless you are politically connected and wealthy.

The Mexican Army runs the only location where a person can buy guns legally in Mexico. That, of course, does not take into account for what you can buy from them and others illegally elsewhere by cash, other bribes and favors.

All of the requirements for Mexican gun ownership would be welcomed here by gun control groups in the USA. The Bradys would love the steps required to buy or carry any gun in Mexico.

To buy from the National Defense Secretariat in Mexico City, the purchaser has to get a Mexican Army issued permit. All who want to buy a legal gun must demonstrate a "need" for the gun. They also have to show proof of legitimate employment. The permit process can be months long, and has to be renewed each year.

If you want to carry a gun, then additionally, you have to get a psychological and medical exam. You probably can get what you want here too with some cash.

Mexican Gun owners are limited to ownership of a maximum of ten guns. They can't get more than two handguns.

All guns have to get registered by the Mexican Military. If you get a handgun through a "home defense permit," then the gun can't leave the premises of the home. If you move, then the government must be notified to update your registration. Should you decide to sell a gun, then the purchase must be approved by the Mexican Military in Mexico City, and the transfer has to happen there.

There's rationing of ammunition too. Gun Owners are limited to buying only ammunition for the registered guns they own. It is a felony to have illegal ammunition in Mexico. Remember the case of the Texas businessman who forgot that he had a few loose shotgun shells under his seat left over from hunting and drove into Mexico? Busted.
There is a limit to the amount of ammunition that they can buy. The limit is 200 bullets for a large bore firearm every six months, and a .22 owner can buy up to 500 monthly.

Some of the current Mexican requirements have already been proposed or are here. Many states require permits to buy, a showing of a need to carry, and many have de facto or actual registration. Some guns are banned totally. On the gun control wish list here too are requirements for Notification to the government of a move of a firearms owning American, along with mandatory licensing in Congressman Bobby Rush's HB45 too.

We all know that these Mexican laws prevent violence in Mexico. There is no little or no gun violence in Mexico as a result of their strict laws. Right. US gun control groups seem to be after the same results here that Mexicans experience.