Shooting in Switzerland - Easier than you think!
Are you dreamig of shooting a real firearm in Switzerland but you have no idea where you can do it and if you are allowed to? Are you traveling through Switzerland as a tourist and would like to experience this traditional Swiss sport? Perfect, you’ve come to the right place! Here you will find all the relevant information regarding shooting in Switzerland with rental firearms and what paperwork you need for it. Switzerland has many shooting associations but for tourists or foreigners with limited time in Switzerland, it can be tricky to get access to them. Due to noise regulations, they operate only on certain days for a very limited time. However, there are many indoor shooting ranges with longer opening hours where (nearly) everybody can experience the excitement of shooting a gun, even without any previous experience.
Who is allowed to shoot in Switzerland?
Nationals of certain countries are not allowed to shoot in Switzerland, only with a special permit.
Basically all persons over the age of 18 can shoot in Switzerland, also foreigners. Younger persons need a written permit from their parents or a legal guardian. Please note: Persons with certain nationalities are not allowed to shoot in Switzerland according to article 12 of the ordinance on weapons, weapon accessories and ammunition. These are Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosova, North Macedonia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Algeria and Albania. This regulation should prevent firearms getting trafficked to crisis regions where they could be used in armed conflicts. Persons with these nationalities are not only banned from aquiring firearms but also shooting firearms due to possible conflicts taking place in Switzerland itself.
However, those nationals can request a special permit from the local authorities. If the request gets approved, they are allowed to shoot. Swiss nationals and persons with other nationalities can shoot in Switzerland without any special permits.
Where to shoot in Switzerland?
The Swiss Shooting Range is a very beginner-friendly indoor shooting range with a nice choice of rental weapons.
There are many indoor shooting ranges in Switzerland where shooting lanes can be rent by the hour. Such an indoor shooting range is the Swiss Shooting Range in Spreitenbach, close to downtown Zurich. This shooting range is very beginner-friendly but also seasoned shooters are welcomed. Their instructors introduce newbies to the safety rules as well as weapon handling and help them fire their first rounds. They offer classes and trainings (handgun, rifle, shotgun, IPSC) for those interested. Unfortunately, their website is in German but their staff speak English.
What to bring?
The only thing to bring is an ID or a passport. Usually ear muffs and shooting glasses can be borrowed for free or rent for a little few. They provide rental firearms as well as ammuntion for purchase. There is no official dresscode, however it is recommended to wear covering clothes without cleavage and long sleeves and close, sturdy non-slippery shoes. Hot brass shells love to jump into cleavages or land on naked arms and feet.
Do you need to bring your criminal record?
No. In principal, to shoot with rental guns, no criminal record is required by the law. However, many shooting ranges want their guests to bring one. The Swiss Shooting Range for example checks your criminal record only on your third visit or when participating in a class or a training. So if you are a tourist visiting only once, you are mostly fine. Please check with the range of your choice what paperwork they want to see. Especially for trainings or courses, they might ask you to bring your criminal record.
Do you need an insurance?
Having a personal liability insurance in order to shoot legally in Switzerland is not required by the law. However, it is better to have insurance coverage. Some shooting ranges want proof of a personal liability insurance, others only require it when you shoot regularly there or take a class/training, and some offer insurance coverage for just one day for those who do not have a personal liability insurance.
To sum it up: (nearly) everybody can shoot in Switzerland, also tourists from (nearly) every country in the world. Only an ID or a passport is required by the law. Regarding criminal records and personal liability insurance, check beforehand with the range of your choice. Most let you shoot without them the first time. Firearms can be rented, ammuntion purchased, personal protection equipment is provided.
