Category A firearms and war materiel

Verified 12 August 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The acquisition and possession of a category A weapon are forbidden with exceptions. These are firearms (category A1) and war materiel (category A2). This page provides the most important rules to know about weapons classified as Category A.

He is forbidden to acquire or possess a weapon classified in category A1, with certain exceptions.

Tableau - Arms and weapons components classified in category A1

Ranking

Designation

Features

A1 - 1°

Firearm camouflaged as another object

A1 - 2°

Handgun of any type or operating system

Allows the firing of more than 21 munitions without replenishment.

The power supply (charger) has a capacity greater than 20 cartridges.

The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon.

A1 - 3°

Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with ring percussion

Allows the firing of more than 31 munitions without replenishment.

The charger has a capacity greater than 30 cartridges.

The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon.

A1 - 3° bis

Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with center percussion

Allows to shoot more than 11 shots without recharging.

The charger has a capacity greater than 10 cartridges.

The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon.

Note: the weapon remains classified in category B if the magazine is not inserted. Only the charger is classified in category A.

A1 - 3 deg b

Semi-automatic repeating long gun

Band-based power system regardless of capacity

A1 - 3c

Manual repeating shoulder gun

Allows the firing of more than 31 munitions without replenishment.

The charger has a capacity greater than 30 cartridges.

The magazine is integrated into the weapon, or removable and inserted into the weapon.

A1 - 4°

Rifled gun and ammunition therefor

The projectile of the weapon shall have a maximum diameter of 20 mm or more unless the weapon is designed to fire exclusively non-metallic projectiles.

A1 - 5°

Smooth-bore firearm and ammunition therefor

Ammunition caliber is greater than 8.

Note: some smooth-barreled firearms and ammunition are classified in category C or D by ministerial decision.

A1 - 6°

Ammunition with a projectile of 20 mm or more

Such ammunition is classified as category C if it is used by a weapon classified as category C.

A1 - 7°

Components of weapons and components of ammunition classified in category A1

A1 - 8°

Handgun power supply system

The feed system contains more than 20 rounds of ammunition.

A1 - 9°

Ribbon percussion long gun power supply system

The feed system contains more than 30 rounds of ammunition.

A1 - 9a

Semi-automatic repeating middle-strike long gun power system

The feed system contains more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

A1 - 9° b

Hand-repeating and center-strike long gun power system

The feed system contains more than 30 rounds of ammunition.

A1 - 10°

Weapon or type of weapon having technical characteristics equivalent to a weapon classified in category A1

The weapon is classified in category A1 by ministerial decision for reasons related to its dangerousness, public order or national security.

A1 - 11 deg

Automatic repeat firearm converted to semi-automatic repeat firearm, manual repeat firearm or single shot firearm

The conversion of the firearm allows it to become a firearm that meets the criteria of a semi-automatic, manual repetition or single-shot weapon.

A1 - 12 deg

Semi-automatic repeating long gun

The length of the weapon can be reduced to less than 60 cm using a collapsible or telescopic stock, or a tool-less stock, without losing its functionality.

He is forbidden to acquire or possess a weapon classified in category A2, with certain exceptions.

Weapons classified in category A2 are war materiel, equipment intended to carry or use firearms in combat, and equipment to protect against combat gases.

Examples: automatic repeater weapon, gun, mortar, rocket launcher, torpedo, mine, missile, grenade.

Sports shooter

One sports shooter may be authorized, subject to conditions, to acquire and possess a weapon of category A1 - 3° bis.

It is a semi-automatic center-fire long gun capable of firing more than 11 rounds without recharging, with the magazine, with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, being an integral part of the weapon, or removable and inserted.

Please note

In case of category B weapons upgraded to category A, a sports shooter must regularize his situation if necessary.

Other person

Some individuals may be authorized to acquire and possess a Class A weapon based on their professional activity.

For example, a licensed weapons and ammunition expert at the Court of Cassation or an appeals court.

The acquisition, possession or sale of one or more Class A weapons without authorization shall be punishable by a prison sentence of 5 years maximum and one fine of €75,000 maximum.

The prison sentence is 10 years maximum and the fine of €500,000 maximum when the offense is committed in organized band.

The judge pronounces the additional penalties unless a reasoned decision is taken:

  • Prohibition of possession or carrying of a weapon subject to authorization for a maximum period of 15 years
  • Confiscation of one or more weapons owned or freely disposed of by the convicted person.

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  • If you live in Paris

    Paris Police Department - Arms and Explosives Section

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    General Police Directorate

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    Arms and Explosives Section

    1 bis rue de Lutèce

    75195 Paris Cedex 04

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