Present Day Gun Culture Outside The United States
Some aspects of gun culture are different in other countries. Gun politics in Australia consists of just the two sides of gun control versus the gun rights of sportsmen, with no inclusion on the gun rights side of self-defense rights as in America, as there is no Second Amendment equivalent. Nonetheless, Australia has historically had a well-established gun culture focused on sporting and farming requirements. In Australia, the minimum age for owning or purchasing a gun with a permit is 18. Those aged 12–17 may have a junior licence to shoot under supervision and is usually updated to a full license when turning 18.
Likewise, gun culture is significantly different in the UK. It is currently an offense for anyone to be in possession of any gun without a valid license. A license may be obtained by anyone aged 17 or over who has a valid reason such as hunting or target shooting.
In New Zealand, the minimum age for possessing a firearms or gun license is 16. At this age, one may legally own a gun. New Zealanders can also own fully automatic weapons with a license, though this is restricted to collectors and security personnel.
In Japan lawful ownership of firearms is rare and difficult, though there is some hunting and sport shooting.
In Switzerland compulsory militia conscription and mandatory stock of rifles and munitions in every household reflect a relatively positive view of firearms. Although Swiss firearm restriction laws are on par with many other European countries in terms of requiring a legally valid reason for owning firearms, and although open carry is generally disallowed, militiamen carrying their small arms to and from military bases is not an unfamiliar sight.
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