Here's what the new gun law entails

The new gun law in Austria will come into force on April 28, 2026. The good news is that grips and stocks are not classified as weapon-related accessories and will remain freely available for sale. However, pistol grip pieces and lower receivers will now be subject to registration requirements. You have one year, until April 27, 2027, to register your existing stocks with the authorities, similar to what was done with magazines back then.

There is a PDF from the Ministry of the Interior that shows excerpts of what is now subject to registration and what is not. Green means freely available, red means subject to registration.

With a Glock, the situation looks a bit darker. But don’t worry, various controls (slide releases, magazine buttons, etc.) and spare parts like recoil springs, grips, triggers, trigger guards, etc. are not considered essential weapon components according to the gun law. This also includes the sights of a pistol, for example.

Moreover, there's a lot more new information coming our way. You can read all about it at the WKO:

1. Acquisition of ammunition significantly stricter regulated

• Ammunition acquisition only for authorized individuals
• From now on, the following is required:
  • Weapons ownership card (WBK) or gun pass
  • or valid hunting license
  • or an extract from the ZWR regarding the possession of a corresponding firearm
     

Applies to all ammunition categories, especially rifle cartridges and shotgun shells
Spontaneous purchases without the corresponding documents are no longer allowed
 

2. New rules for firearms of category C

• Acquisition and possession only with:
  • WBK/Gun pass (also “light”)
  • or valid hunting license

3. Waiting period for first-time acquisition (valid since November 1, 2025)

• 4 weeks waiting period for the first acquisition per category
• Weapon remains with the dealer during this time
• Applies to purchases and gifts
   

Exception: e.g., in case of a gun pass or export

4. Definition of “Essential Parts” expanded

• New definition: housings, specifically grips are always considered essential parts
  Changeable systems now count as two parts (barrel + bolt)
• Registration or approval required

Re-registration requirement within 1 year

5. Age limits significantly raised

• Generally:
  • 25 years for category B
  • 21 years for category C
     

Exceptions: hunters, sports shooters, soldiers

6. Weapons ownership cards will be time-limited

• Initial issuance: limited to 5 years
• After that:
  • Renewal unlimited
  • re-examination required

7. Stricter penalties

• Unauthorized possession of weapons or ammunition:
• Fines up to €5,000 (or €7,000 in case of recurrence)
• Violations of weapon bans: possible court offense
   

8. Changes in transfer and sale

• Private sales only through licensed dealers
• Dealer checks:
  • Identity
  • Authorization
  • Waiting period
• Registration carried out by the dealer
   

9. European Firearms Pass restricted

• Hunters may:
  • Not take category B without permission
  • Only category C remains easier possible
     

10. Important transition periods (apply from April 28, 2026)

• 1 year: registration of essential parts
• 2 years: adjustment in possession of category C without authorization
• 6 months: special arrangements (e.g., signal pistols)

 We will continue to familiarize ourselves with the new law and will report more about it soon.