INTERVIEW: "The next tightening of the law is definitely coming"

"Defenders of all countries, unite", that could be the motto of the International Shooting Federation (ISB). What is the ISB and what are the benefits of being a member? We interviewed Rüdiger Gruber, President and General Master Marksman of the ISB, General Director and Master Marksman of the ISB-Ö, so he can explain it to you himself.

SPARTANAT: Hello Rüdiger, many of our readers are wondering: "What is the ISB?"

Rüdiger Gruber: The International Shooting Federation (ISB) is a new umbrella organization for sports shooters and gun owners. We are a service platform for all legal gun owners such as sports shooters, hunters, gun collectors, shooting sports enthusiasts, and we advocate for legal and compliant gun ownership. Of course, we also represent sports and hobby shooters and aim to promote all disciplines of shooting sports, as well as support legal gun ownership.

The ISB actively opposes tightening of gun laws. A liberal and citizen-friendly gun law as well as undisturbed practice of shooting sports is the goal of the ISB, and we strictly reject discrimination against legal and law-abiding gun owners.

SPARTANAT: What are the advantages of being a member of ISB for a shooter?

The ISB promotes shooting sports and provides support for expanding firearm permits, and we support our members in dealing with authorities. With a membership, the requirements for sports shooters are met, we organize interesting shooting competitions and can issue certifications for Category A firearms. This is particularly important in relation to the new magazine regulations. Furthermore, our partner companies offer discounts upon presentation of our membership card.

SPARTANAT: That sounds very promising. Since when has ISB existed and how many members do you currently have?

The ISB was founded as an international umbrella organization in May 2020. The umbrella organization has its own national associations in Austria, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Currently, in Austria we have over 4,000 members, and in Ukraine over 5,000.

SPARTANAT: So not an insignificant number. How did you get involved with ISB?

The recent tightening of laws in Austria, which came into effect in 2019, brought many restrictions and bans, such as the prohibition of purchasing large magazines. The exceptions in the law were structured in a way that they are practically impossible to fulfill. Here, I and others had the thought: "Someone has to do something." Since hardly anyone else is advocating for a sensible and citizen-friendly gun law in Austria and promoting legal gun ownership, this task fell on us.

SPARTANAT: In a way, you turned necessity into virtue. Does ISB also offer legal representation or legal advice?

We already offer free legal advice and sample templates for authorities, and we are currently working on a firearm legal protection insurance for our members. This would be quite groundbreaking for private gun owners.

SPARTANAT: ISB holds various competitions regularly. Can competitions held under ISB rules by others also be recognized automatically?

Our member clubs can independently hold events according to our sports regulations and rules in consultation with us. As an international umbrella organization, we comply with everything the legislature demands down to the last detail. In 2021, we were able to push through early WBK expansions for over 1,000 members, creating over 5,000 new slots on their WBK's. Additionally, we were able to lift the official gun ban for around 400 civilian servants. We also were able to secure exemptions for Category A firearms (magazines) for many of our members.

SPARTANAT: How do you see the future of private gun ownership and what is the role of ISB in it?

Since the 1990s, gun laws have been tightened every few years throughout Europe. It seems almost as if the goal is to completely abolish private gun ownership within the EU. A sad precedent for this is in the UK. The only ray of hope within the EU is Czech Republic, where every citizen can own unlimited guns and even the right to carry a gun is enshrined in the constitution.

In Austria, on the other hand, we have had further tightening every few months in recent years. In 2019, the new Weapons Act, in 2021 the Firearms Marking Act was supposed to make purchases and imports more difficult. Currently, we are still fighting against the planned lead ban for sports shooters. Just a few weeks ago, the list of circumstances under which an individual gun ban can be issued was greatly expanded. Media and some politicians demonize decent and law-abiding citizens as "gun enthusiasts," equating them with terrorists. All in all, a sad situation.

As the ISB, we can only build a strong lobby here to counteract this madness. International solidarity of all legal gun owners such as sports shooters, gun collectors, hunters, or just citizens who want to protect their rights are called for here.

We need to educate, support the next generation, and establish shooting sports once again as a socially acceptable mainstream sport.

It's 5 to 12, the next tightening of laws is sure to come. Therefore, join the ISB now, and let's fight together for our concerns!

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