Which nations (besides America)allow for an armed civilian populous?

I heard from a radio program that the US was one of the last countries to allow guns in the hands of the general public.
(Googling hasn't been very helpful.)
Is that true?
Thanks!

Look up "Gun Politics" on Wikipedia.

dont the switz have a manditory gun ownership thingy
where every household has a Gun?

or am i wrong

reply to post by bodrul

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, I heard that the Swiss have guns, but I thought it was one per household. Apparently not.
BBC
Any other countries?

Well I.P.S.C. is an international shooting competition group that has over 50 countries in it, so I would say there are alot of countries with basic firearm ownership that is at least possible. The likely scenario is that it is regulated a bit more than the US but not necessarily, we are not as free as you might think and other countries have been progressing while we have been edging towards socialism and are losing our freedoms. To clarify the last statement a "priviledge" is not a freedom and as soon as the gov't regulates anything it becomes a priviledge and not a right or freedom. Perhaps you can find the info on IPSC's website. I can name some countries off-hand.

The Phillpines
Greece
France
Canada
Jamaica
South Africa
Various South American countries the exact ones escape me right now
Some of the former soviet sattellite countries as well.

Mexico. Lots of pistola carrying hombres across the border.

I might be wrong, but I do believe that israel is the most armed nation in the world. I believe I read that in a school text book back in 1995. I don't know if that helps, but lets face it, you would own a weapon if groups like Hamas was your next door neighbor.

reply to post by Clearskies


Iraqis are alowed to have an automatic weapon per adult male per household, w/50 rounds if I remember correctly, but they have to register the weapon by law. The only problem with this is no one inforces the law.

Cheers

Thank you, everyone!
I guess that radio program guy didn't have his facts straight!
Good to have such well-informed people here.
Have a Good Weekend!
CS

reply to post by Clearskies


Your welcome, you have a nice weekend as well

Cheers