Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Rijswijk

Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Rijswijk

For residents of Rijswijk, the sport shooters' firearms permit grants official permission from the chief of police to possess, transport, and use firearms and ammunition exclusively for competitive sports. It is governed by the Weapons and Ammunition Act and applies only to members of recognized shooting clubs in the region, such as those near Rijswijk.

What is a firearms permit for sport shooters?

The personal firearms permit (PWB) for sport shooters allows you to legally purchase and use firearms at shooting ranges in Rijswijk. It comes with strict conditions and is not an unrestricted right. Use is limited to competitive shooting disciplines such as pistol shooting, small-bore, or large-bore competitions.

Unlike recreational shooting, only competitive sports count. Membership in a DSC-recognized club is essential. Without a permit, you risk seizure of firearms, fines up to €9,000, or imprisonment in Rijswijk.

Legal basis

Based on the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wwm), particularly Article 11 (PWB) and Article 12 (sport shooter conditions). The Weapons and Ammunition Decree specifies calibers and disciplines. The chief of police decides, advised by the CDPD. The Weapons Act 2024 introduces stricter rules for storage and transport in Rijswijk.

• Art. 11 Wwm: Permit for active competitive sports.
• Art. 18 Wwm: Prohibition without permission.
• Art. 55 Wwm: Penalties for violations.

Requirements for a firearms permit in Rijswijk

To obtain a permit as a Rijswijk resident:

1. At least 18 years old.
2. Member of a recognized shooting club (at least 1 continuous year).
3. At least 18 shooting sessions per year (70% attendance).
4. Submit a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
5. Medical examination by a police doctor (no risks).
6. Approved safe, possibly with the club.
7. No criminal record that disrupts public order.

For pistols: additional requirements for IPSC or 25m disciplines.

Application procedure for Rijswijk

The process takes about 26 weeks via your club:

1. Join a local club near Rijswijk and shoot actively for 1 year.
2. Gather VOG, medical exam, membership proof, and photos.
3. Club submits application to the chief of police.
4. Police verifies: home visit in Rijswijk, background check.
5. Decision within 26 weeks; appeal to chief of police or District Court of Rijswijk.

Costs: €50-€100 application, €200-€300 examination. Contact The Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for assistance.

Rights and obligations

Rights:

• Max. 5 firearms (up to 10 for elite athletes).
• Transport to range in locked case (unloaded).
• Use only at range under supervision.

Obligations:

• Storage in SKG***-rated safe.
• Annual reporting of ammunition and competitions to police.
• Report loss immediately (Art. 14 Wwm).
• No substance use while shooting.

Practical examples from Rijswijk

Example 1: Jan from Rijswijk, 25 years old, member of Shooting Club Rijswijk-Zuid for 1.5 years. After VOG and exam, he receives PWB for .22 pistol. He transports safely and stores in home safe.

Example 2: Maria from Rijswijk wants large-caliber for hunting, but that doesn't fit sport shooters. Rejected; opt for hunter's permit.

Example 3: Pieter from Rijswijk misses reporting; permit revoked, firearms seized. Restored after fine and course via Municipality of Rijswijk.

Comparison of firearms permits

Tips for sport shooters in Rijswijk

• Build membership early for attendance proof.
• Purchase SKG***-rated safe (€500).
• Take safety course at local club.
• Keep documents organized.
• On moving within Rijswijk: notify police and Municipality of Rijswijk within 5 days.
• Check The Legal Aid Office Rijswijk for advice or appeals.

Related: illegal firearm possession, Dutch firearms law.

Frequently asked questions