Reply from Swiss Arms director on guns and ammo
November 1978
Elmer Keith wrote to the director of the Swiss Institute of Arms and Armour and the following is the reply he received.
It very clearly defines the reason Switzerland is a crime-free nation.
Dear Sir;
With regards to your request, you may be interested to know more about the Swiss attitude to the ownership of firearms.
First of all, it seems important to me to point out that every Swiss citizen has to do military service as soon as he reaches the age of 20. Safety the basic 17-week training course, he is requested to do a three-week "repeating course" yearly, during the next eight years. At the age of 32 he will join the first reserve (Landwehr) where he will have to do, biannually, a two week training, until he joins the second reserve (Land-sturm). Only at the age of 48 will a Swiss citizen be discharged from military duty.
This militia system was basically introduced 500 years ago and has undergone little change since.
I should say that, at present, there must be 800,000 assault rifles and possibly as many older military rifles (all using the present day cartridge) in Swiss homes (not mentioning the 100,000 pistols for officers of all ranks and some specialists). I may recall that Switzerland counts about 6,000,000 people.
Every citizen soldier has to fulfill a yearly shooting program apart from his military service. Therefore, almost every village does have its own shooting range-sometimes even three or more: the military range (300 metres), a .22 range, a pistol range (officers) and, in many parts of Switzerland, a crossbow range also.
Once a year the "Feldschiessen" organised on voluntary base, takes place whereby the government supplies the 24 rounds free of charge. This is, without any doubt, the biggest competition in the world. Over 200,000 men are competing, the same day, with the army rifle, in over 1,500 military ranges, all over Switzerland. The population of Switzerland is firing between 50 and 55 million army rifle cartridges per year, without counting the 32 million used during military service. To this impressive figure, one must add about 10 million 7.65 mm pistol cartridges.
Needless to say that this state of military affairs does have an enormous value in case of war. We can mobilise within 24 hours.
Lenin, who came to Zurich, to prepare the world revolution of the Bolshevik, considered a revolution an impossible undertaking in Switzerland.
For many years now, China has been full of praise for the Swiss and their military organisation. "The Swiss," Mao Tse Tung said, "have set an example for the serious efforts all European countries should undertake." Personally I feel that our political stability is closely related to our military organisation. Which government would dare to take the risk of seeing all the citizens armed - without trembling for its safety? I would challenge any politician: "Show me yours arms legislation, and I will tell how free you are!"
Netherless, there is a backside to the medal. In the past years, certain politicians have rendered the ownership of firearms more and more difficult in our neighbouring countries. Under the influence of glorified "Ostopolitik" the West German government was hard pressed by socialists to clamp down on the relatively free arms legislation. Today it is almost impossible to even collect antique guns - never mind trying to acquire modern arms. In France and Italy, the German influence is starting to show its effects. The present wave of terrorism is a very welcome occasion for many politicians to squeeze the last drop of freedom out of the remaining liberties.
The example of Switzerland is therefore cited with insistence by the fraternity of shooters, hunters and collectors in despair. Needless to say that the increasing political frustration about the "Swiss case" does start showing some sign of effect in Switzerland itself. Outside pressure at the highest level becomes evident. In the ears of some government members, the idea of restricting the possibilities of acquiring and owning firearms does find an alarming breeding ground. Even a little step towards a possible disarmament of our nation must seem like a great victory to certain circles. In Strasbourg, the centre of the European Council, frightening plans are already waiting in the drawers of some fanatic anti-arms officials.
Due to my professional interest, I have access to some most alarming information. The prevention of crime is only a good excuse to push forward political ambitions of the most dangerous nature to any democratic society.
Despite the fact that there is no immediate danger for changes in Switzerland. I am studying the signs which occur regularly in shorter intervals, with the utmost attention.
If you ever need help of any kind please let me know, I am quite prepared to give some lectures in the States: "The strength of Europe depends largely on the freedom of your country!"
With best regards,
Eugen Heer
Director-Intendant
Institute Suisse D'Armes Anciennes
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