Explosion of firearm registrations in Saxony-Anhalt!

Explosion of firearm registrations in Saxony-Anhalt!

The number of registered firearms in Saxony-Anhalt has risen steadily in recent years. As [n-tv](https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/sachsen-anhalt/Mehr-Schuss Waffen-in-Sachsen-Anhalt-registriert-article25964382.html) reports, around 126,800 firearms were recorded as of June 30, 2025, which means an increase of almost 4,000 compared to the previous year. This raises questions: Why has interest in gun ownership increased? What impact does this have on society?

A closer look shows regional differences in Saxony-Anhalt. In the Altmark district of Salzwedel, the number of registered firearms rose from 7,806 to 9,195, while the Burgenland district increased from 8,892 to 10,116. In the Stendal district, 9,566 to 9,896 registered firearms were recorded. In other regions such as Anhalt-Bitterfeld and Mansfeld-Südharz the number remains stable. These numbers make it clear that gun ownership is very popular in some districts.

Weapons permits and controls

There are currently around 25,820 owners of licensed firearms in Saxony-Anhalt, a slight increase compared to 25,750 in the previous year. In addition, the number of firearms licenses has increased from almost 63,000 to around 65,900. This is also reflected in the figures from the Federal Administration Office, where weapons law permits including new permits increased by almost 800 in the first half of 2025.

But not everything is going smoothly: 23 people had their gun ownership cards revoked and around 240 firearms that required a permit were confiscated. In this situation, Green Party domestic politician Sebastian Striegel calls for more effective, unannounced checks on gun owners. As he emphasizes, such measures are necessary to minimize the risks of legal gun ownership, especially since incidents occur again and again that unfortunately result in fatal gunshot wounds.

A look at the nationwide statistics

A look at the nationwide figures shows that Germany has restrictive gun laws that still set strict criteria for the ownership of firearms. According to Statista, there were around 934,000 private gun owners and around 5.5 million recorded privately owned firearms at the end of 2024. The legal requirements include, among other things, being of legal age, personal suitability and proof of expertise in firearms law.

However, the increase in the use of firearms cannot be overlooked from a forensic perspective: in 2023 there were around 9,100 crimes involving the use of firearms. This development increases the pressure on politicians to take measures to ensure security and prevent abuse.

Whether in Saxony-Anhalt or nationwide: the topic of firearms is complex and requires attention. The main actors - politicians, security authorities and citizens - are called upon to find a balance that both meets the legitimate needs of gun owners and strengthens the feeling of security in society.