Authorities in Saxony report a systematic increase in the number of private gun owners and issued permits for so-called gas weapons. Data from the Ministry of the Interior shows that by the end of 2025, over 32,000 people were registered with an arsenal of nearly 158,000 weapons. This phenomenon raises concerns among some politicians, who point to social changes and a sense of threat among citizens.

Record-breaking armament statistics

By the end of 2025, 158,000 weapons were registered in Saxony, representing an increase of 11,000 over five years.

Increase in the number of owners

Currently, there are 32,800 licensed gun owners in the region, 300 more than the previous year.

Popularity of gas weapon licenses

Residents are increasingly applying for small permits for alarm and gas weapons, indicating a need for self-defense.

In southeastern Germany, specifically in the state of Saxony, there is a growing trend of civilian armament. According to the response from the Ministry of the Interior to a parliamentary inquiry, by the end of 2025, there were 32,800 registered private gun owners. This represents an increase of 300 people in just one year. An even more pronounced dynamic concerns the number of weapons in legal circulation, which increased by almost 2,500 pieces, reaching nearly 158,000. Particularly popular is the so-called small firearms license, which allows carrying gas or signal pistols in public places. This increase is especially visible in the long-term context – compared to 2020, the number of registered weapons increased by about 11,000. According to The Left, this interest cannot be explained solely by the growing popularity of sport shooting. German gun law is considered one of the most restrictive in Europe. It was significantly tightened after a series of tragic school shootings in Erfurt (2002) and Winnenden (2009), which introduced strict psychological requirements for young shooters.„The fact that more and more people in Saxony are deciding to buy weapons cannot be explained by interest in sport shooting alone.” — Juliane Nagel Politicians such as Juliane Nagel from The Left party warn that the growing number of weapons in private hands could lead to an escalation of violence and indicates declining trust in state institutions responsible for security. On the other hand, representatives of the Ministry of the Interior emphasize that all processes occur within the framework of existing law, and each person applying for a permit undergoes verification regarding criminal record and reliability. Number of registered weapons in Saxony: 2020: 146500, 2024: 156300, 2025: 158000 +10 800 — weapons added in Saxony over 5 yearsEmphasizes the threat to public safety and criticizes the militarization of society as a result of fears. | Highlights the legality of the practice, the right to self-defense, and the fact that most weapons serve sporting or hunting purposes.

Mentioned People

  • Juliane Nagel — Member of The Left party in the state parliament of Saxony, who submitted an inquiry to the Ministry of the Interior.