Milei's government authorized the purchase and possession of semi-automatic weapons.

Through a decree published this Wednesday in the Official Gazette, the Government of Javier Milei authorized the purchase and possession of semiautomatic weapons under a "special control" regime, thus repealing a prohibition that had been in force since 1995, during the administration of Carlos Menem.

The measure was established through Decree 397/2025, which defines the guidelines of this new regime. It was signed by President Javier Milei, the Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich, and the Chief of Cabinet, Guillermo Francos.

The text states: "A special authorization regime is established for the acts of acquisition and possession of semiautomatic weapons fed with detachable magazines similar to rifles, carbines, or assault submachine guns derived from military-use weapons of caliber greater than .22 LR, requested by legitimate users of firearms."

Previously, this type of weaponry was reserved exclusively for the armed forces, in accordance with Decree 64/95 of 1995, which also created ANMAC (National Agency of Controlled Materials) as the regulatory authority.

According to Milei's Government, it is necessary to "re-evaluate the mechanisms established to control semiautomatic weapons," since the doctrine applied by ANMAC was "extensive" when granting authorizations.

The decree establishes that the control agencies "must reflect a particular balance between the possibility of acquiring or transferring such firearms, with the precautions derived from public or common security."

In order to purchase a semiautomatic weapon, users must "prove established sporting uses and the other objective conditions that ANMAC may establish for this purpose."

Other deregulations

This measure adds to other relaxations promoted from Casa Rosada to facilitate the purchase and possession of weapons for law-abiding Argentinians, something that had not occurred in previous years.

In 2024, the minimum age to apply for the Legitimate Firearm User Credential, which is the first step to request possession and, subsequently, to be able to acquire a weapon in gun shops, was reduced from 21 to 18 years.

Last month, a procedure called "Express Possession" was implemented to speed up access to the firearm possession permit. This modality is available both for civilians and for members of the Security Forces who purchase weapons or ammunition in gun shops.

Currently, in order to be considered a legitimate user, it is still necessary to carry out the procedure in person, but it is expected that in approximately a month and a half this process will be digitized.

Thus, interested parties must complete a form, present a psychophysical examination endorsed by a licensed professional, prove proficiency in shooting, have no criminal record, and pay five thousand pesos.