Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Delft
For residents of Delft, a firearms permit for sport shooters provides official approval from the Chief of Police of the Police Unit The Hague to possess, transport, and handle firearms and ammunition, but solely for competitive sport. This permit complies with the strict Weapons and Ammunition Act and applies only to active members of recognized shooting clubs in the region, such as the Delft Shooting Sports Association.
What does a firearms permit for sport shooters cover?
The personal firearms permit (PWB) for sport shooters allows Delft residents to legally purchase and use firearms at local shooting ranges. It is a limited right subject to strict requirements: firearms are permitted only for training and competitions in disciplines such as small-bore, large-bore, or pistol shooting. Unlike recreational shooting, only competitive sport counts. Membership in a DSC-recognized club, such as those in Delft, is essential. Without a permit, you risk seizure, fines up to €9,000, or imprisonment.
Legal basis
The rules are set out in the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wwm), particularly Article 11 (personal permit) and Article 12 (sport shooter conditions). Ministerial decrees specify disciplines and calibers. The Chief of Police of the Police Unit The Hague decides, advised by the CDPD. The Weapons Act 2024 introduces stricter storage and transport rules for Delft residents.
- Art. 11 Wwm: Permit for active sport shooting.
- Art. 18 Wwm: Prohibition without permission.
- Art. 55 Wwm: Penalties for violations.
Requirements for a firearms permit in Delft
Delft residents must meet these conditions:
- At least 18 years old.
- Member of a recognized shooting club (minimum 1 year).
- Active competition shooting (minimum 18 times/year, 70% attendance).
- Submit a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
- Medical examination by police doctor (no risks).
- Approved firearms safe, possibly with the club.
- No criminal record posing a threat to public order.
For pistols/revolvers: additional requirements for IPSC or 25m shooting.
Application process for Delft residents
The process takes 26 weeks via your local club:
- Join a recognized Delft club and shoot actively for 1 year.
- Gather VOG, medical exam, membership proof, passport photos.
- Club submits application to Chief of Police of the Police Unit The Hague.
- Police verifies: home visit, background check.
- Decision within 26 weeks; appeal to Chief of Police or District Court of The Hague.
Costs: €50-€100 application, €200-€300 examination. Contact Legal Aid Office Delft for assistance.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Maximum 5 firearms (up to 10 for elite athletes).
- Transport to range in locked case (unloaded).
- Use only at range under supervision.
Obligations:
- 24/7 storage in SKG***-rated safe.
- Annual report on ammunition and competitions to police.
- Report loss/theft immediately (Art. 14 Wwm).
- No alcohol/drugs while shooting.
Practical examples from Delft
Example 1: Jan, a 25-year-old Delft resident, has been a member of the Delft Shooting Sports Association for 1.5 years. He shoots small-bore weekly. With VOG and medical clearance, he receives a PWB for a .22 pistol, transports it unloaded, and stores it in a safe.
Example 2: Maria wants large-bore for hunting, but that does not qualify for sport shooters – only competitive sport. Rejected; switch to hunters' permit via hunters.
Example 3: Pieter misses reporting; permit revoked, firearms seized. Restored after fine and course at Municipality of Delft.
Comparison of firearms permits
| Type | For whom? | Number of firearms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Shooters (PWB) | Competitive shooters | Max. 5-10 | Shooting range only |
| Hunters | Hunting association | Max. 5 | Hunting grounds |
| Collectors | Collectors | Unlimited (unusable) | Display |
| Professional (BM) | Security personnel | 1-2 | Work |
Tips for Delft residents
- Start early with a local club to build attendance proof.
- Purchase SKG***-rated safe (€500).
- Take safety course at Delft Shooting Sports Association.
- Keep documents digital and physical.
- On moving within Delft: notify police within 5 days via Municipality of Delft.
- Check firearms possession or Legal Aid Office Delft for appeals.
Related: illegal firearms possession, Dutch firearms law.