Langwaffen

Langwaffen, a German term meaning “long weapons,” refers to firearms designed to be shouldered and fired from the shoulder, typically combining a longer barrel and stock with a defined bore and chamber. The category encompasses rifles (Gewehre), carbines (Karabiner), and shotguns (Schusswaffen). Langwaffen are distinguished from Kurzwaffen, or handguns, by length, balance, and intended use. They are primarily employed for hunting, target shooting, and sport disciplines, though they have been used in historical military and civil security contexts.

Common configurations include bolt-action, lever-action, semi-automatic, and break-action designs, with calibers ranging from small to high performance. Rifles and shotguns are optimized for accuracy and range, and many hunters and sport shooters own multiple examples for different game and disciplines. Carabines serve as compact long guns for close-quarter or mount-based shooting.

Regulation of Langwaffen varies by country but generally involves licensing, background checks, and age restrictions. Ownership often requires a firearm possession license or permit, proof of legitimate need (such as hunting or sport shooting), and regulatory compliance for storage, transport, and safe handling. In Germany, for example, ownership requires a Waffenbesitzkarte (WBK) and, for hunting or sport shooting, a proof of need; firearms must be stored securely and transported in locked cases. Restrictions exist on certain types, such as fully automatic or military-pattern rifles, depending on jurisdiction.

Safety-minded handling, training, and adherence to local laws are essential for responsible use of Langwaffen.