Pienaseet

Pienaseet refer to firearms designed for individual use and intended for personal defense or combat. In Finnish contexts, pienaseet cover a range of handheld weapons such as pistols and revolvers, as well as rifles, carbines, shotguns, and submachine guns. Definitions vary by organization; some frameworks treat only weapons designed for personal use as pienaseet, while others include certain light, portable weapons used by individuals. The term is closely related to the international category small arms, which typically excludes heavier equipment.

Classification and examples: Common pienaseet include semi-automatic and fully automatic pistols, revolvers, rifles and carbines, shotguns, and submachine guns. Some contexts distinguish small arms from light weapons, with light weapons including portable machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars. The designation often depends on portability, weight, and intended user.

Regulation and governance: Small arms are subject to international and national controls. Internationally, instruments such as the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms (2001) and the Arms Trade Treaty (2013) address illicit trade, illicit manufacturing, and transfer controls. Regional regimes, export licenses, marking, and tracing requirements also apply. National laws typically regulate possession, sale, transfer, and manufacture, with licensing and storage standards.

Issues and policy: Illicit trafficking, diversion from legal stockpiles, and illicit manufacture contribute to crime and armed conflict. Efforts focus on stockpile management, destruction of surplus arms, tracing and verification, and development of arms-control infrastructure. Public safety and humanitarian concerns drive disarmament and prevention programs.