Guns are alive and well in India. Unfortunately that is not neccesarily the status of the gun laws here. There are restrictions on the free imports of guns and ammo.However there has always been a gun culture in India. Prior to independence [1947] the British tried to control gun ownership leading to a lot of clandestine gun ownership.

After becoming a free nation,the government continued this repressive policy and arms licensing continues.Earlier one could legally import arms and ammunitions but now only the terrorists and law breakers have free access to this.However the need of the populace to defend themselves in an increasing scenario of crime and poor law enforcement has lead to a proliferation of 'country-made' weapons as well as access to unlicensed weapons.This is primarily so in the weaker sections of the Indian society who cannot "work the system" to obtain arm licenses. Which is not to say that the law does not provide for gun ownership.

Several historical judgements have been made guaranteeing the average citizen gun ownership rights but implementation at ground level especially at the district and village level is another matter. Corruption is rampant and money talks. Regrettably the great loser in all this is shooting as a sport. The average sportsman gets discouraged by all the paperwork and and expense to do much recreational shooting so this is limited to the upper echelons of society who can afford this and the die hards[like this writer] who only live to shoot and with whom shooters all over the world can identify with and understand[?]

With all this said there is still tremendous hunting opportunities in India and some amazing shots and a lot of good shooters who regularly participate in International shooting events. But there always remains that lurking feeling that so much more can be done if these stupid restrictions could be done away as should be the case of any truly democratic nation.