In a dramatic shift of policy, Argentina has expanded gun rights in ways that many Americans could only dream of. While U.S. politicians continue to debate and often restrict civilian gun rights, President Javier Milei of Argentina has taken bold steps to trust his citizens with greater freedoms. On June 19, 2025, Milei signed a decree that lifts a 30-year ban on the possession of semi-automatic firearms for civilians. This move, as reported by Christian K. Caruzo in Breitbart, is not only a bold step for Argentina but also a stark contrast to the ongoing struggles in the U.S. surrounding firearm rights.
Lifting Decades-Old Restrictions
The decree signed by Milei marks a significant shift from the 1995 law that prohibited civilians from purchasing or owning semi-automatic weapons. Specifically, the law banned semi-automatics that use detachable magazines and are chambered for rounds larger than .22 LR. This law was implemented under former President Carlos Menem’s administration, based on fears of gun violence, particularly from military-grade weapons being in civilian hands. However, President Milei and his administration have now rescinded these restrictions, believing that the public should be trusted to use these weapons responsibly.
A Streamlined Process
Christian K. Caruzo, in his Breitbart article, explains that this decision reflects a broader rethinking of the control mechanisms surrounding firearms in Argentina. The 1995 decree had created a bureaucratic nightmare, with restrictive criteria and unnecessary hurdles for gun owners. The new decree introduces a streamlined process for civilians to purchase semi-automatic firearms, requiring that applicants show “proven sporting uses” and meet other objective criteria established by the National Agency for Controlled Materials (ANMAC).
A New Era for Gun Ownership in Argentina
One of the most notable aspects of this change is the creation of a special authorization system for purchasing semi-automatic firearms. This system is expected to simplify the previously convoluted process and provide greater clarity for both gun owners and the government. In Caruzo’s words, this reform “marks the first time in 30 years that Argentine citizens will be able to legally acquire and possess semi-automatics.” With this change, Argentina is moving away from restrictive gun control policies toward a more responsible, freedom-oriented model.
For U.S. gun rights activists, this shift in Argentina’s gun policy is seen as a refreshing change of pace. In contrast, many parts of the United States continue to grapple with the limitations of the Second Amendment, often leading to frustration among those who believe their rights are being infringed upon. Meanwhile, Argentina, a country without a constitutional right to bear arms, is embracing the idea of empowering its citizens to be responsible firearm owners.
The Role of ANMAC in Gun Control
Despite the progress, there are still some restrictions in place. The Argentine government’s decision to allow civilians to purchase semi-automatic firearms comes with the caveat that the firearms must be registered through ANMAC, which will continue to monitor and regulate these weapons. The new system is meant to balance the right of citizens to own semi-automatics with the necessity of public safety.
According to the NRA-ILA, this approach signals a shift away from heavy-handed regulation toward a more transparent and accessible system for law-abiding gun owners. The move is also a stark contrast to the U.S. system, where gun rights continue to be debated, and bureaucratic obstacles prevent many citizens from legally obtaining firearms.
Age Restrictions: A Step Forward for Responsible Ownership
In addition to lifting the ban on semi-automatics, President Milei has also made moves to lower the legal age for firearm acquisition. As the NRA-ILA points out, Milei’s administration lowered the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 21 to 18 in December 2024, aligning with the age of majority in Argentina. This change was a response to what the government saw as an incongruity in the law: citizens who were legally adults in every other respect were not permitted to purchase firearms until reaching the age of 21.
This reform further underscores Milei’s belief in the maturity and responsibility of young adults. It’s a step in the right direction for those who believe that adults should be trusted to make their own decisions, especially when it comes to personal freedoms like gun ownership. This change echoes the sentiment found in gun rights YouTuber and activist Colion Noir’s analysis of the situation, where he describes Argentina’s shift as a “freedom upgrade.”
A Global Message of Trust, Not Fear
Noir’s commentary on the situation emphasizes a key point: Argentina is taking a stand against the fear-based policies that have dominated global gun control debates. As he puts it, while the U.S. remains entrenched in endless debates about “assault weapons,” Argentina has boldly moved to legalize them. This shift in mindset, according to Noir, sends a message to the world: “trust the people, not the fear.”
This ideological shift is one that the U.S. might benefit from considering. In the U.S., the debate around “assault weapons” has often been based on fear and misconceptions. Many politicians continue to demonize certain firearms, even though they are often used responsibly by law-abiding citizens. In contrast, Argentina’s government is placing its trust in its citizens, believing that responsible ownership of semi-automatic weapons can be both lawful and practical.
The Argentine Government’s Vision for the Future
As part of the government’s larger vision for gun rights, there are ongoing efforts to simplify the registration and ownership processes for firearms in Argentina. This includes the introduction of a digital system for firearm licensing and registration, a move that will likely streamline the process and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for gun owners. The aim is to make it easier for Argentinians to remain within the bounds of the law while ensuring that public safety is not compromised.
In contrast, the U.S. remains mired in bureaucratic entanglements, with many states imposing burdensome requirements on gun owners. The simplicity of Argentina’s approach, as noted by Colion Noir, could serve as a model for other countries to follow. The focus is on transparency and responsibility, rather than relying on complex, often unnecessary regulations that make gun ownership a difficult and expensive process.
Argentina’s New Bill: Simplifying the Process
Argentina’s commitment to simplifying gun ownership is further demonstrated by a bill introduced in the Argentine Congress that aims to regularize gun ownership. While the bill has passed the Chamber of Deputies, it has yet to be approved by the Senate. If it passes, this legislation could make it even easier for law-abiding Argentinians to legally own and possess firearms.
The bill is in line with Milei’s broader policy of reducing government interference in personal freedoms. As the NRA-ILA notes, this is a stark contrast to the U.S., where politicians are still locked in debates over basic gun rights. Argentina’s bold moves highlight the potential for positive change when governments prioritize individual rights over political fears.
Argentina’s Success Is the U.S.’s Missed Opportunity
At a time when the U.S. is still struggling with basic gun rights debates, Argentina is leading the way with pragmatic, responsible policies that focus on freedom and transparency. As Caruzo points out, Argentina’s move is a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering law-abiding citizens. While there are still safety measures in place, the shift away from excessive restrictions demonstrates that the government trusts its people to act responsibly.
The question for American lawmakers is whether they can learn from Argentina’s example. With gun control advocates often pushing for ever-stricter laws, it’s refreshing to see a country embrace the idea of trusting citizens with firearms. As Noir suggests, perhaps it’s time for the U.S. to reassess its policies and move away from fear-driven legislation to a more responsible and empowered approach to gun ownership.
A Global Shift Toward Freedom
Argentina’s decision is not just about firearms; it’s about a broader shift in how governments approach personal freedoms. At a time when many countries, including the U.S., are tightening restrictions, Argentina is embracing the idea of responsible, legal gun ownership. This move could serve as a catalyst for change in other nations as well, encouraging a shift toward trusting citizens rather than fearing them.
In conclusion, Argentina’s recent reforms demonstrate that progress is possible when governments prioritize liberty, responsibility, and transparency over fear. While the U.S. remains bogged down by political squabbles and misinformation about gun ownership, Argentina has chosen a different path—one that trusts its citizens and simplifies the process of responsible gun ownership. It’s time for the U.S. to follow suit and take a page from Argentina’s book.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.