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20×102mm Vulcan
Italian gun laws change as leaders push "legitimate defense"
Brescia, Italy -- Italians make some of the most sought after firearms in the world. For decades they supplied the standard issue pistol of the U.S. military. Domestically, however, few Italians have owned guns for self defense. But now, analysts say a growing sense of insecurity -- and some of the country's new leaders -- are bringing a shift in Italy's gun laws and culture, and despite falling crime rates, more Italians are arming themselves for security.
"Gun Valley"
Italy has produced over 1 billion dollars worth of the estimated 2 billion dollars of shotguns imported by the United States over the last decade, according to preliminary data from Small Arms Analytics. The epicenter of the Italian firearms industry is Brescia, in the country's mountainous north.
Dozens of gunmakers have been based here for hundreds of years, among the most famous of which is Perazzi, whose shotguns are used by Olympians and kings.
In the Perazzi factory, dozens of artisans stand at their stations, meticulously carving, engraving and hammering fine details.
"No machine can make what these guys do," the company's owner, Mauro Perazzi, told CBS News. His company's shotguns can sell for $80,000 or more, which means they aren't being purchased by the average Italian.
Matteo Salvini is seen aiming a Beretta Rifle next to Beretta's Director General Carlo Ferlito at the HIT Trade Show on February 9, 2019 in Vicenza, Italy. Getty Images
They are, however, one of a number of firearms that have been photographed in the hands of Italy's right wing Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
Shifting sands
"It sends a message," gun control advocate Giorgio Beretta, no relation to the manufacturer, told CBS News, of seeing Salvini pictured with guns. "(It says) the good guys have guns."
Salvini's "League" party came to power as part of a coalition government last year, which has already passed legislation increasing the number of guns Italians are able to own and the size of permitted magazines.
More at ...
Italian gun laws change as leaders push "legitimate defense" - CBS News
Brescia, Italy -- Italians make some of the most sought after firearms in the world. For decades they supplied the standard issue pistol of the U.S. military. Domestically, however, few Italians have owned guns for self defense. But now, analysts say a growing sense of insecurity -- and some of the country's new leaders -- are bringing a shift in Italy's gun laws and culture, and despite falling crime rates, more Italians are arming themselves for security.
"Gun Valley"
Italy has produced over 1 billion dollars worth of the estimated 2 billion dollars of shotguns imported by the United States over the last decade, according to preliminary data from Small Arms Analytics. The epicenter of the Italian firearms industry is Brescia, in the country's mountainous north.
Dozens of gunmakers have been based here for hundreds of years, among the most famous of which is Perazzi, whose shotguns are used by Olympians and kings.
In the Perazzi factory, dozens of artisans stand at their stations, meticulously carving, engraving and hammering fine details.
"No machine can make what these guys do," the company's owner, Mauro Perazzi, told CBS News. His company's shotguns can sell for $80,000 or more, which means they aren't being purchased by the average Italian.
Matteo Salvini is seen aiming a Beretta Rifle next to Beretta's Director General Carlo Ferlito at the HIT Trade Show on February 9, 2019 in Vicenza, Italy. Getty Images
They are, however, one of a number of firearms that have been photographed in the hands of Italy's right wing Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
Shifting sands
"It sends a message," gun control advocate Giorgio Beretta, no relation to the manufacturer, told CBS News, of seeing Salvini pictured with guns. "(It says) the good guys have guns."
Salvini's "League" party came to power as part of a coalition government last year, which has already passed legislation increasing the number of guns Italians are able to own and the size of permitted magazines.
More at ...
Italian gun laws change as leaders push "legitimate defense" - CBS News
