[mrerick]

Take note that the Netherlands is one of the more supportive countries in the EU as far as gun ownership goes.

Also note that the association with a private "registered shooting club" is required. Should you have a disagreement with your club, it is more than within their power (as a private entity) to eliminate your ability to own a firearm by taking an action against you. I know of at least one situation there where this is happening because of political leadership issues within the club.

I'm not sure, but I don't believe that there are provisions in Dutch law to allow you to use your firearm for self defense. The very existence of private gun ownership is likely justified as preparation for participation in the military.

For those of us in the USA, now constantly pommeled by politicians seeking to further infringe on our gun rights, you can see how important our Second Amendment is to treating firearm ownership and usage as a constitutional right instead of a privilege.

In spite of all this control over private citizens, the path to gun possession for criminals and terrorists in the EU is:

- Acquire weakly deactivated firearm
- Acquire ammunition on the black market
- Reactivate firearm
- Commit crime.

Marc