Why do the Swiss have so many guns?

Every year, on the second weekend of September, almost one million people gather on the outskirts of Zurich to celebrate one of Switzerland’s oldest events: the Knabenschiessen. At first glance, it looks like any other carnival: loud music, tall rides, and a somewhat vintage Ferris wheel. But steps away from the greasy carnival food is the real attraction: a teenage-only rifle shooting competition.

Dating back to the 17th century, the Knabenschiessen festival literally means “boys’ shooting competition”, but since the 1990s, girls have been allowed to compete too. Aged from 12 to 17 years old, participants shoot targets from 300m away with army rifles. The one who collects the most points is crowned king – or queen – of shooting.

An early beginning

“The first time I was sitting here I was 13,” says Milena, now 27, former queen of the Knabenschiessen. Her fascination for sports shooting started at a young age: “My dad was in the military and in Switzerland it’s common that after you did your service, you keep your weapon at home. But to be able to keep it at home, you have to go to a yearly shootout. I went with him, and it was really fascinating how people are there – they really focus and do this as a sport.” 

With one firearm for every four people, Switzerland is one of the most heavily-armed countries in the world. Such a strong gun culture is largely tied to the country’s national defence service, a militia-based army, made of civilians rather than professional soldiers.

The modern militia

In Switzerland, military service is still mandatory for all 18-year-old, able-bodied men. Today, Swiss men can choose civil service instead, but the army remains a more popular choice.

Once enrolled, it’s obligatory for recruits to keep their rifle at home until the end of their service. They also have to practise shooting at least once a year. It’s important to note that soldiers don’t own or keep any ammunition.

“You’re given a weapon and with it, a responsibility. Throughout your military service, the weapon is yours; it’s under your responsibility, it is your weapon,” says Matteo, 26, as he gets ready for his yearly three-week refresher course with the army.

The vast majority of guns in Switzerland are owned by professional shooters, either for sports or hunting, and by people in the army. It’s therefore rather uncommon for people to own a gun out of a desire to protect themselves or their households. Rather than a right, guns are often seen as a duty.

“It’s my duty to do military service, so it is my duty as a Swiss citizen and as a soldier to keep this weapon with honour and dignity,” Matteo concludes.