Spain's gun laws ban high-capacity magazines and military calibers

Dreamed-of weapons: From the StG 44 to the .50 BMG banned by law

There is a wish list that cannot be purchased. In Spain, owning magazines with more than ten rounds for centerfire long guns is prohibited, and automatic or military calibers are out of reach for the average citizen. Nevertheless, the debate about which weapon one would like to own at least once does not fade: from the German assault rifle of World War II to the bolt-action .50 BMG rifle, passing through the mythical AMT Hardballer from Terminator. Spanish legislation allows firearm ownership but sets clear limits: no automatics, no banned calibers, and proper storage requirements. The question is not whether it is possible, but how much of that desire is whim versus real utility.

The StG 44 and other collector myths

The German StG 44 assault rifle tops the preference list. It was the first operational assault rifle in history, and its design influenced everything that came after. But it is not the only one: the Degtyarev PTRD, a Soviet anti-tank rifle from World War II, also appears on the wish list. These weapons cannot be registered in Spain due to their automatic nature or caliber. The AMT Hardballer, based on the M1911 series and popularized by Terminator, is another favorite. According to technical experts, its problem is that its long slide makes it impractical: heavy and difficult to carry. A similar model exists in 10mm Auto, but it remains more of a whim than a tool.

.50 BMG and nuclear warheads: impossible wishes

The .50 BMG represents the ceiling of power in portable firearms. Its possession in Spain is restricted to very specific uses and, in practice, is out of reach for hobbyists. Someone even jokes about having a nuclear warhead, illustrating the sometimes ironic and exaggerated tone of the conversation. Spanish legislation has a high ceiling, but a ceiling nonetheless: there are banned calibers and forbidden automatics. In the United States, except in some states, laws are more restrictive in certain aspects, but the debate regarding the Second Amendment differs from the usage rights enjoyed here regarding firearms.

Magazines, hunting, and sport shooting: the legal labyrinth

Regulations on magazines exemplify this complexity. For hunting disciplines, magazines must be limited to two rounds (plus one in the chamber) and five for sporting disciplines. Thirty-round magazines can be owned but must be restricted. There is no regulation requiring a firearms license to purchase magazines; they can be bought for collection or display. The problem arises when one wants to use a 9mm Parabellum long gun: it falls under category D, but it is not suitable for hunting small game and has no dedicated activity in category F. The Civil Guard views these weapons negatively because they lack clear utility. As one participant says: "Just another piece of junk."

.45 Colt and black powder: nostalgia and power

The conversation shifts toward historical ballistics. A revolver loaded with 35 grains of black powder and a 250-grain projectile is "something very serious." The original load was 40 grains, but the US Army reduced it to 30 due to recoil and cylinder cracks. Curiosities are mentioned, such as the fact that after the Battle of Gettysburg, over 27,500 rifles were recovered, nearly 24,000 of which were loaded, some with up to 23 accumulated charges. These data illustrate the history and evolution of weapons, but also the fascination with analog and powerful mechanisms.

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The wish list also includes a Zeppelin Type X, the airship used by Captain Peter Strasser in 1918, or a .22 bolt-action rifle for precision shooting at 300 meters. Legality and laziness stop most people. Is it worth owning a weapon that serves no practical purpose? The answer remains open.