The National Executive Branch, under the firm leadership of President Javier Milei, has taken a fundamental step towards the modernization of the weapons system in the Argentine Republic. Decree 306/2026, signed on April 30, 2026 and published in the Official Gazette on May 4, has put an end to decades of irrational regulations that only served to hinder the legitimate user while the
crime acted with total impunity.The central focus of this reform is the incorporation of sound suppressors or moderators in the category of “weapons, materials and devices for conditional civil use”. For the first time in the country's history, these devices — considered standard security equipment in civilized nations such as Sweden, Norway, Finland and the United Kingdom — can be legally purchased and used by responsible Argentines
.
The measure, which also bears the signatures of Manuel Adorni and Alejandra Monteoliva, is based on the reserve principle of article 19 of our National Constitution, stating that “no inhabitant of the Nation shall be forced to do what the law does not command, nor be deprived of what it does not
prohibit”.Article 2 of the new decree amends paragraph 5) of Article 4 of the regulations of Law No. 20,429, specifying that this category includes “sound suppressors or moderators attached to or attached to firearms”, in addition to “night sights specially designed to direct shooting in the dark”.
This update recognizes that regulation should not impose “unreasonable limitations” and that it is imperative to “optimize the balance between state control... individual liberties and the exercise of property rights”.
Clear conditions for responsible use
To access these advanced devices, the government has established strict but fair suitability requirements, ensuring that the technology is in the hands of those who comply with the law: Permitted activities:
Legitimate users may use suppressors exclusively in “shooting activities on authorized shooting ranges, buildings or platforms” registered with the National Weapons Registry (RENAR) and in thehunting practice under current legislation.
Aptitude Requirements: The applicant must prove “no mental or physical abnormalities” through professional certifications and demonstrate “suitability to handle firearms” before registered shooting instructors.
