Gun control in Italy incorporates the political and regulatory aspects of firearms usage in the country within the framework of the European Union's Firearm Directive. Different types of gun licenses can be obtained from the national police authorities. According to a 2007 study by The Small Arms Survey Project, the per capita gun ownership rate in Italy is around 12% with an estimated 7 million registered firearms in circulation. General regulations To legally purchase firearms in Italy, one must either obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto), which allows the holder to purchase and own a firearm but not carry or use it. The same nulla osta is needed to inherit a deceased close relative's firearms: this license is usually temporary and is required to transport the firearms from the relative's house to the new location. This kind of authorization is usually valid for 6 months and only for the route needed to change location, from the shop to the detention place. This does not allow to use or carry elsewhere. Moreover, a Registration license for "weapon detention" is then required within 72 hours to the nearest police station. A firearm carrying authorization is needed then, either to carry the firearms around or to move them from a location to another. These Carry licenses (called porto d'armi in Italian) can be for different reasons for sport, personal defence, job occupation (security guard) or hunting. To obtain either license applicants must be 18 or older, prove they can handle and use a firearm safely (usually by obtaining a certificate from a shooting range after attending a practical shooting course), declare to have a clean criminal record (verification will be made by the Police authorities) and must not be mentally ill or be a known abuser of, or addicted to, alcohol or illegal drugs. Other grounds for refusal of a carry license include being a conscientious objector or living with persons who may gain access to the firearms and abuse them (e.g. living with family members who are mentally ill, alcoholic or drug addicts). The delegated office to manage, authorize and control over possession is the Questura, the national police provincial office. However, requests can be sent to the Questura also through local Carabinieri stations, where they will provide transmitting all documents to the Questura's "Ufficio porto d'armi" (Firearms carry licenses office). National Firearms Catalogue Italian laws prescribed that any rifled-barreled firearm