Why do we have different choices for pistols, but not Rifles?

[Able]

I've been thinking a lot lately about this topic and I cannot seem to make a definitive conclusion on my own. I am sure knowledgeable members of IFG will be able to shed some light in this regard.

Recently, In the past year or so, we've been blessed with some choices in terms of model and calibre regarding Pistol, though limited but still good. However, the choices for Rifle is extremely limited for non prohibited bore.

There are some news about CZ coming in India but neither their site nor customer care is active. It seems like the only choice we have is IOF. Which solely controls the market price and as such, we see the price climbing up exponentially.

So, what could be the reason we don't have much choice in Rifle? Please, comment your views and thoughts on the topic.

[bhuvneshver1234]

I also have same question total Monopoly by govt ...civil rifles llike 30-06 for ₹296000 now iof 22rifle ₹145000 iof 315 ₹165000 it's huge 3x price hike in 2-3 years till 2024.

[timmy]

My guess is that there is so much more demand for handguns than centerfire rifles. Many people want a handgun for carry purposes, but a rifle is of more limited use in that regard, depending on the action type.

Some folks want a gun simply because they want one, and that's a good enough reason. But a rifle is generally wanted by someone who will hunt with it, and that's not possible in India. So, such folks who travel to hunt would usually have enough money to buy a rifle of any sort. That's not most of us, so handguns are desirable by more people -- a larger market.

The situation is a shame, for sure.

[Able]

Thanks for the input.

Now that you mention it, I completely agree with you. @timmy

[Meghna]

Why are there so many different passenger cars? Pickup trucks? 18-wheeler tractors? For that matter, why is every house at least subtly different? Certainly there’s a “most efficient” arrangement of an ideal amount of square footage?

There are a number of different gun models because we’re human, and we all have different needs, preferences and budgets. This leads us to prefer one model over another, when the next guy might prefer the other one we were considering for the exact reasons we decided against it.

[SniPeR30-06]

Private manufacturer Geam Guns have launched Semi automatic.22LR alongwith a range of accessories. And as I have heard, there is more coming from other manufacturers as well.

[Able]

Good info, Sniper. But I'm always a big fan of 3006, yet still a good news for .22LR fans.

[Vineet]

So, what could be the reason we don't have much choice in Rifle? Please, comment your views and thoughts on the topic.

Majority of arms licenses are granted for self defence and handguns are most suited for self defence as they are easy to carry.

[Able]

Yes, I agree with you, Vineet. Rifle for self defense doesn't sound right. I wish we have one decent foreign company with reasonable pricing rifles in India.