The Swedish government and Sverigedemokraterna have reversed course on the buyback of the controversial AR-15 rifle, opting for voluntary redemption instead of mandatory. This is outlined in a debate article in Svensk Jakt, signed by several ministers and spokespersons. The context stems from restrictions following the Örebro mass shooting earlier this year.
Since August 1, no new permits have been issued for hunting with the semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, which is of military type. The Tidö parties – the government and Sverigedemokraterna – had previously advocated for mandatory buyback of the weapons but are now changing course in a debate article published in Svensk Jakt on October 27, 2025.
The article is signed by Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M), Rural Minister Peter Kullgren (KD), Liberal Party's justice policy spokesperson Martin Melin (L), and Henrik Vinge (SD), chair of the justice committee. They write: “Existing permits will continue to apply, while the individual will receive an offer to voluntarily redeem their weapon under generous terms for a limited time – compensation of 100 percent of the weapon's market value at the time of purchase, plus certain types of weapon accessories can also be redeemed.”
The AR-15 came into focus after the mass shooting in Örebro in February 2025, even though the shooter did not use it. Permits for the rifle were granted to hunters for two years, and around 7,000 hunters managed to acquire it. The Tidö representatives justify the measures preventively: “It should also be noted that the AR-15 has gained a certain status in a subculture around mass shootings in other countries – here we want to act preventively.” The weapons handed in will be sent to Ukraine.
Social Democrats' justice policy spokesperson Teresa Carvalho criticizes the decision: “This means the government is breaking its promise to ban the semi-automatic military-like AR-15 weapon after the Örebro mass shooting. They have given in to the SD and a small aggressive gun lobby. It is extremely weak.”
