Definition Of Arms, Ammunition, Firearms

1. Arms

Definition:
As per Section 2(c) of the Arms Act, 1959, “arms” refers to articles of any description designed or adapted as weapons for offence or defence. It includes:

• Firearms,
• Sharp-edged and other deadly weapons,
• Weapons used for striking or cutting,
• Parts and machinery for manufacturing arms.

Exclusions:
The Act expressly excludes:

• Articles designed solely for domestic or agricultural use (for example, walking sticks, lathis),
• Weapons incapable of being used as real arms or incapable of being converted to serviceable weapons.

Example:
A sword, a revolver, and even a machine used to make those weapons fall under ‘arms,’ but a kitchen knife or a toy gun does not.

2. Ammunition

Definition:
Section 2(b) of the Act provides a broad and inclusive definition of “ammunition.” It covers:

• Ammunition for any firearm,
• Rockets, bombs, grenades, shells, and other missiles,
• Articles designed for torpedo service and submarine mining,
• Articles containing (or designed/adapted to contain) explosive, fulminating, or fissionable material, as well as noxious liquid or gas,
• Fuses, friction tubes, and other explosives used in firearms,
• Machinery and parts for manufacturing ammunition.

The definition is flexible and allows the Central Government to notify additional items as ammunition according to changing technology and security needs.

Example:
A bullet, a hand grenade, or the explosive charge for a firearm are all classified as ammunition. Even a missile or a torpedo meant for military use fits this category.

3. Firearms

Definition:
Section 2(e) defines “firearms” as arms designed or adapted to discharge a projectile or projectiles of any kind through the action of explosives or other forms of energy. It expressly includes:

• Artillery,
• Hand grenades,
• Riot pistols,
• Any weapon designed to discharge noxious liquids or gases,
• Accessories for reducing sound (like silencers) or flash,
• Machinery and parts for manufacturing firearms,
• Devices for moving or carrying firearms.

Key Points:

• The definition covers everything from military artillery to pistols and rifles.
• Firearms are a subset of arms, but all are regulated with strict licensing and penalties for violations.

Example:
A handgun, a shotgun, a rifle, or even a weapon designed to spray tear gas can be considered a firearm under this law.

Summary Table

Term	Section & Definition	Key Inclusions	Not Included/Examples
Arms	Section 2(c): Weapons for offence or defence, incl. machinery for manufacturing arms	Firearms, swords, daggers, deadly weapons, manufacturing tools	Lathi, walking stick, toys
Ammunition	Section 2(b): Ammunition for any firearm, incl. explosives & machinery for making ammo	Bullets, grenades, shells, fuses, torpedoes, missiles	Stones, blank shells (not explosive)
Firearms	Section 2(e): Arms that discharge projectiles by explosion/energy	Guns, pistols, rifles, artillery, riot pistols, silencers	Bows, spears, non-explosive projectors

Conclusion

The Arms Act provides clear, expansive definitions for these terms to cover all possible offensive and defensive weapons, including their parts and related manufacturing equipment. The aim is to ensure stringent legal control over all aspects of weapons, ammunition, and their use to uphold public safety and national security