Handling a Gun on Shabbos?

Ask the Rov: I’m on the shul’s security committee. Can I show off my gun’s features to a friend on Shabbos?

By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

Utensils are governed by varying rules of muktza depending on their designated usage. A utensil primarily used for Shabbos-permitted activities (melachto l’heter) may be handled even to protect the utensil itself (l’tzorech atzmo). Utensils with a primary usage that is prohibited on Shabbos (melachto l’isur) may not be handled for their own sake, but may be used for a permitted usage (l’tzorech gufo) or to enable using its place (l’tzorech mekomo).¹

Contemporary poskim debate a gun’s muktza status due to its purpose of wounding/killing. Some posit it is considered a kli shemelachto l’heter as its primary purpose is protection — i.e., to scare off perpetrators and protect from life-threatening situations.² (This is especially so if the owner designates the gun exclusively for this purpose.³) It would also not qualify as muktza machmas chisaron kis (expensive items not used for other purposes) since the Alter Rebbe only applies it to utensils with Shabbos-prohibited usage.⁴

Other poskim argue that a gun is still categorized as a kli shemelachto l’isur due to its usage that is essentially Shabbos prohibited, albeit permitted when used for saving lives. This is akin to scissors, which are primarily used for a Shabbos-prohibited melacha, but may be used for a permissible purpose like cutting open a food wrapper.⁵

Even according to this more stringent view, a gun may be handled for security purposes even lacking immediate pikuach nefesh. In addition, some contend that a gun to protect Yidden throughout the day may be handled like a milah knife for a mohel who has additional brissim that day.⁶ What wouldn’t be allowed is handling or moving the gun for reasons that don’t involve security. Additionally, when the gun is not in active use, or is a specialty model, it may be considered muktza machmas chisaron kis which may not be handled.⁷

While some contend that an unloaded gun or bullets are considered a “broken” vessel which is muktza, contemporary poskim rule that since their normal function is to be assembled and disassembled, they are not considered “broken.” Moreover, an unloaded gun can serve as a deterrent.⁸

Carrying a gun outside where there is no eruv is a separate discussion, see issue 747.

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From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash