Do the Swiss really buy Howitzers and anti-aircraft guns?

Question

I already knew that the Swiss buy and keep firearms very freely, but I just read that, with permits, they can also buy Howitzers, anti-aircraft guns, and other military weapons from their government. (At least, they could in 2001, when this book was published.)

Assuming that's true, why in the world would a private citizen buy a Howitzer or especially an anti-aircraft gun? What can you do with an anti-aircraft gun other than shoot down aircraft? It's not an appropriate hunting weapon, and it's too large to carry for self-defense. The only useful effect of the government offering large military weapons to individuals, that I can see, is that it would be very helpful in discouraging invasion by foreign countries. I know the n***s left Switzerland alone, and at least one reason is obvious.

Answer 1

You really think the n***s left Switzerland alone because the Swiss store their military equipment at home...? To tell you the truth: We were the bankers of the n***s, and who would fight their own bankers? Believe it or not, this was the reason why Switzerland was refused entry to the UN by the Allies of WW2 back in 1948!

As far as buying, storing, using weapons is concerned: Only under certain conditions are you allowed to do so. The Swiss law actually knows much tougher rules then the US law. Sure enough, you can buy an old Howitzer, but they are all set unfunctional.

Freedom in this country has therefore very little to do with owning a gun, a rifle or even an anti-aircraft gun. It's the relative freedom of mind that counts here.