[DemforBush]

I found some info about the permit/licensing process on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Germany#Firearms_ownership_license

Looks they actually have a fair number of gun owners there - 4 million-plus.

[wolf78]

The Wikipedia article gives a good overview. Carry permits are VERY RARE in Germany. As pepsionice stated, professional bodyguards can have one, but that doesn't mean ordinary security personell (at trade shows etc.). Other than that you have to prove that you need a gun for personal protection. Examples might be certain celebrities, political, religious or industry leaders, but also AFAIK also jewellers etc.

Gun ownership is FAR (at least 100 times) more common. Hunting has a long tradition in Germany and Schuetzenvereine (marksmen clubs) are numerous (there are around 15.000) and popular.