Italians own an estimated 8.6 million guns, but we've never had a single school shooting. Not one. I was born and raised in the United States, then moved to Italy in 2009, when I was in my early 40s.

He looks around, steps closer and says, “How about a gun?” He opens the left side of his jacket. There are four small Italian Berettas pinned there. “How much?” my buddy says “Ten ...

It was one of several surreal scenes Micheli captured in Friendly Fire. The series documents gun ownership in Italy, from western-themed shooting ranges to taxidermy-filled trophy rooms.

Domestically, however, few Italians have owned guns for self defense. But now, analysts say a growing sense of insecurity -- and some of the country's new leaders -- are bringing a shift in Italy ...