From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Found this in the Sun (euck!) TOY GUNS THAT KILL -By Chris Pharo Shocked cops call for ban Cops have called for a ban on deadly gas-powered guns that are being sold as toys over the Internet. Weapons experts tested one model - and found it capable of blasting lethal missiles through a plastic police target at 20 feet. Yesterday horrified police armourer Dave Cannon warned: "After seeing that, I have absolutely no doubt that this gun has the ability to kill." The Russian made pistol, which does not need a license, can fire 15 solid steel ball-bearings in two seconds. And ball-bearing - or BB - guns can be bought in shops or over the Internet for as little as �40. Anyone over 16 can buy one and kids as young as 14 are allowed to use them if supervised. Dave, 52, of Avon and Somerset Police, had a go of the black weapon - made by arms firm Baikal. He was shocked to see the balls rip holes in the strengthened targets. He said: "People who say these gas-powered guns are harmless would change their minds if they saw what this one did to our targets. One of these ball-bearings would quite easily pierce the temple. It proves beyond doubt the guns are not toys." ALARMS Most BB guns available in the UK fire plastic 6mm bearings. But versions like the Baikal gun have prompted Devon and Cornwall Police to lead calls for a nationwide ban before someone is killed. a spokesman said: "We have been warning for sometime about the dangers of possessing this type of imitation weapon." Chiefs also warn that the realistic- looking models can spark false alarms with deadly results. Last month an inquest heard how rampaging Anthony Kitts, 20, was shot dead by officers who believed his air-powered weapon was a real gun in Falmouth, Cornwall. Regional firearms expert Chief Inspector Brian Schofield said: 2The guns are very realistic and officers can easily mistake them for the real thing. The message is simple - carry one of these on the street and you could well be shot." The Baikal was one of 120 gas-powered guns handed into Avo and Somerset officers in the past year. Over the same period London's Metropolitan police dealt with 913 air gun incidents. Article accompanied by pictue of Dave Cannon solemnly examining a target (side view) with spills (?) indicating holes, looks like Corex or similar which is quite easily penetrated.Also comparison of real pistol with Baikal. Why do I get the impression that ACPO propaganda is surfacing yet again compliments of The Sun (yet again?) And wasn't there a thread about the Falmouth incident under anonimity and the guy with an AIR RIFLE ? Mally -- There has never been a recorded homicide with an air pistol, and I would say that it's even less likely to happen with one of the Baikal CO2 guns as they are less powerful than the average pellet gun. I suppose we can try writing to them but the better idea is to write to your MP and set them straight. Puh-LEASE do so, don't sit there doing nothing. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
