Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015
From Replica to Real An Introduction to Firearms Conversions
Introduction models are more appealing because report the problem most frequently, of their design, the materials used converted weapons appear in many While national firearms regulations in their construction, and the ease countries, including most recently often restrict the types of firearms with which it is possible to circum- in several African countries. civilians may legally own, such regu- vent the barriers that manufacturers lations do not necessarily eliminate put in place to prevent conversion. The Issue Brief begins with a brief demand. Prohibitions on handguns Demand for converted firearms is discussion on terminology. Since ‘con- in particular have led some parties to influenced by: the ease of access version’ is used in several contexts in devise new means to acquire these or to conventional firearms; legal re- relation to firearms, there is a need to comparable firearms. One common strictions; the high cost of pistols; clarify the term. The Brief then dis- method involves mechanically altering and the fact that replicas are un- cusses several types of replica firearms an accessible replica firearm to func- traceable, which appeals to criminal used in conversions and explains their tion in a similar way as a restricted elements. unique features. firearm. This process is generally Globally, law-enforcement agencies The Issue Brief presents data on the known as a firearms conversion, and frequently confiscate large num- global proliferation of converted fire- has been observed worldwide. bers of replica firearms and often arms, but in view of the challenges in This Issue Brief offers an overview express concern about their possi- compiling such data, it presents infor- of illicit firearms conversion. Firearms ble conversion. mation on actual conversions and sei- conversion poses a challenge to cur- Firearms conversion is a global zures of replicas, in which concerns rent efforts to control small arms as it practice. While European nations about their potential conversion were enables individuals to manufacture a functioning firearm, unfettered by government regulations. Firearms conversion is also a product of the same control efforts in that the more difficult it is to obtain real weapons, the greater the appeal of a converted firearm. To combat the proliferation of converted firearms therefore calls for an understanding of why and how such weapons are produced. Significant findings in this Issue Brief include the following:
Blank-firing handguns are the most commonly converted replicas worldwide, but many other types of replica firearms are also highly convertible.
Although conversion is possible A man attempting to assassinate Bulgarian politician Ahmed Dogan, using a gas pistol, which failed to fire, Sofia, for most replica firearms, certain Bulgaria, January 2013. © BTVnews/AP Photo
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 1 mentioned. National records, open 2. The reactivation of a deactivated Weapons most suited for source searches, and interviews with firearm is occasionally referred law-enforcement agencies provided to as a conversion. A deactivated conversion the data presented in this section. firearm is a genuine firearm which While skilled artisans can convert a Finally, the Issue Brief examines the has been rendered inoperable (i.e. variety of objects to fire live ammuni- motivations for conversion as well as incapable of expelling a projectile). tion, replica firearms (and specifically the impact of current small arms con- This form of conversion involves blank-firing firearms) are attractive trol efforts on shaping that demand. reversing the deactivation process options. This section discusses the to enable the item to once again types of replica firearms that are most The concept of conversion fire a projectile. According to the frequently converted. Firearms Protocol, ‘[a]ll essential There is no common definition of the parts of a deactivated firearm are Blank-firing firearms term ‘converted firearm’. Policy- to be rendered permanently in- Blank-firing firearms, also known as makers, law-enforcement officers, and operable’ (UNGA, 2001, art. 9(a)). alarm guns, starter pistols, or gas firearm enthusiasts may use the term In practice, however, states adopt guns, are typically noise- and flash- to describe different types of firearm deactivation requirements of producing replicas of real firearms alterations—some legal, others not. varying rigour, which in many (Ferguson and Williams, 2014, p. 3). A firearms enthusiast, for instance, cases knowledgeable individuals Blank-firing firearms have multiple might use the term ‘conversion’ to can overcome. legitimate uses, including military describe the process of replacing key 3. A semi-automatic firearm modi- training, hunting-dog training, private components of a firearm with new fied to have fully automatic collection, use in sporting events, self- parts (such as the barrel or buttstock) (select-fire) firing capacity is the defence, and as film props. Most mimic or new accessories, potentially alter- third alteration occasionally re- the actions of genuine firearms. These ing the performance of the original ferred to as a conversion.2 This actions include the movement of a fir- firearm. Depending on the country, category differs from the others as ing pin so that it strikes the primer on many such alterations are legal. it involves alterations to an item a blank ammunition cartridge, some- Firearms experts with a law- that, even without the conversion, times (in the case of some blank-firing enforcement role, on the other hand, functions as a firearm. Yet, as with pistols) expelling the spent cartridge focus on modifications that produce the two other types of conversion, case and reloading a new cartridge in illicit firearms. In 2014, the Small Arms the item’s function is transformed. the chamber. The result is an action Survey conducted a survey among While many states permit civil- and a sound similar to those produced firearms experts from nine countries.1 ians to own semi-automatic fire- by a real firearm, but no projectile is They each recognized at least one arms, they almost always prohibit expelled. —and sometimes two or three— civilian possession of fully auto- Blank-firing firearms, as the name distinct type of mechanical alteration matic firearms (Parker, 2011, pp. suggests, fire blank ammunition as fitting their definition of (illicit) 269–73). In this type of conversion, rounds. These rounds produce noise conversion. Three general categories the approved mode of fire of an and a flash, though some contain irri- of alterations emerged: approved, legally registered fire- tant agents (Ferguson and Williams, arm is modified. 1. The alteration of a replica firearm 2014, p. 5; EC, 2010, 2.6).3 The cartridges to fire live ammunition was the Each of these types of conversion alters are generally shorter than bulleted most commonly recognized form the capability of the pre-converted cartridges and come in two designs: of conversion. Again, definitions item (i.e. the replica, deactivated, or a crimped brass case or a flat-nosed vary by country, but in general a semi-automatic firearm), thereby poten- cartridge sealed with a coloured plastic replica firearm is ‘a device that is tially changing the weapon’s legal cap. Common calibres include 8 mm not a real firearm, but that was status. Each method also presents or 9 mm PAK (Pistole Automatische designed to look exactly or almost challenges to small arms control ef- Knall), and .380 or 9 mm RK (Revolver exactly like a real firearm’ (RCMP, forts. This Issue Brief focuses on the Knall), although calibres not identical 2013). Replica firearms include conversion of replica firearms (particu- to bulleted ammunition also exist blank-firing firearms, air guns, or larly blank-firing firearms) to fire live (Ferguson and Williams, 2014, p. 5; even toy guns. The conversion ammunition. It is important, however, Hannam, 2010, p. 757).4 changes the nature of the device to recognize that other forms of con- Regulations on blank-firing fire- so that it functions as—and meets version exist and have implications arms vary, but are generally signifi- the definition of—a real firearm. for national control efforts. cantly less stringent than those applied
2 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015 to standard firearms. There are, how- live ammunition (in particular, the Box 1 Modifying ammunition ever, a few countries that treat blank- material used for pressure-bearing 8 firing firearms in the same way as components and barrel blockages), Standard bulleted ammunition does not typi- real firearms. These countries may, making some blank-firing firearms cally fit blank-firing handguns given their for example, require citizens to obtain much better conversion options than smaller chamber. These weapons therefore licences, undergo criminal background others (see Table 1). require specific types of ammunition or altera- checks, and register the blank-firing tions to industrially manufactured rounds 5 before they can fire live ammunition. Traumatic firearm with the relevant authorities. Converting blank-firing firearms More often, countries have few if any cartridges (blank ammunition rounds fitted regulations concerning blank-firing Converting a blank-firing firearm es- with rubber projectiles) can, in some cases, fit without modification (Ferguson, 2014). firearms. Some impose minimum-age sentially involves removing the barri- Another option is to modify bulleted or requirements on their purchase, but ers to normal firearm functionality blank ammunition. Certain blank calibres, such many require no licensing of the per- put in place by manufacturers. While as the .22 blank and 9 mm PAK, are similar in almost any blank-firing firearm is po- son or registration of the blank-firing size to various standard ammunition calibres firearm. tentially convertible, certain models (.22 mm Long Rifle and 9 mm Luger). The latter Manufacturers of blank-firing fire- have features that make them more can therefore sometimes fit a blank-firing fire arms typically add features to prevent attractive as potential ‘converts’. While arm’s chamber if the bullet is pushed deeper their product from firing live ammu- there are plainly considerations such into the cartridge.9 nition (Hales, 2006, p. 7). These vary as availability and cost, three design Blank ammunition can also be fitted with by manufacturer, but there are several features appear particularly influential a projectile. The modification can involve common features. Most manufacturers in determining how readily a blank- cutting into the crimped end of the cartridge, inserting a projectile and resealing the case, place an obstruction in the barrel to firing firearm can be converted or a projectile can be pressed into the plastic prevent a solid object from escaping. (Ferguson and Williams, 2014, p. 6). cover of certain blank cartridges (Ferguson, They may also incorporate vents at The first consideration is the direc- 2014; Saribey and Tarimci, 2009, p. 624). These tion in which the blank-firing firearm the top or sides of the barrel. These rounds, however, will not have the same force vents disperse the energy that results expels the gas pressure created from as standard ammunition, given the blank from firing a cartridge in directions a fired cartridge. Front-venting blank- cartridges’ reduced propellant and the often other than the front of the barrel. Some firing firearms lend themselves more imperfect fit of make-shift projectiles in the national regulations require that blank- readily to conversion. Whereas top- barrels.10 Nevertheless, ballistics tests show firing firearms vent at a 90° angle to and side-venting blank-firing firearms that a .22 calibre blank round can propel a the bore (Ferguson and Williams, 2014, require changes to the barrel to direct projectile with more than enough force to kill p. 5). This prevents the discharge of a the projectile’s (bullet’s) energy for- a person (Lee and Meng, 2011, p. 25). projectile, and significantly reduces ward and permit its exit, front-venting Sources: Ferguson (n.d.; 2014); Lee and Meng (2011); Saribey and Tarimci (2009) muzzle blast.6 The chamber might also barrels automatically direct the pres- be smaller in order not to accommo- sure to the end of the barrel, just as date standard calibres. This prevents with a real firearm. vary significantly in quality (Hannam, the use of the most common bulleted- Second, the ammunition that the 2010, p. 757). All are considered to be ammunition calibres without alteration blank-firing firearm can chamber is an less reliable than real firearms and of the ammunition.7 important factor. Many blank-firing potentially unsafe. In fact, self-injury The manufacturers of blank-firing pistols have shorter chambers, as to users is common. The more sophis- firearms often also use inferior or blank cartridges are shorter than car- ticated conversions (e.g. those that in- weaker materials in the production of tridges fitted with a projectile. clude rifling the inside of the barrel) key pressure-bearing components. This Bulleted cartridges are not perfect fits are performed on blank-firing hand- is possible because blank cartridges in blank-firing firearms, but can often guns constructed with harder metals. typically contain significantly less be manipulated to work (see Box 1). Those converted with weaker materials propellant than a bulleted-ammunition Finally, blank-firing firearms con- may survive only a few firings, if that.11 round, resulting in less pressure when structed with harder metals (such as fired. Firing higher-power cartridges zinc alloy, steel, or gunmetal), espe- Trauma guns can damage or destroy these compo- cially at key pressure-bearing points, nents (Lee, 2011, p. 19). The person are sought because they improve safety Certain less-lethal firearms are also firing the weapon is also at risk of and performance (Hales, 2006, p. 39). prime candidates for illegal conversion. injury. Manufacturers apply barriers The converted blank-firing firearms Trauma guns—sometimes referred to of varying intensity to the firing of observed by law-enforcement officials as ‘traumatic firearms’—are kinetic-
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 3 Table 1 Select blank-firing weapons, listed by manufacturer
Manufacturer Model Based on Calibre Venting Materials Conducive to Origin conversion?
Atak Zoraki 906 Generic sub-compact 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Turkey pistol
Atak Zoraki 914 Generic compact 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Turkey pistol
Atak Zoraki 917 Glock full-size pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Turkey
Atak Zoraki 925 Generic machine 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Turkey pistol
Atak Zoraki R1 Generic revolver 9 mm PAK/.380 RK/ Front Zinc Yes Turkey 6 mm Flobert Blank/ 4 mm Flobert
Baikal/IzhMech/ IZH-79-8 Makarov PM pistol 8 mm PAK Front Steel Yes Russian Kalashnikov Concern Federation
Baikal/IzhMech/ MP-341 ‘Howdy’ IZH-43 double- 18 x 45T Front Steel Yes Russian Kalashnikov Concern barrelled shotgun Federation
Berkut Streamer Generic compact 9 mm PAK Front Steel Yes Ukraine pistol
Blow F 06 Beretta 92 pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc alloy Yes Turkey
BBM Bruni Police/New Police Walther PPK pistol 8 mm/9 mm PAK Front and top/side Zinc alloy Yes/No Italy
BBM Bruni 38P/ME 38P Walther P38 pistol 8 mm PAK Top/side Zinc alloy No Italy
Cuno Melcher/RUAG ME 1911 Colt 1911 pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc alloy Yes Germany
Ekol/Voltran Dicle Beretta 8000 ‘Cougar’ 9 mm PAK Front Zinc alloy Yes Turkey pistol
Ekol/Voltran ASI Uzi IMI Uzi SMG 9 mm PAK Front Zinc alloy Yes Turkey
Erma-Inter 75P Generic full-size pistol 9 mm PAK Front Steel Yes Ukraine
Gun Toys Brigadier 98 Beretta 951 pistol .315 blank Top/side Zinc alloy No Italy
ISSC M22 Glock full-size pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc alloy Yes Austria
Kimar Derringer Remington Double 6 mm Flobert Blank Top/side Zinc alloy No Italy Derringer
Molot HPE-501 Tokarev TT pistol 9 mm PAK Front Steel Yes Russian Federation
Perfecta El Alamein Walther PPK pistol 8 mm PAK Top/side Zinc alloy No Germany
Perfecta 8000 Generic sub-compact 8 mm PAK Front and top/ Parts in steel Yes/No Germany pistol side
Rohm Vektor CP1 Vektor CP1 pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Germany
Target Technologies Streamer 1014 Generic sub-compact 9 mm PAK/10x22T Front Zinc/polymer Yes Turkey pistol
Taurus LOM-13 Taurus Model 905 9 mm PAK Front Steel Yes Brazil revolver
Tanfoglio Inna Tanfoglio FT9 pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/Steel Yes Italy
Umarex Vektor CP1 Vektor CP1 pistol 9 mm PAK Front Zinc/polymer Yes Germany
Umarex S&W Chief’s Special S&W revolver .380 RK Front Zinc alloy No Germany
Source: Ferguson and Williams (2014, pp. 7–11)
4 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015 energy weapons, designed to make a Although they are often readily Converting airsoft guns blunt or traumatic impact on a target convertible, trauma guns do not appear The conversion problem with airsoft by the firing of a rubber or plastic to be as significant a threat of prolifer- guns relates to the level of detail with projectile (Gobinet, 2011, p. 81). The ation as blank-firing firearms. This is which they replicate the original fire- projectile is not meant to penetrate the primarily explained by the legal classi- arms. Many airsoft guns pair replica skin, but is fired with a muzzle energy fication of and regulations relating to ranging from 30 to 120 joules, depend- trauma guns. Many states categorize upper assemblies and lower receivers ing on the calibre, a force which is none- trauma guns as real firearms as they made to the same dimensions as the theless sufficient to injure or potentially are designed to fire projectiles.12 firearms they replicate. The upper kill a person (Hannam, 2010, p. 757; Because of this, trauma guns are typi- assembly is built with non-firearm Popenker, 2014). Some law-enforcement cally regulated in the same way as fire- components intended to shoot plastic authorities use these weapons in riot- arms and are accordingly less appeal- pellets (Vasquez, 2014). The lower re- control settings, for instance. Some ing to those wishing to carry out an ceivers, however, are often fabricated states, such as the Russian Federation, illegal conversion. to the exact measurement of the origi- also permit civilians to own trauma nal firearm (Vasquez, 2014). These lower receivers have trigger compo- guns for self-defence (Popenker, 2014). Airsoft guns It is important to note that trauma nents that function identically to the guns come in a wide variety of styles Airsoft guns13 are imitation guns that real firearm. In fact, certain lowers have and designs, some of which are repli- fire small plastic pellets using com- been so exact that the US Bureau of cas of real firearms while others look pressed air, gas, or a spring drive. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explo strikingly different. ‘Airsoft’ was originally a brand name, sives (ATF) declared that they were Like blank-firing firearms, trauma but has become synonymous with a actual firearm receivers (Vasquez, 2014). guns are rendered incapable of firing variety of replicas commonly used in Given this design, it is possible to bulleted ammunition, primarily war re-enactments and training convert certain airsoft guns to fire real through the use of obstructions to the (Vasquez, 2014). As airsoft components ammunition by swapping the replica barrel. Barrels in trauma guns are often are not designed to contain the pres- upper assembly with an upper assem- choked or narrowed towards the front, sures generated by a fired cartridge, bly from the original firearm. as opposed to partially blocked as is they are comparatively weak and are In one YouTube video example, the common with blank-firing firearms therefore often manufactured from upper assembly of an airsoft imitation (Popenker, 2014). This means that only light, non-ferrous metals or plastics. Colt 1911 was replaced with the upper ‘easily deformable’ projectiles made Regulations on these weapons vary— assembly of a real Colt 1911. The video of rubber or plastic can be expelled for instance they are outlawed in suggests that the slides on the lower from the barrel; solid projectiles would China, but are deemed toys in many receiver of certain airsoft Colt replicas jam in the bore, resulting in probable countries (Yan, 2014). are compatible with the real Colt 1911 and catastrophic damage to the gun and potentially injuring the user. Some later-model trauma guns have been manufactured with weaker com- ponents in order to further complicate attempts to convert them.
Converting trauma guns Usually, trauma guns are easier to convert to fire bulleted ammunition than are blank-firing firearms. As trauma guns are designed to expel pro- jectiles, all are made to vent towards the front of the barrel. Converting a trauma gun to fire bulleted ammuni- tion often therefore simply requires replacing the barrel, as either a pur- pose-built or custom-manufactured Officers prepare confiscated replica guns for destruction at a police and customs ceremony in Shanghai, part (Popenker, n.d.). China, April 2007. © EyePress/AP Photo
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 5 upper slide and barrel assembly difference is critical to understanding crime scenes were recorded as con- (tamachan691, 2013). While YouTube the scale of the illegal conversion. For verted replicas (Hannam, 2010, p. 758). videos cannot usually be authenticated, instance, in 2012, the World Customs Converted weapons also appear in specialists thought that while the modi- Organization (WCO) received data on other European countries. In Germany, fications were probably not as simple 149,812 weapons seized by reporting for several years, the majority (68.5 per as suggested in this video, the conver- states. Of those weapons, 52 per cent cent in 2012, and 69.6 per cent in 2013) sion was nonetheless possible.14 (78,392 items) were recorded as air- of firearms seized during crimes were Airsoft guns are not traditionally or gas-firing weapons (WCO, 2012, converted blank-firing firearms (Bun considered likely candidates for con- p. 119).16 What percentage of those deskriminalamt, 2012, p. 6; 2013, p. 8). version. The fact that most are con- weapons, if any, were converted is In May 2014, about 40 per cent of all structed with weaker materials does unknown. firearms seized in the Netherlands prohibit the conversion of many Accordingly, the following data is were converted or believed to be slated models. Still, there is evidence that not comprehensive. The data is drawn for conversion.17 This is a marked in- certain models have been converted from open-source reports and inter- crease over the approximate 10 per cent (Vasquez, 2014). The fact that some air- views with firearms experts, customs from 2002 to 2008 (Simone de Vries, soft lower receivers can be converted officers, and law-enforcement officials 2011, pp. 205–06). In Sweden, it is be- by fitting a real firearm’s upper assem- in nine countries. Most are concen- lieved that between 20 and 40 per bly does present a proliferation threat. trated in Europe since there is less in- cent of public shootings are carried Airsoft guns are often sold without formation available for other regions. out with converted pistols.18 The restrictions, and upper receivers can French police recently reported that be purchased in many states without Conversion across Europe 4.5 per cent of all seized firearms being subject to regulations (see Persi were converted replicas, but admitted Paoli, 2015). This could represent one The conversion of replica firearms in that this number was probably low, as means of assembling an unmarked, Europe is problematic. Records of rep- converted replica firearms are often unregistered firearm using a replica lica converted firearms seized during recorded as the weapons they imitate.19 firearm component. arrests or used in crime have appeared In the Russian Federation, con- since the 1990s and 2000s in some verted firearms have been used to The geographical reach of countries. In the United Kingdom, for carry out several high-profile murders. example, converted blank-firing fire- In 2006, the journalist Anna Polit the problem arms have made up a significant kovskaya was shot and killed with a This section presents available data on proportion of the ‘firearms’ used in 6P42-76 teargas pistol converted to the scale of illicit firearm conversion, criminal activities. Converted firearms live-fire and fitted with a silencer, and notwithstanding the difficulty of col- began to appear in UK crime statistics in 2011 the infamous ex-colonel Yuri lecting such data. For example, law- in the mid- to late 1990s, around the Boudanov was gunned down with a enforcement officials frequently mis same time as a 1997 law banning civil- converted IZh-79 pistol, also fitted identify converted replica firearms in ian handgun possession came into with a silencer (Popenker, 2014). These their initial reports. Given the level of force (Hales, 2006, pp. 7, 14). By the early were not the only incidents. While detail of their manufacture and the 2000s (from 2003 to 2008), 21 per cent there was no national data, a police similar feel, replica weapons can easily of firearms recovered by police from official in one Russian city stated that be mistaken for the firearms they were designed to replicate. Such reporting errors become evident when firearms experts perform subsequent analysis on the weapons.15 To date, in many countries police or customs records often inadvertently group replicas and firearms together. A greater data-related challenge relates to ascertaining the status of a weapon. Criminal or border-seizure data rarely indicates if the seized items
were converted or were found in their A 6P42 tear gas pistol, based on a Makarov PM, illegally converted to fire 9 x 18 ‘lethal’ ammunition and normal ‘non-converted’ state. This fitted with a silencer. © Maxim Popenker, 2014
6 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015 every year the authorities confiscate (Vasquez, 2014), although converting and yet the law-enforcement agencies 30 to 50 illegally converted weapons, replicas to real firearms is not believed frequently confiscate converted fire- though only about 30 per cent of them to be a large problem. This is likely to arms (Lee and Meng, 2011, p. 19). No had been used in violent crimes be because real firearms are so readily data has been found as to the number (Popenker, 2014, p. 1). available in the country that there are of seizures, but criminals in Taiwan In total, at least 19 European states simply better options than conversions. have used converted replica firearms have reported confiscating converted There are few reports from Central as replacements for real weapons (Lee blank-firing firearms. In addition to and South America, and interviews and Meng, 2012, p. 1102). those mentioned above, a 2013 Euro with regional experts suggest that, India has not reported a conversion pean Commission report adds Belgium, although converted weapons are likely problem, but law-enforcement agencies Bulgaria, Ireland, Finland, Greece, and to be present, they do not appear to be have expressed their concern. Indian Spain to the list of countries finding a major problem, particularly because police and customs agencies have car- converted firearms (EC, 2013, p. 6).20 of the high availability of illicit pur- ried out several large seizures of blank- Additional reports of seized converted pose-built firearms.25 That said, in 2007, firing pistols, most recently in August firearms were made in Bosnia and Peruvian police destroyed 7,771 seized 2014 in which 194 German-manufac Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Italy firearms, of which ‘hundreds’ were con- tured blank pistols were confiscated (Novinite.com, 2011), Kosovo,21 Lithua verted weapons (Obando, n.d., p. 9).26 from the back of a car (India TV, 2014). nia,22 Portugal, the Russian Federation During two seizures in 2013, Indian customs officials confiscated 31 blank- (Popenker, 2014), Serbia (Nonhthka Conversion across Asia Online), and Ukraine (Security Service firing firearms and 5,000 rounds of 9 of Ukraine, 2014). The problem is by There is limited data on firearms mm PAK and expressed concerns that no means confined to Europe, how- conversions from Asia. Nonetheless, they could be modified (Haidar, 2013). ever, since other regions have also en- several countries in the region cited countered converted replica firearms. the criminal use of replica firearms, Conversion across the Middle East thus suggesting the possible presence of converted firearms. Research found and Africa Conversion across the Americas no cases of firearms conversion in The proliferation of converted replicas In the Americas, replica conversions China, although the country has wit- appears to be significant in the Middle are not generally reported in large nessed the increased use of ‘imitation’ East and North Africa, where Turkey numbers although they appear to be a firearms in violent criminal acts, such seems to be central to this phenome- greater problem in Canada. Canadian as armed robberies (Stratfor, 2011). non. Turkey is a major manufacturer government statistics show that in 2012, This coincides with a rise in arrests of blank-firing firearms, with several ‘firearms like’ weapons were recorded for smuggling or illegal ownership of widely sold brands: Atak Zoraki, Ekol/ in almost 23 per cent of violent crimes ‘imitation’ firearms China( Daily, 2014). Voltran, and Blow, and Target Tech in which firearms were used (Cotter, The imitation weapons in question are nologies (Ferguson and Williams, 2014, p. 8). ‘Firearms like’ categories largely air guns, toys, and other un- 2014, pp. 6–8). In the country itself, include blank-firing firearms, airsoft specified replica firearmsChina ( Daily, Turkish police found converted blank- guns, and pellet guns.23 More troubling 2014; Shanghai Daily, 2014). Though the firing firearms in 16 per cent of all was the disproportionally high (54 per reports lack detail, certain replicas are seizures conducted between 2010 and cent) use of ‘firearms like’ weapons in clearly perceived as greater threats 2012 (World Bulletin, 2013). more serious violent offences (termed than others. In a 2014 seizure of over Over the past five years, multiple level-2 assaults) (Cotter, 2014, p. 31). 400 replica firearms in Urumqi, China, large shipments of blank-firing fire- Overall, in Canada it is mainly young police classified more than 100 as real arms have been seized at several bor- offenders who use blank-firing hand- firearms because of their potential to ders, while many more appeared on guns (Consiglio, 2012; Cotter, 2014, p. 21). cause injury (China Daily, 2014). Since the black market (see Table 2). Tens of The Canadian authorities prohibited civilian ownership of replica and real thousands of these weapons were two models they identified as readily firearms is prohibited in China seized in major shipments to Djibouti, convertible, the Turkish-built Zoraki (Areddy, 2008), imitation weapons Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Yemen (see Models 914 and 925 (Solomon, 2011).24 seem to be the most available substi- Table 2). Turkish police also confiscated There have been cases of firearms tute, although there is no evidence that shipments destined for Iran, Somalia, conversion in the United States, includ- conversions are occurring. and Sudan (Zaman, 2013). Authorities ing one involving the use of a con- Taiwan,27 like mainland China, has in Djibouti, Egypt, and Yemen have verted airsoft in a shooting incident extremely strict legislation on firearms, expressed concerns about the potential
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 7 Table 2 Recent seizures of Turkish-made blank-firing and trauma guns in the Middle East and Africa sions are particularly likely to prevail in states that ban—or heavily restrict— Destination or Date Type Number of con- Seized civilian possession of pistols and re- seizure country fiscated firearms volvers, such as the Netherlands and a Yemen March 2011 Blank-firing pistols manufac- 16,000 Dubai the United Kingdom (Simone de Vries, tured by Ucyildiz Arms Ind. (Maker of Voltran and Blow) 2011, p. 214; Hales, 2006, p. 7). Law- enforcement officials from both coun- Djibouti Sept 2012b Blank-firing pistols 22,272 Algeciras, Spain tries have confiscated substantial Yemen 3 Nov 2012 Blank-firing pistols 3,000 Aden quantities of converted blank-firing Yemen 15 Nov 2012 Blank-firing weapons 3,780 to 10,000 Aden firearms (see Table 2). On the other hand, Switzerland and the United Libya 24 Jan 2013c Blank-firing pistols 2,500 Greece States, two countries with much less d Syria Feb 2013 Blank-firing weapons and 50 Akçakale, Turkey restrictive policies on civilian firearm ammunition border gate ownership, have not reported a signifi- e Yemen 6 July 2013 Blank-firing weapons — Al Hudaydah cant demand for converted blank-firing Egypt 17 July 2013f Blank-firing weapons — Undisclosed firearms.29 While further research would be needed to confirm these find- Egypt 15 Dec 2013g Blank-firing weapons 1,500 Port Said manufactured by Zoraki ings, the information gathered for this Issue Brief indicates that the demand Sources: a Seibert (2013); b Latin American Herald Tribune (2012); c UNSC (2014, p. 20); d Hurriyet Daily News (2013a); e Republic of Turkey; f Hurriyet Daily News (2013b); g Aydinlik Daily (2013) for converted firearms is inversely cor- related to the availability of industry- conversion threat posed by the ship- such skills have regular access to real made firearms. ments. Converted (Turkish-made) firearms and handle them frequently, Pricing appears to affect demand. blank-firing firearms shipped from they tend to view the devices they Converted blank-firing firearms, even Turkey have also surfaced in Libyan create as collectibles rather than as after their conversion, typically cost black markets (Jenzen-Jones, 2013). weapons. Such conversions would far less than real pistols and revolvers. Given the widespread proliferation of nonetheless be considered illegal in In Turkey, for instance, an unconverted weapons in the Middle East, East many countries. blank-firing pistol costs just 10 per cent Africa, and North Africa, it is not sur- A significant threat to proliferation of the price of a ‘real’ pistol (Saribey prising that these converted weapons is posed by those who wish to use con- and Tarimci, 2009, p. 626). This price are making their way to neighbouring verted firearms in place of real hand- differential is reflected elsewhere. On countries. Converted Turkish-made guns. People purchase converted fire- the Libyan black market, the price of blank-firing firearms have also been arms to use as concealable weapons a normal handgun is LYD 2,000–5,000 seen in Kenya, Lebanon, and Somalia for self-defence, but also for criminal (USD 1,600–4,100), whereas a converted (Gumbihi, 2014; Slemrod, 2012; UNSC, purposes (Jenzen-Jones, 2013). For in- blank-firing firearm is sold for LYD 150 2013). stance, it is reported that Libyan women (about USD 125) (UNSC, 2014, p. 18). frequently purchase converted pistols In the Netherlands, the converted (along with other low-cost firearms op- Tanfoglio Model GT 28 alarm gun Why convert weapons? tions) for personal protection (Galtier, reportedly sold for around EUR 100 Given the criminal nature of the modi- 2014). Although these weapons are less (USD 136) in 2010, while in 2008 other fications discussed in this Issue Brief, lethal than purpose-built firearms, converted models cost EUR 300–500 the danger they pose to the user, and their appearance and ability to inflict (USD 410–660), much less than a real their reduced accuracy, power, and life injury are viewed as sufficient disin- firearm (Starink, 2010; Simone de Vries, span, the value of converted replica fire- centives to spending more for real 2011, p. 210). arms may not be immediately apparent. weapons. Whether the weapons are Criminals are also attracted to In essence, a converted replica fire- intended to be used for self-defence blank-firing firearms because they are arm appeals to two groups. The first, or crime, a few key factors appear to untraceable (Simone de Vries, 2011, ‘backyard gunsmiths’, enjoy working influence the decision to choose a p. 211; Hales, 2006, p. 53). Blank-firing on firearms and related devices. converted firearm. firearms are not subject to the same Members of this community appreci- The demand for converted blank- rules, regulations, and practices as ate the challenge of performing a con- firing firearms appears to be directly real firearms. These include marking, version or the novelty of the converted linked to national legislation restricting at the time of both manufacture and device.28 Given that many people with civilian handgun ownership. Conver import, and record-keeping. Without
8 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015 marking and record-keeping, weapons law that defined all ‘gas pistols’ as fire- Conclusion cannot be traced. Converted blank- arms.32 Prior to this, Lithuania, which firing firearms also lack the signature did not regulate these items, was con- While all replica firearms can be con- forensic evidence of real firearms given sidered a source for convertible blank- verted to fire live ammunition, this that most lack rifling in the barrel. firing firearms in Europe (Alderson, occurs most often with blank-firing Rifling serves to etch the bullet as it is 2007). Other states, such as Canada, firearms. Among blank-firing firearms, expelled, creating unique ballistics regulate certain blank-firing firearms certain models are more readily con- marks on the projectile, which an in- they consider more problematic (those vertible than others, because of their vestigator can use to link an expelled susceptible to conversion).33 Many design and the materials used in their bullet or cartridge to a specific firearm. other states do not restrict the acquisi- construction. Conversion of blank- This combination—low price, lack of tion of replicas or blank-firing fire- firing weapons occurs in many coun- traceability, lethal capability, and the arms. This disparity among national tries worldwide. The availability of ability to fire at least a few shots—has laws undermines efforts to combat blank-firing firearms, their low cost, led to certain criminals treating con- unlawful conversion. Proliferation and the relative ease with which verted replicas as disposable weapons.30 trends documented in Western Europe certain models can be converted feed suggest that replicas are purchased, the demand for these weapons, par- Normative aspects and often converted, in countries that ticularly in places where handguns do not regulate replica firearms. They are difficult to acquire because of All law-enforcement officials consulted are then trafficked to countries that legislative restrictions or high prices. for this Issue Brief said that blank-firing have stricter controls.34 Recent seizure trends suggest that the conversions are illegal in their coun- tries. This is in line with international norms. In the UN Firearms Protocol, Box 2 Lithuanian example the conversion of a blank-firing firearm Lithuania provides a unique example of a national effort to prevent firearms conversion. The conver- falls within the definition of ‘illicit sion of alarm weapons was seen as a serious problem in the country. Over several years, the govern- manufacturing’ as it occurs without ment tried several different approaches to control the problem until finally settling on one that ap- government authorization and with- pears to have dramatically shifted the demand for blank and other gas pistols. out proper marking (UNGA, 2001, Before 2011, blank-firing firearms and trauma firearms were popular among criminalsˇ (Ciupala, art. 3(d)). 2014). These devices, in their original state, could be purchased legally by anyone over 18 years of These international instruments do age, without them having to undergo background checks or produce records. From 2000 to 2007, not, however, provide clear guidance Lithuanian police identified the Russian-made Baikal IZH-78-9 as the most frequently converted gas on how states should regulate uncon- pistol. The government consequently banned the weapon in 2007, but the ban did not prevent further conversions. Rather, police noticed other gas pistols taking its place. From 2008 on, most confisca- verted replica firearms, including tions concerned the Olympic ME38 Compact G (Cˇiupala, 2014). blank-firing firearms. The Firearms Lithuania gained a reputation as a source for illegally converted alarm firearms seized in other Protocol, for instance, recognizes items countries (EC, 2013, p. 6). Converted Baikal IZH-79-8s became a popular weapon among UK gang mem- that can be ‘readily converted’ to func- bers. British police were able to trace the weapons back to Lithuania where individuals were purchas- tion as ‘firearms’; but, as noted earlier, ing large numbers of blank-firing firearms, converting them locally, and in some cases, smuggling it fails to define which items meet the them into the UK (Connolly and Cobain, 2007). readily convertible test (UNGA, 2001, In terms of control, Lithuania had already banned the most commonly converted gas weapon, art. 3(a)). Different countries provide only to see it immediately replaced by another alternative. The next attempted control involved qual- ity verifications. Consignments of gas weapons were subject to verification tests when they were different answers to this question. being imported. Inspectors would test the barrel obstructions to ensure no projectile could pass Some countries, such as the United through, that the barrel and frame were permanently connected and impossible to separate, that the Kingdom, regulate the ownership of pressure-bearing components of the firearms were not made of steel, and that standard industrial all replicas and impose stiff penalties produced cartridges could not be chambered.35 This was not seen as an effective control, as manufac- on violations of corresponding laws turers ‘change the construction of the gas (alarm) weapon without changing its name’ (Cˇiupala, 2014). (UK, 2006, s. 31). The UK does, however, Still facing a conversion problem, in March 2011 Lithuania passed a law requiring the registration distinguish between different catego- of all gas weapons and for purchasers to receive a permit beforehand. (This law also applies to low- ries of blank-firing firearms. For in- power firearms with a projectile energy of between 2.5 and 7.5 joules, and to replica antique firearms.) All previously purchased gas firearms had to be registered by January 2014. The law essentially man- stance, front-venting types are defined dates sellers and purchasers to adhere to the same requirements that apply to conventional firearms. as real firearms, whereas side- or top- While it is unclear whether the law has reduced the criminal use of converted firearms, it has dramati- venting are placed in the less stringent cally affected the consumer demand for gas weapons; 90 per cent fewer gas weapons were sold in category of ‘realistic imitation fire- Lithuania in 2012 compared to 2010 (Cˇiupala, 2014). arms’.31 In 2011, Lithuania adopted a
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 9 proliferation of converted blank-firing to present a permit before purchasing 24 Author interview with Murray Smith, firearms could pose a significant threat a blank-firing firearm (author email Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March correspondence with Audrius Čiupala, 2014. to countries in the Middle East and Head of Licensing Division of Public 25 Author email correspondence with Africa. To date, however, multilateral Police Board, Lithuanian Police, 15 April Rodolfo Gamboa, UN Regional Centre for control regimes have ignored the 2014). Peace, Disarmament, and Development problem. 6 Email correspondence with Jonathan in Latin America and the Caribbean Ferguson, 25 August 2014. (UNLIREC), 24 June 2014. 7 Author interview with Murray Smith, 26 Author email correspondence with Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March Rodolfo Gamboa, UNLIREC, 24 June 2014. Abbreviations and acronyms 2014. 27 The United Nations recognized Taiwan ATF United States Bureau of Alcohol, 8 Author interview with Murray Smith, as a province of China in 1971. Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March 28 Interview with François Remue, World EC European Commission 2014. Customs Organization, 5 May 2014. LYD Libyan Dinar 9 Author interview with Murray Smith, 29 Author email correspondence with Swiss PAK Pistole Automatische Knall Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March Federal Police representative, 18 March RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police 2014. 2014; author interview with Europol/ UNGA United Nations General Assembly 10 Author email correspondence with ATF representative, 24 February 2014. UNSC United Nations Security Council small arms researcher Maxim Popenker, 30 Author interview with François Remue, USD United States Dollar 24 June 2014. World Customs Organization, 5 May 2014. WCO World Customs Organization 11 Author interview with Francois Remue, 31 Author email correspondence with World Customs Organization, 5 May 2014. Jonathan Ferguson, 25 August 2014. 12 Author email correspondence with 32 Author email correspondence with Endnotes small arms researcher Maxim Popenker, Audrius Čiupala, Head of Licensing 24 June 2014. Division of Public Police Board, Lithua- 1 Firearms experts interviewed by the Small 13 Airsoft guns are similar to BB guns. nian Police, 17 April 2014. Arms Survey came from Belgium, Canada, 33 Author interview with Murray Smith, Both use spring, air, gas, or CO2 as the France, Germany, Lithuania, the Nether- Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March propulsion to expel small round projec- lands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the 2014. tiles. BB guns generally shoot 4.5 mm United States. 34 For examples, see Simone de Vries (2011) steel or lead BBs, whereas airsoft guns 2 There are three types of semi-to-fully- and Starink (2010). shoot 6 mm plastic ‘BBs’. Airsoft guns automatic conversions: true conversions 35 Email correspondence with Audrius are used in tactical situational training that modify the internal mechanisms of Čiupala, Head of Licensing Division of and games so they are made to have an the firearm to give it true ‘machine gun’ Public Police Board, Lithuanian Police, identical appearance and action to real capability; improvised modifications 17 April 2014. firearms, while shooting a projectile involving the deactivation of the dis with less force than a standard BB gun connector—the component inside a semi- (replicaairguns.com, 2012). automatic rifle that forces the trigger to 14 Author email correspondence with Nic References reset before firing again—at an appropri- Jenzen-Jones, Director, ARES, 24 June 2014. ate time during the firing cycle to enable Alderson, Andrew. 2007. ‘Illegal Gun Epi- 15 Responses to a questionnaire provided continuous firing without the operator demic Traced to Lithuania.’ The Tele- by French Police, 18 April 2014. releasing the trigger; and pseudo-conver- graph. 2 September. sions that allow the operator to manipu- 16 They were categorized as ‘Other Weap-
10 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015 —. 2013. Waffenkriminalität: Bundeslagebild Gumbihi, Hudson. 2014. ‘Somali Man Seized Report Criminalistics. Journal of Forensic 2013. Wiesbaden: Bundeskriminalamt. with Guns in Lunga Lunga.’ Standard Sciences, Vol. 57, No. 4. July, pp. 1102–07.
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 11 Seibert, Thomas. 2013. ‘Turkey Hunts Arms Stratfor. 2011. ‘China Security Memo: Increased United Kingdom (Parliament of the United Smugglers as Shipments Found in Yemen.’ Focus on Imitation Guns.’ 8 September. Kingdom). 2006. Violent Crime Reduction The National. 1 February.
About the Small Arms Survey
The Small Arms Survey serves as the principal international Author: Benjamin King source of public information on all aspects of small arms and Copy-editor: Estelle Jobson and Deborah Eade armed violence, and as a resource centre for governments, Fact-checking: Michael Stinnett policy-makers, researchers, and activists. In addition to Issue Proofreader: Stephanie Huitson Briefs, the Survey distributes its findings through Research Notes, Working Papers, Occasional Papers, Special Reports, Layout: Frank Benno Junghanns ([email protected]) Handbooks, a Book Series, and its annual flagship publication, the Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey The project has an international staff with expertise in security Maison de la Paix 2E studies, political science, international public policy, law, eco- Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2 nomics, development studies, conflict resolution, sociology, CP 136 – 1211 Geneva and criminology, and works closely with a worldwide network Switzerland of researchers and partners. t +41 22 908 5777 The Small Arms Survey is a project of the Graduate Institute f +41 22 732 2738 of International and Development Studies, Geneva. e [email protected] For more information, please visit www.smallarmssurvey.org.
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12 SmallSudan ArmsIssue BriefSurvey Number Issue Brief 6 April Number 2007 10 February 2015