Issue Brief - Small Arms Survey
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Issue Brief
Number 10 February 2015
From Replica to Real
An Introduction to Firearms Conversions
models are more appealing because report the problem most frequently,
Introduction
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
fire a projectile. According to the frequently converted.
The concept of conversion 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
ever, a few countries that treat blank- material used for pressure-bearing Box 1 Modifying ammunition
firing firearms in the same way as components and barrel blockages),8 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
firearm with the relevant authorities.5 before they can fire live ammunition. Traumatic
Converting blank-firing firearms cartridges (blank ammunition rounds fitted
More often, countries have few if any
regulations concerning blank-firing Converting a blank-firing firearm es- with rubber projectiles) can, in some cases,
sentially involves removing the barri- fit without modification (Ferguson, 2014).
firearms. Some impose minimum-age
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
son or registration of the blank-firing almost any blank-firing firearm is po-
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,
firing firearm can be converted inserting a projectile and resealing the case,
place an obstruction in the barrel to
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
the top or sides of the barrel. These tion in which the blank-firing firearm
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-
can damage or destroy these compo- cially at key pressure-bearing points,
Trauma guns
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 3Table 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 2015energy 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
guns for self-defence (Popenker, 2014). lower receivers have trigger compo-
Airsoft guns nents that function identically to the
It is important to note that trauma
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 5upper 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, blank-firing firearms, many of which
considered likely candidates for con- p. 119).16 What percentage of those were converted (Bundeskriminalamt,
version. The fact that most are con- weapons, if any, were converted is 2012, p. 6; 2013, p. 8). In May 2014,
structed with weaker materials does unknown. about 40 per cent of all firearms
prohibit the conversion of many Accordingly, the following data is seized in the Netherlands were con-
models. Still, there is evidence that not comprehensive. The data is drawn verted or believed to be slated for con-
certain models have been converted from open-source reports and inter- version.17 This is a marked increase
(Vasquez, 2014). The fact that some air- views with firearms experts, customs over the approximate 10 per cent from
soft lower receivers can be converted officers, and law-enforcement officials 2002 to 2008 (Simone de Vries, 2011,
by fitting a real firearm’s upper assem- in nine countries. Most are concen- pp. 205–06). In Sweden, it is believed
bly does present a proliferation threat. trated in Europe since there is less in- that between 20 and 40 per cent of
Airsoft guns are often sold without formation available for other regions. public shootings are carried out with
restrictions, and upper receivers can converted pistols.18 The French police
be purchased in many states without recently reported that 4.5 per cent of
Conversion across Europe all seized firearms were converted
being subject to regulations (see Persi
Paoli, 2015). This could represent one The conversion of replica firearms in replicas, but admitted that this num-
means of assembling an unmarked, Europe is problematic. Records of rep- ber was probably low, as converted
unregistered firearm using a replica lica converted firearms seized during replica firearms are often recorded as
firearm component. arrests or used in crime have appeared the weapons they imitate.19
since the 1990s and 2000s in some In the Russian Federation, con-
countries. In the United Kingdom, for verted firearms have been used to
The geographical reach of
example, converted blank-firing fire- carry out several high-profile murders.
the problem arms have made up a significant In 2006, the journalist Anna Polit
This section presents available data on proportion of the ‘firearms’ used in kovskaya was shot and killed with a
the scale of illicit firearm conversion, criminal activities. Converted firearms 6P42-76 teargas pistol converted to
notwithstanding the difficulty of col- began to appear in UK crime statistics live-fire and fitted with a silencer, and
lecting such data. For example, law- in the mid- to late 1990s, around the in 2011 the infamous ex-colonel Yuri
enforcement officials frequently mis same time as a 1997 law banning civil- Boudanov was gunned down with a
identify converted replica firearms in ian handgun possession came into converted IZh-79 pistol, also fitted
their initial reports. Given the level of force (Hales, 2006, pp. 7, 14). By the early with a silencer (Popenker, 2014). These
detail of their manufacture and the 2000s (from 2003 to 2008), 21 per cent were not the only incidents. While
similar feel, replica weapons can easily of firearms recovered by police from there was no national data, a police
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 2015official in one Russian city stated that verted airsoft in a shooting incident Taiwan,27 like mainland China, has
every year the authorities confiscate (Vasquez, 2014), although converting extremely strict legislation on firearms,
30 to 50 illegally converted weapons, replicas to real firearms is not believed and yet the law-enforcement agencies
though only about 30 per cent of them to be a large problem. This is likely to frequently confiscate converted fire-
had been used in violent crimes be because real firearms are so readily arms (Lee and Meng, 2011, p. 19). No
(Popenker, 2014, p. 1). available in the country that there are data has been found as to the number
In total, at least 19 European states simply better options than conversions. of seizures, but criminals in Taiwan
have reported confiscating converted There are few reports from Central have used converted replica firearms
blank-firing firearms. In addition to and South America, and interviews as replacements for real weapons (Lee
those mentioned above, a 2013 Euro with regional experts suggest that, and Meng, 2012, p. 1102).
pean Commission report adds Belgium, although converted weapons are likely India has not reported a conversion
Bulgaria, Ireland, Finland, Greece, and to be present, they do not appear to be problem, but law-enforcement agencies
Spain to the list of countries finding a major problem, particularly because have expressed their concern. Indian
converted firearms (EC, 2013, p. 6).20 of the high availability of illicit pur- police and customs agencies have car-
Additional reports of seized converted pose-built firearms.25 That said, in 2007, ried out several large seizures of blank-
firearms were made in Bosnia and firing pistols, most recently in August
Peruvian police destroyed 7,771 seized
Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Italy 2014 in which 194 German-manufac
firearms, of which ‘hundreds’ were con-
(Novinite.com, 2011), Kosovo,21 Lithua tured blank pistols were confiscated
verted weapons (Obando, n.d., p. 9).26
nia,22 Portugal, the Russian Federation from the back of a car (India TV, 2014).
(Popenker, 2014), Serbia (Nonhthka During two seizures in 2013, Indian
Online), and Ukraine (Security Service Conversion across Asia customs officials confiscated 31 blank-
of Ukraine, 2014). The problem is by firing firearms and 5,000 rounds of 9
There is limited data on firearms
no means confined to Europe, how- mm PAK and expressed concerns that
conversions from Asia. Nonetheless,
ever, since other regions have also en- they could be modified (Haidar, 2013).
several countries in the region cited
countered converted replica firearms.
the criminal use of replica firearms,
thus suggesting the possible presence Conversion across the Middle East
Conversion across the Americas of converted firearms. Research found and Africa
no cases of firearms conversion in
In the Americas, replica conversions The proliferation of converted replicas
China, although the country has wit-
are not generally reported in large appears to be significant in the Middle
nessed the increased use of ‘imitation’
numbers although they appear to be a East and North Africa, where Turkey
firearms in violent criminal acts, such
greater problem in Canada. Canadian seems to be central to this phenome-
as armed robberies (Stratfor, 2011).
government statistics show that in 2012, non. Turkey is a major manufacturer
This coincides with a rise in arrests
‘firearms like’ weapons were recorded of blank-firing firearms, with several
for smuggling or illegal ownership of
in almost 23 per cent of violent crimes widely sold brands: Atak Zoraki, Ekol/
‘imitation’ firearms (China Daily, 2014).
in which firearms were used (Cotter, Voltran, and Blow, and Target Tech
2014, p. 8). ‘Firearms like’ categories The imitation weapons in question are
nologies (Ferguson and Williams,
include blank-firing firearms, airsoft largely air guns, toys, and other un-
2014, pp. 6–8). In the country itself,
guns, and pellet guns.23 More troubling specified replica firearms (China Daily, Turkish police found converted blank-
was the disproportionally high (54 per 2014; Shanghai Daily, 2014). Though the firing firearms in 16 per cent of all
cent) use of ‘firearms like’ weapons in reports lack detail, certain replicas are seizures conducted between 2010 and
more serious violent offences (termed clearly perceived as greater threats 2012 (World Bulletin, 2013).
level-2 assaults) (Cotter, 2014, p. 31). than others. In a 2014 seizure of over Over the past five years, multiple
Overall, in Canada it is mainly young 400 replica firearms in Urumqi, China, large shipments of blank-firing fire-
offenders who use blank-firing hand- police classified more than 100 as real arms have been seized at several bor-
guns (Consiglio, 2012; Cotter, 2014, p. 21). firearms because of their potential to ders, while many more appeared on
The Canadian authorities prohibited cause injury (China Daily, 2014). Since the black market (see Table 2). Tens of
two models they identified as readily civilian ownership of replica and real thousands of these weapons were
convertible, the Turkish-built Zoraki firearms is prohibited in China seized in major shipments to Djibouti,
Models 914 and 925 (Solomon, 2011).24 (Areddy, 2008), imitation weapons Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Yemen (see
There have been cases of firearms seem to be the most available substi- Table 2). Turkish police also confiscated
conversion in the United States, includ- tute, although there is no evidence that shipments destined for Iran, Somalia,
ing one involving the use of a con- conversions are occurring. and Sudan (Zaman, 2013). Authorities
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 7Table 2 Recent seizures of Turkish-made blank-firing and trauma guns in the Middle East and Africa linked to national legislation restricting
civilian handgun ownership. Conver
Destination or Date Type Number of con- Seized sions are particularly likely to prevail
seizure country fiscated firearms
in states that ban—or heavily restrict—
Yemen March 2011a Blank-firing pistols manufac- 16,000 Dubai civilian possession of pistols and re-
tured by Ucyildiz Arms Ind.
(Maker of Voltran and Blow)
volvers, such as the Netherlands and
the United Kingdom (Simone de Vries,
Djibouti Sept 2012b Blank-firing pistols 22,272 Algeciras, Spain
2011, p. 214; Hales, 2006, p. 7). Law-
Yemen 3 Nov 2012 Blank-firing pistols 3,000 Aden enforcement officials from both coun-
Yemen 15 Nov 2012 Blank-firing weapons 3,780 to 10,000 Aden tries have confiscated substantial
quantities of converted blank-firing
Libya 24 Jan 2013c Blank-firing pistols 2,500 Greece
firearms (see Table 2). On the other
Syria Feb 2013d Blank-firing weapons and 50 Akçakale, Turkey hand, Switzerland and the United
ammunition border gate
States, two countries with much less
Yemen 6 July 2013e Blank-firing weapons — Al Hudaydah restrictive policies on civilian firearm
Egypt 17 July 2013f Blank-firing weapons — Undisclosed ownership, have not reported a signifi-
cant demand for converted blank-firing
Egypt 15 Dec 2013g Blank-firing weapons 1,500 Port Said
manufactured by Zoraki firearms.29 While further research
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);
would be needed to confirm these find-
g
Aydinlik Daily (2013) ings, the information gathered for this
Issue Brief indicates that the demand
in Djibouti, Egypt, and Yemen have version or the novelty of the converted for converted firearms is inversely cor-
expressed concerns about the potential device.28 Given that many people with 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,
8 Small Arms Survey Issue Brief Number 10 February 2015at the time of both manufacture and category of ‘realistic imitation fire- are then trafficked to countries that
import, and record-keeping. Without arms’.31 In 2011, Lithuania adopted a have stricter controls.34
marking and record-keeping, weapons law that defined all ‘gas pistols’ as fire-
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-
Conclusion
forensic evidence of real firearms given sidered a source for convertible blank- While all replica firearms can be con-
that most lack rifling in the barrel. firing firearms in Europe (Alderson, verted to fire live ammunition, this
Rifling serves to etch the bullet as it is 2007). Other states, such as Canada, occurs most often with blank-firing
expelled, creating unique ballistics regulate certain blank-firing firearms firearms. Among blank-firing firearms,
marks on the projectile, which an in- they consider more problematic (those certain models are more readily con-
vestigator can use to link an expelled susceptible to conversion).33 Many vertible than others, because of their
bullet or cartridge to a specific firearm. other states do not restrict the acquisi- design and the materials used in their
This combination—low price, lack of tion of replicas or blank-firing fire- construction. Conversion of blank-
traceability, lethal capability, and the arms. This disparity among national firing weapons occurs in many coun-
ability to fire at least a few shots—has laws undermines efforts to combat tries worldwide. The availability of
led to certain criminals treating con- unlawful conversion. Proliferation blank-firing firearms, their low cost,
verted replicas as disposable weapons.30 trends documented in Western Europe and the relative ease with which
suggest that replicas are purchased, certain models can be converted feed
and often converted, in countries that the demand for these weapons, par-
Normative aspects do not regulate replica firearms. They ticularly in places where handguns
All law-enforcement officials consulted
for this Issue Brief said that blank-firing
conversions are illegal in their coun- Box 2 Lithuanian example
tries. This is in line with international
Lithuania provides a unique example of a national effort to prevent firearms conversion. The conver-
norms. In the UN Firearms Protocol,
sion of alarm weapons was seen as a serious problem in the country. Over several years, the govern-
the conversion of a blank-firing firearm
ment tried several different approaches to control the problem until finally settling on one that ap-
falls within the definition of ‘illicit pears to have dramatically shifted the demand for blank and other gas pistols.
manufacturing’ as it occurs without Before 2011, blank-firing firearms and trauma firearms were popular among criminals (Čiupala,
government authorization and with- 2014). These devices, in their original state, could be purchased legally by anyone over 18 years of
out proper marking (UNGA, 2001, age, without them having to undergo background checks or produce records. From 2000 to 2007,
art. 3(d)). Lithuanian police identified the Russian-made Baikal IZH-78-9 as the most frequently converted gas
These international instruments do 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-
not, however, provide clear guidance
tions concerned the Olympic ME38 Compact G (Čiupala, 2014).
on how states should regulate uncon-
Lithuania gained a reputation as a source for illegally converted alarm firearms seized in other
verted replica firearms, including countries (EC, 2013, p. 6). Converted Baikal IZH-79-8s became a popular weapon among UK gang mem-
blank-firing firearms. The Firearms bers. British police were able to trace the weapons back to Lithuania where individuals were purchas-
Protocol, for instance, recognizes items ing large numbers of blank-firing firearms, converting them locally, and in some cases, smuggling
that can be ‘readily converted’ to func- them into the UK (Connolly and Cobain, 2007).
tion as ‘firearms’; but, as noted earlier, In terms of control, Lithuania had already banned the most commonly converted gas weapon,
it fails to define which items meet the 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
readily convertible test (UNGA, 2001,
being imported. Inspectors would test the barrel obstructions to ensure no projectile could pass
art. 3(a)). Different countries provide
through, that the barrel and frame were permanently connected and impossible to separate, that the
different answers to this question. pressure-bearing components of the firearms were not made of steel, and that standard industrial
Some countries, such as the United produced cartridges could not be chambered.35 This was not seen as an effective control, as manufac-
Kingdom, regulate the ownership of turers ‘change the construction of the gas (alarm) weapon without changing its name’ (Čiupala, 2014).
all replicas and impose stiff penalties Still facing a conversion problem, in March 2011 Lithuania passed a law requiring the registration
on violations of corresponding laws of all gas weapons and for purchasers to receive a permit beforehand. (This law also applies to low-
(UK, 2006, s. 31). The UK does, however, 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-
distinguish between different catego-
dates sellers and purchasers to adhere to the same requirements that apply to conventional firearms.
ries of blank-firing firearms. For in-
While it is unclear whether the law has reduced the criminal use of converted firearms, it has dramati-
stance, front-venting types are defined
cally affected the consumer demand for gas weapons; 90 per cent fewer gas weapons were sold in
as real firearms, whereas side- or top- Lithuania in 2012 compared to 2010 (Čiupala, 2014).
venting are placed in the less stringent
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org 9are difficult to acquire because of 4 Author interview with Murray Smith, Division of Public Police Board, Lithua-
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March nian Police, 15 April 2014.
legislative restrictions or high prices.
2014. 23 Author email correspondence with
Recent seizure trends suggest that the 5 For instance, in 2011 the government of StatsCanada, 27 June 2014.
proliferation of converted blank-firing Lithuania passed a law requiring citizens 24 Author interview with Murray Smith,
firearms could pose a significant threat to present a permit before purchasing Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March
a blank-firing firearm (author email 2014.
to countries in the Middle East and
correspondence with Audrius Čiupala, 25 Author email correspondence with
Africa. To date, however, multilateral Head of Licensing Division of Public Rodolfo Gamboa, UN Regional Centre for
control regimes have ignored the Police Board, Lithuanian Police, 15 April Peace, Disarmament, and Development
2014). in Latin America and the Caribbean
problem.
6 Email correspondence with Jonathan (UNLIREC), 24 June 2014.
Ferguson, 25 August 2014. 26 Author email correspondence with
7 Author interview with Murray Smith, Rodolfo Gamboa, UNLIREC, 24 June 2014.
Abbreviations and acronyms Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March 27 The United Nations recognized Taiwan
ATF United States Bureau of Alcohol, 2014. as a province of China in 1971.
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 8 Author interview with Murray Smith, 28 Interview with François Remue, World
EC European Commission Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March Customs Organization, 5 May 2014.
2014. 29 Author email correspondence with Swiss
LYD Libyan Dinar
9 Author interview with Murray Smith, Federal Police representative, 18 March
PAK Pistole Automatische Knall
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March 2014; author interview with Europol/
RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police
2014. ATF representative, 24 February 2014.
UNGA United Nations General Assembly
10 Author email correspondence with 30 Author interview with François Remue,
UNSC United Nations Security Council
small arms researcher Maxim Popenker, World Customs Organization, 5 May 2014.
USD United States Dollar
24 June 2014. 31 Author email correspondence with
WCO World Customs Organization
11 Author interview with Francois Remue, Jonathan Ferguson, 25 August 2014.
World Customs Organization, 5 May 2014. 32 Author email correspondence with
12 Author email correspondence with Audrius Čiupala, Head of Licensing
Endnotes small arms researcher Maxim Popenker, Division of Public Police Board, Lithua-
1 Firearms experts interviewed by the Small 24 June 2014. nian Police, 17 April 2014.
Arms Survey came from Belgium, Canada, 13 Airsoft guns are similar to BB guns. 33 Author interview with Murray Smith,
France, Germany, Lithuania, the Nether- Both use spring, air, gas, or CO2 as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 19 March
lands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the propulsion to expel small round projec- 2014.
United States. tiles. BB guns generally shoot 4.5 mm 34 For examples, see Simone de Vries (2011)
2 There are three types of semi-to-fully- steel or lead BBs, whereas airsoft guns and Starink (2010).
automatic conversions: true conversions shoot 6 mm plastic ‘BBs’. Airsoft guns 35 Email correspondence with Audrius
that modify the internal mechanisms of are used in tactical situational training Čiupala, Head of Licensing Division of
and games so they are made to have an Public Police Board, Lithuanian Police,
the firearm to give it true ‘machine gun’
identical appearance and action to real 17 April 2014.
capability; improvised modifications
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-
automatic rifle that forces the trigger to
(replicaairguns.com, 2012).
14 Author email correspondence with Nic
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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
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Fact-checking: Michael Stinnett
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the Small Arms Survey.
Small Arms Survey
The project has an international staff with expertise in security
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