Why an amnesty for replica weapons when they aren't illegal in the first place?

Question

Unless I am mistaken, possessing a replica firearms is NOT an offence in the UK, although possessing one in a public place is.

Am I wrong? If not, what is the amnesty all about? How can there be an amnesty for something that isn't illegal?

Answer 1

At the moment in the UK, It is legal to keep a replica handgun in the home, however if carried outside you may be committing an offence.

Answer 2

Hi Ron



I think the police are hhaving a problem with replica weapons which have originally been real weapons deconstructed.

By that I mean that many of them have simply had small alterations like the firing pins removed, etc etc.



They are fearfull that these weapons are identical to the original thing and in the heat of the moment cannot be distinguished from one.



The police can ill afford any more mistaken killings and I suppose they hope that an amnesty will remove many of these weapons from circulation with no questions asked.

Answer 3

I think Ron is asking whether replica guns are illegal or not. Because there is an amnesty, I reckon they must be illegal Ron.

Answer 4

I think Stepehen H has said it well.



They are potentially dangerous in several ways.....used to scare an unwitting victim , or the creation of a "deconstructed weapons market " on the back of an illegal firearms market.

Answer 5

Some Muppet some where actually believes that taking away replica guns will discourage from the real thing! ludicrous

Answer 6

If it not illegal, why is illegal to have one in a public place, I suppose that if you were shopkeeper, and person produced one, you would know it was replica. your too clever for this site. I thought the Essex birds were dumb

Answer 7

Because they are very easy to turn into real firearms,

and why does anyone need to collect a toy gun anyway,

Answer 8

they still kill.