Readily Convertible Firearms
The rise of readily convertible firearms—guns that can be easily modified from non-lethal forms such as blank-firing, deactivated, or airsoft guns into fully operational firearms—has presented new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Taylor & Co specialises in the identification, classification, and forensic analysis of these weapons, providing expert consultation and forensic support for complex investigations.
WHAT ARE READILY CONVERTIBLE FIREARMS?
Readily convertible firearms refer to weapons that are designed or manufactured in a way that allows them to be easily converted into functional firearms. These conversions often involve minimal modifications, making it easier for criminals to bypass regulations and acquire working firearms from otherwise legal or semi-legal products.
Examples include:
- Blank-firing guns: Firearms originally designed to shoot blank cartridges but can be modified to fire live ammunition.
- Deactivated firearms: Guns that have been rendered non-operational but can be reactivated with the right technical skills.
- Airsoft and replica guns: Imitation firearms that can be converted into operational firearms with certain modifications.