Authors: Grocock, C.¹; McCarthy, R.²; Williams, D.J.³

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 88, Number 4, July 2006 , pp. 402-404(3)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Ball bearing guns are used in the UK for war games, but they have the potential to cause severe injury if used incorrectly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was made for availability of these weapons, the ease of purchase and the potential for tissue damage.

RESULTS: These weapons are widely available on the Internet and are easy to purchase with no security checks. Once fully charged, an electric BB gun is capable of penetrating a cadaveric animal model at distances up to 5 m (1 m = 25 mm penetration, 3 m = 20 mm penetration, 5 m = 15 mm penetration).

CONCLUSIONS: BB guns are not toys and have a significant potential to cause injury.

References: 4 references open in new window

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Keywords: BALL BEARING GUNS; INJURY; AVAILABILITY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588406X98630

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, UK 2: Department of Vascular Surgery, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, UK 3: Department of Vascular Surgery, The Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, UK

Publication date: 2006-07-01

More about this publication?

• The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England is the official journal of the College and is published eight times a year in January, March, April, May, July, September, October and November. The main aim of the journal is to publish high quality, peer-reviewed papers that relate to all branches of surgery.
  
  The Annals also includes letters and comments, a regular technical section, NICE news, controversial topics, CORESS feedback, book reviews and the best trainee presentations from England and Wales. The editorial board is composed of members of the College Council and experts from across the surgical specialties.
  
  Archive issues of the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England are available via the PubMed Central database
  
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