converted replica guns

Question
Dear GCH,

Hello again, its Kate here, the reporter from the UK. I emailed you last week with some questions I had, if you remember?

Firstly let me thank you again for all the information you are providing, I wouldnt have been able to compile my report if it wasnt for you!

I was just wondering, I have a few more questions which I would appreciate if you could answer them for me?

Firstly, regarding blank guns, is there anyway of converting them to fire a projectile which could cause serious injury to someone at a close distance? What I mean is, that the gun doesnt neccessarily fire live rounds, but say the barrel of a blank gun has been drilled out, would it be possible to attach a projectile in front of a blank bullet and use that as a weapon? Also, how easy would it be to drill out a barrel? Could it be done using ordinary home tools? Criminals are not too bothered about accuracy, just as long as the weapon 'works' so am I correct in assuming that this would be possible but the accuracy of such a weapon would be pathetic?

Secondly, regarding blanks guns and blank ammo again, without any alterations done to the firearm, is it possible to seriously injure someone with a blank gun at very close (contact) ranges? I know that blank guns release the gas from the top or the side, say this was pressed against someones abdomen for example, would that cause a serious injury?

Thank you once again, and I loof forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Kate.

Answer
Of course, Kate, anything can be used as a weapon. How serious an injury it will cause is another issue, but people committing robbery, for example, are not using the weapon for killing but only for intimidation, and in that regard even a pellet gun would work.

If you can get hold of literature for a blank-firing gun, you will see that they almost universally have the warning not to point them directly at anyone. From a distance of 4-5 meters they will likely do no harm, but as you get closer even the gas and ejecta can cause injury (though not life-threatening).

The formulation of the powder for blank guns is designed to be loud, not necessarily powerful, so injury would be minimal. With real gunpowder pressure could be enough to do serious damage. I have read a report of suicide in which the decedent, knowing a bit about guns, and not wanting to cause collateral damage, removed the projectile from rifle cartridge, put the muzzle under his chin, and immediately dispatched himself. This was a rifle, and not a pistol, but the point is that, yes, escaping gas, even from a blank-firing gun would do distance at contact distance. How much depends on the powder formulation.

Regarding opening the bore of a blank gun with "ordinary tools": I'm not sure what you Brits consider ordinary tools. The people I keep company with are a bit more self-reliant than most even in my own country, so, yes, we would have hand drills, tap-and-die sets, and reamers, which are all it would take to do what you are are talking about. And if pressed, I'm certain I'd be able to do something like it with nothing but a hand drill and a grinding wheel.

I'm impressed with your level of research, Kate. Reporters in the US do not take time to do it, particularly when it comes for firearms, which causes them to produce stories which undermine their credibility, but which also provide a great deal of comedic entertainment.  Good luck.