Citation

Grocock C, McCarthy R, Williams DJ. Ann. R. Coll. Surg. Engl. 2006; 88(4): 402-404.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Royal College of Surgeons of England)

DOI

10.1308/003588406X98630

PMID

16834864

PMCID

PMC1964641

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.

Language: en