Modified Shotguns in Turkey from 2006 to 2008 |
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| Authors: | Aylin Yalç&#;n Sar&#;bey MSc ; Abigail Grace Hannam MSc ; and Çelik Tar&#;mc&#; PhD |
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| Institution: | Department of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, Tandoğan 06100, Turkey.;
Firearms Department, Forensic Science Service, 109 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LP, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: This study investigates the legal status of modified shotguns in Turkey by examining the cases submitted to the Aydın Regional Criminal Laboratory between January 2006 and August 2008. A total of 351 shotguns used in crimes were examined. These guns were evaluated in respect of their type, size, caliber, fitness for use, and legal classification. Eleven percent of these shotguns had been modified and it was found that 55% of the modified shotguns were classified according to law 6136 and qualified as a pistol and 45% were classified according to law 2521 and qualified as nonstandard shotguns. Within the Turkish criminal justice system, a nonstandard shotgun attracts a less stringent sentence than a pistol. It would therefore appear that this sentencing structure is considered when modifying shotguns in Turkey. This is clearly a loop-hole in the legislation that could perhaps be investigated and closed. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science ballistics shotgun modified sawn off barrel |
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