I FULLY understand the call for the banning of replica firearms, especially after the conviction of the man who had been found to be converting replica Mach 10 sub-machine guns, some of which have known to have been used in a number of murders.
But I do not support a total ban and believe licences should be required for the possession of a replica firearm.
A total ban would destroy the battlefield re-enactment groups which are very popular here in the United Kingdom.
I have been to
several of these events and have always found them to be fun, entertaining and educational, teaching people of the history of this country and of the American Civil War and Roman Empire, as well as a few others.
This business brings millions of pounds into the economy, not only at the events that are held all over the country but also into the many companies that provide the armour, uniforms and weapons for these organisations.
Most battlefield re-enactors will say that they do not glorify war but are simply trying to bring history to life. Many events also show camp life and the soldiers with their women and children.
Tens of thousands of people are kept in work by battlefield re-enactments in the companies that make their equipment and in the shops that sell them. Should there be a total ban on replica firearms many of these would lose their jobs. Also, thousands more people would give up a hobby that they love and have spent large amounts of money on.
If there is a total ban of replica firearms the only battlefield re-enactments that will be able to take place will be medieval, Darks Ages and ancient.
Organisations such as the Sealed Knot and the English Civil War Society and others who re-enact battles of the American civil wars, the world wars and Napoleonic wars would be finished and I believe most people would think that would be a great pity.
ALAN MOORE
Sudbury
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