Imitation gun shop opens despite concerns

A shop selling realistic imitation guns ranging from assault rifles to pistols has opened in Co Wicklow despite local concerns about the growing levels of gun crime.

Go Tactical in Bray started trading this week with customers able to buy a range of weaponry and hardware for use in the sport "airsoft".

Similar to paintballing, it involves opponents dressing in camouflage gear and firing 6mm plastic pellets at each other from special guns which are detailed replicas of the real thing.

Owner Peter Sharpe, 30, said business is already brisk, but politicians have expressed concerns.

Co Wicklow Fianna Fáil TD Joe Behan said he would be calling on Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to tighten the law surrounding the opening of such outlets.

"It is something that local residents have very deep concern about," he said.

"I accept that the owner is trying to operate a commercial enterprise.

"I would accept that he has no mal-intentions and I would accept that these are replica weapons, but I would share the concerns of residents.

"The reality is that while they themselves are not firearms, somebody can use one to go into a bank or a post office or a house and effectively it would give the impression that they are carrying a firearm."

Bray Sinn Féin councillor John Brady said there was grave concern in the local area over the new gun shop.

"Gun crime has risen dramatically in all parts of the state. There are some serious consequences here," he said.

"I've listened in great detail to the owner of the shop and he does seem to be running a very professional outfit there. But having said that, someone could walk in off the street there with very bad intentions and purchase one of these."

Under Irish law, it is legal to sell such weapons and Mr Sharpe said only those aged 18 or older will be able to buy in the store.

Since its opening on the Upper Dargle Road on Tuesday business has been good, with the owner saying customers were airsoft enthusiasts.

Mr Sharpe said there has been no adverse reaction from the local community and he plans to officially open the shop next Sunday with a range of military vehicles on show, including gun-trucks.

"Business has been good. A lot of the rifles have been popular," he said.

The sport is regarded as harmless fun by its proponents who claim players suffer less pain if shot than in paintballing.

According to the Irish Airsoft Association (IAA) website it is becoming more popular, but with that growth comes responsibility.

"It is imperative that these devices are handled responsibly and stored, transported and used in such a manner as not to cause alarm to anyone else who may see them."