AFTE Store - An Interesting Improvised Firearm: Harmless Toy or Potentially Lethal Firearm?

The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner Forensic Laboratory in Pittsburgh, PA receives over 1,500 firearms annually for examination. Even with this caseload, homemade firearms are not commonly encountered in this area or submitted to the laboratory. This case report describes an improvised firearm which was seized from an individual in connection with a weapons violation case in Allegheny County. This homemade firearm was constructed by converting a plastic toy gun into a functional weapon capable of discharging 22 caliber ammunition. Modifications were made using metal and polymer parts which could be easily acquired from any hardware store. Though rudimentary in design, the construction showed the maker’s resourcefulness and a familiarity with firearms. Despite its toy-like appearance, the firearm ultimately proved to be capable of discharging a 22 Long Rifle caliber cartridge.