Figures obtained by the 'Journal' under Freedom of Information legislation reveal that 403 firearms certificates were granted in the Foyle District Command Unit area in the last year. More than 130 of the licences were granted for handguns.

The figures also reveal that 93 of the licences granted were issued for the first time while the remaining 308 were re-issued to existing licence holders. Single and double barrelled shotguns account for the majority of the licences granted in the Derry area.

The firearms certificates cover all types of weapons from those used in paintball games to shotguns to high powered semi-automatic rifles.
Many of the firearms certificates were granted to people who have more one gun, with one licence holder having 52 weapons.

The PSNI figures also reveal that 132 of the firearms listed are handguns, ranging from antique revolvers to semi-automatic 9mm Glock, Walther, and Browning pistols.

One local collector also has a .44 Magnum Smith and Weston revolver which was once described as the most powerful handgun in the world and was made famous by Clint Eastwood in the 'Dirty Harry' films.
A number of historic firearms are also listed in the figures, including one local collector who has eight 'Brown Bess' muskets and three cannons of unknown calibre.