BURY'S MPs have defended the right of shooting enthusiasts to own guns.

They were among Tory members who voted against a total ban on handguns during a crucial Commons vote this week. Both Alistair Burt and David Sumberg bemoaned the massacre at Dunblane, but said this had nothing to do with sportsmen. Monday night's vote gave the Government a comfortable 306-281 victory over an amendment to ban all handguns.

But while it outlaws 80 per cent of handguns, the smaller calibre .22 pistols favoured by target shooters escape the prohibition.

The rejection of a total handgun ban outraged many but was welcomed particularly by those involved in gun clubs.

Mr Burt said he supported the Government's policy of restricting guns in private ownership.

"The tragedy of Dunblane could not be ignored nor could the fact that the killer held guns lawfully and was a legally registered gun owner," said the MP for Bury North.

"However, it is quite wrong for some to imply that all who enjoy shooting as a hobby are in some way strange or dangerous.

"They are not, and I know a number in Bury who are good friends."

Mr Burt added: "I hope this difficult policy will have found the right balance between making the public safer while not completely destroying shooting as a legitimate recreation."

Bury South MP David Sumberg said it was a terribly difficult decision to reach.

"I do see both sides of the argument and I understand the need, following the tragedy of Dunblane, to take action and to try as best we can to prevent this from happening again.

"But we can never totally prevent it - it is something beyond the power of human beings."

The MP said the Government had made significant progress in clamping down on handguns following the tragedy, considering the Cullen Report into Dunblane did not recommend a ban.

Commenting on the lobby put forward by shooting enthusiasts and clubs, he added: "I do have sympathy with those involved in the sport who have committed no crime and who find their sport badly damaged."

The legislation will go to the House of Lords and the Government want it to become law by the end of the year.

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