Herald reporter Paul Christian gets to grips with an AK-47

A GUN collection has recently been acquired by Waltham Abbey’s Royal Gunpowder Mills, and forms an impressive hands-on exhibition.

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Visitors can handle a real but deactivated AK-47, a rare 1938 Mk1 Bren gun and other firearms at the ‘Farewell to Arms’ section of the expansive site in Beaulieu Drive.

The site has been displaying the comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria for a while, but has now purchased the haul from a private collector.

I was amazed to see so many weapons in one place and eagerly toyed with the collection’s iconic Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle.

Muskets were arrayed on hooks from floor to ceiling and fascinated youngsters were told details of the workings of various other guns.

The exhibition displays over 200 historic firearms covering the periods from the English Civil War to present day conflicts and visitors are encouraged to handle the weapons to learn about how they work.

The exhibition includes most of the weapons produced by the nearby Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, including the Bren gun, .455 and .38 revolvers, Sten guns and rifles.

Helmets, hats, uniforms, badges, leather and webbing equipment, flags, swords, bayonets and spears complete the display.

The collection is also open to be pre- booked by schools, local societies and other groups.