Moscow, Jul 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti): A group of Russian senators have presented a report to the Federation Council for reforming the law on weapons and suggested legalising possession of short-stemmed arms for self-defence and other lawful purposes.

The bill on legalising handguns would be submitted to the State Duma for consideration "only when there will be an understanding that "it's complete", said Alexander Torshin, the report's author and first vice-speaker in the Federation Council.

According to the senators' initiative, Russian citizens over 23 years old, who do not have outstanding convictions, mental diseases or drug addiction, will be allowed to buy firearms for self-defence after passing a special training test on using arms.

The bill's supporters said that it could help to reduce crime rates, since the potential criminals would be aware that their victim could have a gun.

Torshin called the handguns' legalisation as one of the most efficient means of self-defence when
"the state is unable to ensure the safety of life, health and property".

The authors of the report also stated that Russia's GDP will grow by one trillion rubles ($33 billion) within five years if the law is adopted "due to the development of the arms and bullet industries, as well as service companies".

The Russian Interior Ministry, as well as presidential administration, are against the proposal, Troshin said, citing their official responses.