AK-47 The world's most infamous rifle was first introduced in Ireland during the Troubles when it was smuggled in as part of an arms shipment from Libya . Feuding criminal gangs in Limerick now have access to Kalashnikovs and the rifle is regularly smuggled in along with drugs shipments from Holland . Several AK-47s have recently been seized in Dublin, Carlow and Limerick. The gun is not regarded as particularly accurate but its 7.62mm rounds can kill from 300 metres.

Magnum .357 The Magnum revolver was immortalised in the Dirty Harry films and a single bullet from a Magnum can instantly kill a person from 50 metres. A .357 Magnum was used to murder crime journalist Veronica Guerin in 1996. In 1999, gardai discovered that Magnums were being imported into Galway via the United States postal system.

Heckler and Koch MP5 The MP5 sub-machine gun can fire up to 800 rounds a minute and is used by over 40 police forces around the world, including the PSNI.

One of the German-manufactured weapons was recovered by gardai at an apartment complex in Clondalkin after gardai smashed an 18m drugs factory. The machine-gun had been fitted with a silencer and was ready to be fired.

The MP5 is light and extremely accurate. It is a highly sought-after weapon and difficult to source.

Luger 9mm machine-pistol The Luger is an ageing firearm but it is still popular among the criminal fraternity. A Luger was used to murder innocent young mother Donna Cleary in Coolock in May 2006 and the feuding Limerick gangs are thought to have access to the weapon, which is regarded as being very reliable. It is an expensive firearm because of its reputation as a well-made German firearm.

Remington pump-action shotgun The Remington pump-action is designed for hunting but its sheer devastating firepower has meant that it is a regular feature in gangland incidents. A pump-action shotgun was used to murder Keith Ledwidge (28) in Finglas last July, and gardai have noticed that such weapons are now being recovered with increased regularity. A pump-action shotgun was used in the shooting of well-known publican Charlie Chawke in 2003. The Remington is relatively inexpensive and is almost guaranteed to cause serious injury on impact.