MOSCOW, November 5 (RAPSI) – A bill aimed at the development of arms field passed its first reading in the lower house of Russian parliament on Tuesday, according to a statement published on the State Duma official website.

Amendments are proposed to the Law Concerning Weapons.

The bill is to commute purchase of rifled-barrel guns by sportsmen-hunters, improve their repairment and maintenance, and support Russian gunmakers.

If the draft law is finally adopted hunters will be able to sell smooth-bore weapons but remain in possession of rifled shotguns. Currently, smooth-bore gun ownership is a mandatory requirement in case of purchase of the rifle-bore weapon.

Moreover, maintenance of such arms will be allowed to be conducted both by producers and other repair shops having a relevant license.