I WISH that Sunderland University’s Dr Kevin Yuill could enlighten us as to what the “legitimate purpose” for owning guns is (Echo, Oct 13).

My RAF firearms instructor was quite clear: “The only purpose for which that gun was made is to kill people.” Yes, dogs, horses, cars, motorcycles etc do kill people, but they are not designed to do that.

In this country, we make it as difficult as possible for determined murderers to get hold of weapons that belong only on a battlefield.

Catterick is a garrison town full of soldiers trained in the use of firearms. Yet we do not see them wandering around carrying guns.

The military authorities make sure that the guns’ use is carefully monitored and controlled. Why can’t America do the same?

Bill Bartle, Barnard Castle