A PRANK using a replica pistol in a simulated shooting with two mates on a busy Orange street went horribly wrong for a young Orange man who appeared in Orange Local Court yesterday charged with unauthorised possession of a prohibited weapon.

Magistrate Jan Stevenson said the prank could have had a disastrous impact on people who saw the incident.

“It was awful - someone could have had a heart attack,” she said.

Police say the life-like pistol was examined by ballistic experts in Sydney who said the replication of the handgun was of a standard high enough for anyone to assume it was real.

The court heard that adding to the reality of the prank was the accused’s two friends who doubled over in a crouched position as if they had been shot with bystanders believing the incident to be real and calling police.

Solicitor Claire Magli, who represented the 20-year-old, told the court her client realised the prank had been a stupid mistake and he had no idea the consequences would see him in court.

Ms Stevenson expressed concern to the court that the replica pistol had been purchased for $2 at a local variety store.

She asked Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mitchell Croyston to talk to Orange police and visit the store to ensure the fake guns were still not on sale.

Yesterday Inspector Tony Bell of Orange police said steps would be taken to follow up on the magistrate’s recommendations.

“In a situation like this if someone has a replica gun similar to this and they pull it in the street, they could be shot by police,” he said.

Ms Stevenson did not record a conviction against the 20-year-old and said she hoped the experience would serve as a lesson.