Important URGENT: UK Blank Firer Legal Update (Feb 2026 Amnesty)

Riggs said:
A couple of weeks ago I destroyed a top venting ‘Reck baby’ I’ve owned since the late 90’s as the current bans left me feeling uncomfortable having it in the house, I can’t help but think it’s just a matter of time before all top venting blank firers are banned.
It was petty to destroy it but there was no way I was handing it in for it to become a statistic and “another gun off the streets”.
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At the moment top venting blank firers are legal except those deemed convertible by the NCA - bruni, ekol etc. If yours is not deemed convertible, then nothing has changed in legislation since 1982

TVBFs have been sold legally post 1982 and only when they have converted examples, can they deem a model readily convertible
 
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Shoto1 said:
I’m sharing this following some recent inquiries regarding the legality of certain blank firing guns in the UK.
If you or anyone you know owns an Italian or Turkish manufactured top-venting blank firer (TVBF), please read this carefully.

1. The February 2026 National Amnesty
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police forces across England and Wales are currently holding a four-week firearms amnesty (February 2nd – 27th, 2026).

Following forensic testing, several models have been reclassified as "Readily Convertible" under the Firearms Act 1982. This means they are now legally considered Section 5 Prohibited Weapons (the same category as a real handgun).

2. The "Blacklist" (Prohibited Models)
If you possess any of the following, you are currently holding an illegal firearm. During the amnesty, you can hand them in anonymously without fear of prosecution. After February 27th, possession carries a potential 10-year prison sentence.

The "Bruni Five" (New for 2026):

Bruni BBM Model 92 (8mm PAK)
Bruni BBM New Police (8mm PAK)
Bruni BBM Model 96 (8mm PAK)
Bruni BBM Model 'GAP' (8mm PAK)
Bruni BBM ME Ranger Revolver (.380R / 9mmK)

Previously Banned (2025):
All TVBF models by Retay, Ekol, Ceonic, and Blow.


3. What about other brands (Kimar, etc.)?

Even if your specific brand (like Kimar) isn't on the "surrender list" today, the NCA is actively testing all top-venting models.
The legal definition of "readily convertible" is broad—if a gun can be converted using common tools and no specialist skills, it is illegal.

General Rules for Legal Possession:

VCRA Compliance:
Unless you have a valid defense (Re-enactment, Theatre, Film), the gun must be "two-tone" (50% bright orange, blue, etc.).

Public Carry: Carrying any imitation firearm in public without a "lawful excuse" is an arrestable offence.

4. How to Surrender Safely:
If you have a prohibited model or an old blank firer you are unsure about:

1. Call 101: You can check if your local station is a designated surrender point.

2. Transport safely: Put the item in a sealed box or bag. Do not carry it openly.

3. Direct Route: Go straight to the station.
Do not stop at shops or carry it around.

4. Declare Immediately:
When you reach the front desk, tell the officer immediately that you are there to hand in a blank firer for the amnesty.

This forum endeavours to keep its membership informed of important issues to keep within the law and safe / legal.

If in doubt, double check or hand it in.
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Great info. Just to say, if anyone lives in our area and wants to hand one in, you can surrender it at Islington police station because that is listed as a designated station for the amnesty.
 
Bighit said:
You can hand in any type though if it's not on the list then you could sell it unless you don't want the hassle if selling them.
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I imagine the second hand market for older TVBFs not on the list is either going to go two ways. No one will be interested in case of an eventual ban, forking out and then having to hand in, even if there is compensation. If a ban doesnt come along, then some of the older TVBFs might be quite sort after by reenactment, collectors and production companies eventually

The whole thing is a mess really
 
Danco1987 said:
I imagine the second hand market for older TVBFs not on the list is either going to go two ways. No one will be interested in case of an eventual ban, forking out and then having to hand in, even if there is compensation. If a ban doesnt come along, then some of the older TVBFs might be quite sort after by reenactment, collectors and production companies eventually

The whole thing is a mess really
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Idare say some Scotland may have bought them as there is no amnesty up here . I would not have bought any type as they would probably all end up banned anyway if the criminals find away to convert them .


Blank firing gun amnesty in England and Wales – February 2026​


Law enforcement agencies across the UK have identified an increasing threat to public safety from the conversion of top and side venting blank firing imitation firearms into lethal-barrelled weapons for criminal purposes.


In February 2025, a National Crime Agency (NCA) led amnesty campaign took place in England and Wales encouraging the public to surrender Top Venting Blank Firing (TVBF) firearms manufactured by the Turkish brands Ekol, Retay, Ceonic and Blow, due to the ease of conversion of these brands.


A further amnesty will now take place in England and Wales between 2 and 27 February 2026, encouraging the surrender of five specific Italian manufactured Bruni BBM blank firing models, again due to the ease of conversion of these models.


While the NCA amnesty will not apply in Scotland, any owners of any brand or model of top or side venting blank firing firearm can contact Police Scotland to surrender the firearm for appropriate disposal at any time, if no longer required. Readily convertible blank firearms are illegal under the Firearms Act 1982 and Firearms Act 1968.


Further guidance and advice can be sought from your local police office or by contacting Police Scotland on 101.
 
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I noticed that the Bruni Mod P4 (replica of the Beretta Px4 Storm) isn’t on the banned list? Anybody else have one of these?
 
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