A Message to NAReS from the Head of Firearms & Weapons Policy Unit Home Office
Notice on the Legal status of Top Venting Blank Firing Firearms manufactured by Bruni pistols
By virtue of section 1 of the Firearms Act 1982, an imitation firearm is legal to purchase and possessed without a firearms certificate, provided it is not ‘readily convertible’ to a firearm. Section 1(6) of the 1982 Act defines what is meant by ‘readily convertible’ in this context. It means any imitation firearm which can be converted to a firearm without any special skills or specialist equipment or tools. In its National Strategic Threat Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2025, the National Crime Agency noted that converted blank firers are now used more than original lethal purpose firearms and are often used with modified blank ammunition.
Since 2022, there has been continued evidence of criminal misuse and subsequent recovery of approximately 70 Bruni manufactured imitation firearms that had been criminally converted to fire live ammunition. The National Crime Agency commissioned an accredited expert to undertake forensic examination in Durham Firearms Classification and Examination Laboratory of the different examples of Bruni manufactured Top Venting Blank Firing Firearms to assess their convertibility into live-firing firearms. These results confirmed that the models listed in Annex A are ’readily convertible’ within the meaning of section 1 of the Firearms Act 1982, which means that they fall within the controls set out in the Firearms Act 1968. As the models tested fall within the specifications of a handgun they are, therefore prohibited under section 5(1) (aba) of the Firearms Act 1968. Their possession, purchase or acquisition is unlawful in the absence of specific authorisation of the Secretary of State.
The Home Office is working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Crime Agency to ensure that all interested parties are aware that these models of Top Venting Blank Firing Firearms are prohibited under the Firearms Act 1968 and that their possession, purchase or acquisition is unlawful. I hope that you will be able to advise your members of this and any other person or organisation you consider may be affected or have an interest.
Following the action taken previously against Turkish manufactured Top Venting Blank Firers (RETAY, EKOL, CEONIC and BLOW), which resulted in the surrender of around 3,000 firearms during the amnesty in February this year, we want to ensure that the specific Bruni models of concern are removed from circulation and that current owners have the opportunity to dispose of them safely. It is the intention of the National Police Chiefs Council to hold an amnesty during which owners will be able to hand these items into police stations. It is likely that the amnesty will run for four weeks in February 2026 across all police forces in England and Wales. There will be further details about the amnesty issued nearer the time. It is, however, open to anybody who is in possession of one of these firearms who wishes to dispose of the item before the amnesty begins to contact their local police force to discuss safe disposal. Discussions are also underway about a similar amnesty in Scotland.
No compensation will be paid by the Government in respect of firearms that are handed over in the amnesty (or prior to the amnesty) on the basis that they have been found to be illegal and contrary to current legislation.
It remains the responsibility of the firearm owners to ensure they compliance with the law. This is why we are writing to you, and to other organisations who represent groups who might be affected, so you are aware of the legal position regarding of these specific models of Top Venting Blank Firing Firearms.