Home Office amnesty for illegal blank-firing pistols
The National Crime Agency reveals that criminals can easily convert some pistols, specifically those made by Turkish gun manufacturers.
Some top-venting, blank-firing pistols are too easily convertible into prohibited handguns capable of firing live ammunition, and have therefore been deemed illegal.
The Home Office made the decision under the Firearms Act 1982, which stipulates that imitation or blank-firing firearms may only be held without a licence if they are not readily convertible into live-firing firearms. The National Crime Agency says criminals are converting top-venting, blank-firing pistols into live-firing ones, and has identified this issue as one of the most significant firearms threats.
The previously unlicensed guns that will now be classified as Section 5 firearms under the Firearms Act 1968 are specifically top-venting, blank-firing pistols manufactured in Turkey by any of the following companies: Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC and Blow.
The National Crime Agency recently commissioned an accredited expert to undertake forensic examination in Durham Firearms Classification and Examination Laboratory, and found that the aforementioned firearms are “readily convertible”and therefore should be classified as “weapons subject to general prohibition”.
The Government wants to ensure that these firearms — which may have previously been legally used for bird scaring or dog training — are removed from circulation and that current owners have the opportunity to dispose of them safely.
The National Police Chiefs Council says it intends to hold an amnesty, during which owners will be able to hand these firearms into police stations. The amnesty will run from 3 to 28 February 2025 across all police forces in England and Wales.
No compensation will be paid by the Government for firearms that are handed over during or before the amnesty, on the basis that they have been found to be illegal and contrary to current legislation.
Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms, told Shooting Times: “We would advise anyone who has a blank-firing pistol to check it. If it is one of the types identified by the Home Office; BASC would advise that you take advantage of the amnesty or destroy it.
“Any members who are unsure as to the status of their blank-firing gun, who want more information about how to surrender in the amnesty or find out more about destroying a firearm, can contact the BASC firearms team for advice,” he added.
