The Home Office has ruled that certain varieties of top-venting, blank-firing pistols are too easily convertible into prohibited handguns capable of firing live ammunition, and therefore illegal under legislation. This decision has been made under the terms of the Firearms Act 1982, which stipulates that imitation or blank-firing firearms may only be possessed without a licence if they are not readily convertible into live-firing firearms. The National Crime Agency has found that criminals are converting top-venting, blank-firing pistols into live-firing pistols, which is identified as one of the most significant firearms threats.
The previously unlicensed firearms which 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 marques: RETAY, EKOL, CEONIC 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 wishes 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 the safely. It is the intention of the National Police Chiefs Council to hold and amnesty during which owners will be able to hand these firearms into police stations. The amnesty will run for four weeks from 3 February 2025 across all police forces in England and Wales. There will be further details about the amnesty closer to the time. Those who wish to hand in the item before the amnesty are recommended to contact their local police station to discuss a route for safe disposal.
It must be noted that no compensation will be paid by the government in respect of 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. It is the responsibility of any firearm owner to ensure they are complying with the law.