Bruni Top-Venting Blank-Firing Guns Amnesty: Legal Risks of Owning Readily Convertible Firearms

New Firearms Amnesty Announced Targeting Italian-made Blank Firing Weapons.

The government has announced a new firearms amnesty for February 2026, targeting five models of Italian-made Bruni top-venting blank firers. Owners will be able to surrender them at police stations without penalty. After the amnesty closes, possession could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

As criminal defence solicitors, it is important to stress that while these firearms may look like replicas or props, the law treats them as prohibited weapons because of their ability to be readily converted into live-firing guns.

Which Models Are Included?

The amnesty applies to the following Bruni blank-firing firearms:

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
• .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver

Tests by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and police chiefs confirmed these weapons can be converted with common tools and improvised ammunition, making them illegal under the Firearms Act 1982 and classed as prohibited firearms under the Firearms Act 1968.

Why Are They a Problem?

Blank-firing weapons are legal to buy in the UK if they are not readily convertible. They are sold with bright colouring and fully blocked barrels. However, criminals have been painting them black to resemble genuine firearms and converting them to fire live rounds. Since 2022, police have recovered around 70 Bruni models linked to criminal use.

For law enforcement, the concern is twofold: these items can be converted into lethal weapons, and even in their original state they can cause fear and panic when brandished in public.

Legal Implications of Possession

Anyone found in possession of one of these firearms after the amnesty ends could face:

• Up to 10 years’ imprisonment under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968
• Potential firearms trafficking allegations if there is evidence of importation or onward sale
• Seizure of other property or devices as part of wider investigations

Even if an individual purchased such a gun in good faith — for example as a collector’s item, film prop, or starter pistol — the law is strict. Lack of knowledge about convertibility is rarely accepted as a defence. This makes it essential for anyone owning such models to take advantage of the amnesty.

The Counter-Terrorism Context

In the current climate, there is also a security dimension. Police and prosecutors may view possession of realistic imitation firearms, particularly those capable of conversion, as a potential terrorism-related risk. Being found with such an item in sensitive areas — near government buildings, airports, or crowded events — could result in immediate arrest and investigation under counter-terrorism powers, even where no malicious intent exists.

Defence Considerations

From a defence perspective, key issues in these cases include:

• Proving intent: Was the item kept as a curiosity or used for criminal purposes?
• Knowledge: Did the owner know it was capable of being converted?
• Use and display: Was it hidden at home or carried in public where fear or panic could be caused?

Ultimately, the courts take a zero-tolerance approach to prohibited firearms. Even imitation or blank-firing weapons, if deemed readily convertible, are treated with the same seriousness as live firearms.

In Summary

The upcoming amnesty provides an opportunity for those who unknowingly or innocently own these Bruni models to surrender them without penalty.

Once the deadline passes, possession could lead to severe consequences.

In today’s environment of heightened concern around gun crime and terrorism, the safest course of action is to comply with the amnesty and seek legal advice immediately if facing investigation.

How We Can Help

If you would have any questions about any firearms or firearm offences then our award-winning team of experts are on-hand to help answer any of our concerns. Call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.