Due to widespread instances of top venting blank firing weapons being converted to fire projectiles, including confirmed use in homicides, UK law enforcement agencies have identified them as one of the most significant firearms threats to public safety.

In 2025 the Home Office stated that 4 brands of Turkish made blank firers were to be reclassed as ‘Readily Convertible Firearms’, meaning that criminals with basic tools could turn them into real functioning guns. This made it illegal for the general public to hold them; they are also not be covered by the theatrical exemption.

At the end of 2025 they also reclassed 5 models of Bruni blank firers as Readily Convertible Firearms as well, again these will now not be covered by the theatrical exemption.

There is a police amnesty throughout February for the Brunis, where you can take them to a police station, enabling you to safely dispose of your remaining stock. Please contact your local station prior to dropping off any stock.

The banned brands are;
• EKOL
• Retay
• Blow
• Ceonic

The banned Bruni models are;
• 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

The ABTT held a strategic meeting on this subject with industry specialists on Thursday 29 January 2026. Further advice will be issued in due course.