An amnesty will take place in England and Wales in early 2025, giving owners of specific blank-firing firearms the opportunity to surrender them to law enforcement. The move targets Turkish-made top-venting blank-firing models, which the National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed are readily convertible into live-firing weapons, making them illegal under UK law.
Top-venting blank firers (TVBFs) are sold in the UK as legal devices for individuals over 18, designed to fire only blank cartridges. However, four models – Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC, and Blow – have been identified as highly convertible. These models have become popular among criminals, who repaint them black to resemble genuine firearms despite their bright-coloured markings.
Since 2021, UK law enforcement has recovered over 800 converted blank firers. Last year, incidents involving these guns surpassed those involving genuine lethal-purpose firearms, with 64 discharges recorded compared to 42 for original firearms. The models have been linked to at least four homicides in the past two years.
Following tests conducted by the NCA earlier this year, it was found that these firearms could be converted with basic tools and minimal skill. Consequently, they are now classified as prohibited under the Firearms Act 1968. Importers and retailers have been instructed to cease trading in these models, and Border Force will seize any future imports.
The amnesty will run from 3 February to 28 February 2025. During this period, owners can hand in their TVBFs at local police stations without facing prosecution. After this, possession of the firearms could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Diana Johnson, minister of state for policing, fire and crime prevention, emphasised the importance of public cooperation: “Dangerous criminals will always look for new ways to acquire weapons, but we remain vigilant in taking them out of their hands. These weapons are illegal, and it is vital any member of the public possessing these blank firers hands them into their local police station.”
Charles Yates, NCA deputy director, described the seriousness of the threat posed by converted TVBFs: “Protecting the public from the threat of firearms is a principal priority for the NCA and partners in policing and Border Force. It is crucial that we work with industry partners to prevent any further access to these easily converted firearms.”
Assistant chief constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on criminal firearm use, added: “These firearms are very appealing to criminals and offenders who convert them can generate large profits. Stopping the sale of these guns will go a significant way to help protect the public.”
Gun Trade Insider says:
The planned amnesty for illegal blank-firing firearms in 2025 places an immediate burden on legal UK firearms dealers, particularly those who have been selling the affected Turkish-made top-venting models. Dealers will need to cease sales and remove these items from their shelves, likely leading to financial losses for those holding unsold stock.
This decision may feel punitive to legitimate businesses that have operated in good faith under the law, especially as these firearms were legal to sell to individuals over 18. Many dealers will now face the challenge of managing unsellable inventory and potentially strained relationships with suppliers and customers.
It’s essential for industry bodies and authorities to consider ways to support dealers through this transition, such as facilitating stock returns or providing clear guidance on compliance. Dealers, meanwhile, will need to work closely with regulators and adapt to the evolving legal landscape to maintain their reputation and customer trust.
If you notice attempts at firearms, ammunition and component acquisition that could be used for the purposes of supporting serious and organised crime please contact FIR@nca.gov.uk.
You can read the full December 2024 issue below:
