Amnesty for blank pistols that can be converted
BBCA police force is urging owners of a type of pistol that fires blanks to hand them in before an amnesty ends.
Avon and Somerset Police said tests have shown some types of top-venting blank firing pistols (TVBF) - all made by Italian manufacturer Bruni - can be easily converted to fire live ammunition.
Owners of unconverted TVBFs have until 27 February to hand them in at police stations.
Anyone caught in possession of one after the closing date could risk prosecution.
Here is everything you need to know.
Why has the amnesty been launched?
The nationwide amnesty was launched after several converted Bruni pistols were seized by police forces around the country, along with a wider trend of similar weapons being used by criminal organisations.
"We've seen an emerging trend with organised crime groups accessing these weapons and converting them into readily viable firearms that can discharge actual bullets," said Ch Insp Ben Elliot.
"Since 2023, I believe, we've had five homicides in relation to TVBFs and in our own force areas we have had isolated incidents - and I do stress they are isolated - where offenders have been found in possession of illegally converted devices," he added.
Why are they dangerous?
TVBF's are not dangerous on their own, with thousands owned legally in the UK.
The models of Bruni pistol that have been included in the amnesty are ones that can easily be converted with regular DIY tools and a relatively low level of skill to fire live ammunition.
TVBFs are not made with materials that are strong enough to withstand the firing of real ammunition and are at risk of exploding if done so.
The models included in the current amnesty are listed on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
How big is the problem?
Avon and Somerset Police said incidents are isolated but, nationally, are becoming more regular.
Officers are keen to stress that the amnesty and the models banned are for specific types and this does not apply to the majority of TVBF pistols.
"We estimate that across England and Wales there are around 10,000 TBVF pistols in circulation, and the vast majority of those are legally held and not easily convertible - and that's absolutely fine," said Elliot.
How does the amnesty work?
Anyone wanting to hand a pistol can take them in person to Bridgwater, Chard, Keynsham, Patchway or Shepton Mallet police stations.
But police have said anyone who hands in at another station will not be rejected.
People who hand the pistols in will be asked to provide details about themselves, but are not required to do so.
Will I be prosecuted?
If the surrendered example has been converted or tampered with then the owner may face prosecution:
"If you surrender a weapon that has in any way been adapted or potentially involved in criminality then we will investigate that as we are obligated to do so," said Elliot.
"Once this amnesty has expired, if you're found in possession you could be liable for prosecution and you could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years," he added.
Has it worked before?
A similar amnesty for some Turkish-made TVBF pistols in 2025 saw about 3,000 items handed in across the country.
Avon and Somerset Police said 30 weapons were handed in to its officers during that amnesty, and the force has already received 29 by the halfway point of this one.
All guns handed in will be destroyed by police.
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