Own a Turkish Blank-Firing Gun? Surrender It Now or Face Prosecution

Month-Long Amnesty

Owners of certain Turkish top-venting blank-firing (TVBF) guns in Devon and Cornwall have been urged to surrender them during a police amnesty running from 3rd to 28th February 2025, or risk prosecution.

Following a classification change in August 2024, some models of these guns were deemed illegal to own, as they were found to be readily convertible to fire live ammunition.

What Guns Are Banned?

The following brands are now classified as prohibited firearms:

• Retay
• Ekol
• Ceonic ISSC
• Blow

Imports of these guns into the UK ceased in August 2024, and local retailers were instructed to stop selling them from October 2024.

Where to Surrender Your Gun

Anyone in possession of one of these weapons can hand them in at their local police station during the amnesty period. Those who do so will not face prosecution for possessing a prohibited weapon.

Chief Inspector Alexander Cooper said:

“Gun crime in Devon & Cornwall is very low, but we remain proactive in keeping weapons off the streets. Members of the public in possession of this type of gun may not be aware that they are banned, hence the Firearms Amnesty, which will take place during February.

“We urge anyone who owns one of these to hand it in to their local police station.

“By seeking to remove this type of gun from our streets, we aim to continue to keep the public of Devon & Cornwall safe.

“Together with our partners we continually work hard to educate people about firearms and the dangers that come with them, to ensure that gun crime doesn’t become prevalent in the future.”

Prosecution After 28th February

Anyone found in possession of a prohibited TVBF gun after the amnesty period ends on 28th February 2025 could face prosecution.

Later this year, a National Firearms Surrender will take place, allowing the public to hand in all firearms and ammunition at local police stations.

For more details on UK firearms laws, visit: Illegal firearms – National Crime Agency