February 02, 2026 - 216 views
A national firearms amnesty is taking place this month, with North Wales Police urging residents to hand in certain types of blank-firing guns that have now been made illegal to possess.
The four-week surrender period runs from 2 February to 27 February and focuses on five specific BRUNI-manufactured top-venting blank firers, which are now prohibited under the Firearms Act 1968.
Police say the weapons have been identified as readily convertible into live firearms following testing by the National Crime Agency and law enforcement specialists.
Although blank-firing guns are often purchased legally for theatre, film productions, sporting events or as novelty items, North Wales Police warned that these particular models can be altered into dangerous weapons. Because of that, anyone found in possession of them after the amnesty period could face prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Top-venting or side-venting blank firers are designed to fire blank cartridges, producing a loud bang and flash but not firing a bullet. However, police say some designs can be modified, making them a serious risk if they fall into the wrong hands.
Officers believe many may be held in innocence, with owners unaware that the law has changed, or the weapons may have been forgotten in people’s homes.
The models covered by the amnesty include the Bruni BBM Model 92, New Police, Model 96, Model GAP, and the Bruni BBM ME Ranger revolver. These have all been assessed as readily convertible and are therefore now illegal.
Andrew Broadhead, Head of Firearms and Explosives Licensing at North Wales Police, said that while gun crime remains extremely rare in the region, officers are not complacent. He said supporting the national amnesty was an important step in preventing these weapons from being used by criminals in future.
Police are encouraging anyone who has one of the banned blank firers to dispose of it safely by surrendering it at Wrexham, Rhyl or Bangor police stations.
Those handing in one of the identified BRUNI models during the amnesty will not face prosecution for illegal possession and can remain anonymous. Officers advise anyone unable to attend a station to contact police on 101 or via live webchat for guidance on how to transport the weapon responsibly.
No compensation will be paid for weapons handed in, as readily convertible blank firers are already illegal under current legislation. Police added that other unwanted or unlicensed firearms and ammunition can be surrendered at any time, helping to reduce the risk of them becoming involved in criminality.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms activity is urged to contact North Wales Police, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
