Kent Police Launch Firearms Amnesty to Snare Dangerous Illegal Guns
Bruni Blank-Firing Pistols Now Outlawed — Hand Them In!
Kent Police are backing a nationwide firearms amnesty targeting illegal blank-firing guns that can be converted into deadly weapons. From Monday 2 February to Friday 27 February 2026, owners of certain banned Bruni models can surrender them with no questions asked.
Side and top-venting blank-firing (TVBF) guns are usually legal—unless they’re easy to convert into real firearms. The National Crime Agency found five Italian Bruni models are readily convertible. These are now illegal without a licence.
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action revolver
Hand Them In Now or Risk 10 Years in Jail
During the amnesty, no one handing in these banned Bruni firearms will face prosecution. But after 27 February, possession could land you up to a decade behind bars.
Drop-off points in Kent include:
- Canterbury – Old Dover Road
- Folkestone – Bouverie Road West
- Maidstone – Palace Avenue
- Margate – Fort Hill
- Medway – Purser Way, Gillingham
- North Kent – Thames Way, Northfleet
- Tonbridge – Pembury Road
Remember: when surrendering a TVBF, go straight to the station and keep the gun hidden in public at all times—even inside the station until told otherwise.
Deadly Guns Linked to Murders Warn Police
“Many owners don’t realise these guns are illegal or used for crime,” said Detective Chief Inspector Martin Davies. “This amnesty aims to get these dangerous weapons off our streets and protect communities. It offers a safe way to hand them in without fear of prosecution.”
“Kent is generally safe with low gun crime, but we stay alert. Over 70 converted Bruni TVBF guns have been seized UK-wide in connection with crimes. Since 2023, converted side/top-venting guns have been linked to at least five murders nationally. These weapons are deadly once converted. We must stop them getting into the wrong hands.”
