Lancashire Police supports national Firearms Amnesty

Monday, February 2, 2026

Lancashire Police is supporting Operation Pivot, a national firearms amnesty taking place between Monday 2nd and Friday 27th February 2026.

During these four weeks we are asking the public and gun retailers to check for five specific models of BRUNI top/side-venting blank firers (TVBF) and to voluntarily surrender them.

There are five models that, up until now, were legal to buy and own. However, tests by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and police have shown that they are readily convertible and they are therefore now illegal to possess.

If you are in possession of any of the below models and fail to hand them in within the amnesty period, you could be subject to prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment.

The five BRUNI models are:

-          8mm Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol

-          8mm New Police blank firing self-loading pistol

-          8mm Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol

-          8mm Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol

-          .380R (9mmK) ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver

Lancashire Police are asking people to hand in any of the above models by 27th February to help them avoid prosecution and prevent these pistols getting into the wrong hands.

Many of these five TVBFs will be held unaware of their illegality, or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. This amnesty gives holders the chance to dispose of the TVBFs safely by taking them to a local police station and handing them in.

During the amnesty period, anyone handing over the above models of TVBFs will not face prosecution and they can remain anonymous.

Chief Inspector of Specialist Operations Firearms Licensing, Rick Ogdin says:

“We want to reassure the public that this national amnesty is a proactive measure to tackle gun crime and keep Lancashire safe. Although gun crime in both the UK and Lancashire remains among the lowest globally, we are not complacent, which is why we are supporting Operation Pivot.

“Messages asking people to hand in guns may seem concerning, but many of these items were originally bought legally and for legitimate reasons. Now that these specific models have been identified as having the potential to be converted and used harmfully, we are asking people to hand them in.

“If you, or someone you know, is in possession of one of the five specific models of BRUNI top/side-venting blank firers (TVBF), please hand them into your local police station anonymously.

“As a force we are fully committed to safeguarding the public and responding to any intelligence we receive. Local communities play a crucial role in helping to reduce firearm‑related crime. Information shared by witnesses and residents is essential in enabling us to gather the evidence needed to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in criminal activity.

“If you know of anyone involved in illegal firearms activity you should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Always call 999 in an emergency. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes.”

The models referenced above can be handed in at any police station, anyone handing one in during the Firearms Amnesty is advised to check the opening times of their station. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station, phone 101 before travelling.

Other unwanted, unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time, avoiding the risk of them becoming involved in criminal activity.