From Solware — what has changed

Over the past year the UK authorities have re‑examined a number of blank‑firing pistols (often called top‑venting blank firers, or TVBFs). Testing by law‑enforcement agencies found that some models — particularly a group of Turkish‑manufactured pistols — are readily convertible into lethal firearms. As a result, those specific models have been designated as illegal to possess without the appropriate licence and are subject to police action.

At Solware we take legal compliance and customer safety very seriously. This post explains the changes in plain English, what it means for anyone who owns or is thinking of buying a blank‑firing gun, and the steps you should take now.

Which products are affected

The change affects a subset of top‑venting blank‑firing handguns which testing has shown can be converted with common tools. These were sold in the UK as blank‑firers and starting pistols but have now been highlighted by the National Crime Agency and police forces as readily convertible.

If you own a blank‑firing pistol, check carefully whether the brand or model appears in recent police guidance. If you are unsure whether your item is affected, do not attempt to test conversion yourself — handling or modifying could be illegal and extremely dangerous.

What this means for owners

• If your blank‑firer is listed as readily convertible: it may now be classed as a prohibited firearm. Possession without the correct licence can carry severe criminal penalties. There have been national amnesties and surrender programmes to allow owners to hand affected weapons in to the police without prosecution — check with your local force for any ongoing arrangements.
• If your blank‑firer is not listed as readily convertible: it may still be lawful to own as a replica or imitation firearm, but there are strict rules about transporting and using imitation firearms in public places. Always store them responsibly and never carry them in public without a reasonable excuse.
• Never attempt conversion or alteration. Converting an imitation firearm into a live‑firing weapon is dangerous and illegal.

What we recommend you do now

1. Check official guidance. Visit your local police website or GOV.UK guidance for the most up‑to‑date lists and national advice. If you’re unsure, contact 101 for non‑emergencies and explain you want guidance about handing in an imitation/blank‑firing firearm.
2. Do not modify or test the gun. Leave it in the condition it is in and keep it stored safely and securely.
3. If the model is identified as illegal: follow official surrender/amnesty instructions. Police forces have previously accepted affected TVBFs during designated amnesty windows — these will be publicised on local force websites.
4. If you bought your blank‑firer from Solware: contact us. We will help you identify the item and advise on next steps. If we can assist with lawful alternatives for training, film, or theatrical work, we’ll let you know what legal options are available.

Safer, legal alternatives (for film, theatre and training)

If you use blank‑firing pistols for production, training, or events, there are compliant options available that meet current UK legislation:

• Purpose‑made, non‑convertible blank‑firers and starting pistols from reputable manufacturers. These are designed so they cannot be easily modified into live‑firing weapons.
• Licensed firearms and deactivated weapons for productions — these require the correct licences and safe storage but may be appropriate for some uses.
• Simulated firearms and prop guns (rubber/ABS replicas) combined with sound effects and pyrotechnic services where appropriate.

Solware can advise on compliant options and source items that match your needs and the law.

Safety and storage — a quick checklist

• Store blank‑firing guns and imitation firearms in a locked cabinet or safe.
• Keep ammunition (including blanks) stored separately and securely.
• Transport items in secure, covered containers and never in public without a lawful reason.
• Keep paperwork, receipts and product documentation in case you need to show proof of purchase or provenance.

If you’re selling on or disposing of an affected item

Do not attempt to sell or transfer an item that might be classified as a prohibited firearm. If the model is listed as readily convertible, the correct course is surrender to the police. If you are unsure, get in touch with your local force or call 101 for advice.

Solware’s promise to customers

We will:

• Help customers identify whether items purchased from us are affected.
• Provide clear advice and signpost official guidance from the police and National Crime Agency.
• Where possible, offer lawful, safe alternatives for legitimate users in film, theatre, training and sport.

If you need help, please email our customer service team at hello@solware.co.uk or call [insert Solware phone number]. If you prefer, bring product details (make, model, photos and proof of purchase) and we’ll do our best to advise.

Legal note

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and police guidance can change — always check GOV.UK and your local police force for the latest and seek legal advice if you are unsure.