A top or side venting blank firer (TVBF) amnesty is taking place across England and Wales from 2 – 27 February 2026, to remove five specific models of Bruni TVBFs from circulation.
The amnesty is taking place because these five models of blank-firing guns can be easily converted into operational firearms.
Wiltshire Police are encouraging people who believe they own one of the models included in the amnesty to place the item in a bag or box to keep it out of public sight, and to take it to one of the following five Wiltshire Police enquiry offices before 27 February to avoid prosecution.
Participating enquiry offices in Wiltshire include:
- Salisbury, Bourne Hill
- Chippenham, Monkton Park
- Swindon Gablecross
- Trowbridge, Polebarn Road
- Melksham, Hampton Park West
Upon arrival at the front counter, the person must inform staff that they are there to hand in a firearm before presenting it. Whilst enquiry office staff will ask for details, the public can hand in their item anonymously.
The five models which are now illegal to own are:
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
- 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol
- .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver
T/Chief Inspector Dan Green is the tactical lead at Wiltshire Police for the Bruni amnesty.
T/Chief Inspector Green said: “Ownership of top or side venting blank firers can be completely legitimate, however, we have seen nationally that criminals can easily convert these particular models into operational firearms which poses a threat of harm.
“I am appealing particularly to those in our community who are involved in theatrical or acting groups who may use these models as prop guns, sports groups who may use these models as starter pistols or to train gun dogs, and those who collect firearms. You may have originally purchased one of the five Bruni blank firers legitimately however they must be handed in to police before 27 February.
“Gun crime remains a low threat in Wiltshire and the purpose of this amnesty is to remove easily converted blank firers before they reach the hands of criminals.”
The five Bruni models subject to this amnesty may be fully or partially orange or blue in colour.
For more information about the amnesty, visit the Wiltshire Police website: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/Bruni_top_or_side_venting_blank_firer_amnesty_2026/
Enjoy an exciting day of celebrations at Salisbury City Council’s St George’s Day Event
Market Place Stage Line Up with plenty on offer
Salisbury Sings set to get the City Singing
Stars Appeal trekkers to reach new heights in India
Find out more about Salisbury Transport Strategy at City Hall drop-in event
Network Rail continues West of England Line improvement works
Appeal for information and witnesses after pregnant ewes mauled
New High Sheriff for Wiltshire and Swindon 2026-27
