Local Residents Urged to Hand in Illegal Bruni Blank Firers Before Amnesty Ends
Police in Rutland and Leicestershire are making a final push for the surrender of specific blank-firing handguns, following the successful recovery of 14 weapons since the start of February.
Of the 14 firearms handed in so far, 10 were manufactured by the Italian brand Bruni. These specific models are the primary focus of a month-long national amnesty that is set to conclude on Friday, 27 February 2026.
While many of these items were originally purchased legally for use as theatrical props, collectors' items, or for dog training, recent testing by the National Crime Agency (NCA) has changed their legal status.
The NCA found that these specific "top-venting" or "side-venting" blank firers are "readily convertible." This means they can be turned into lethal, live-firing weapons using common household tools and without specialist engineering skills. Because of this high risk to public safety, they are now classified as prohibited firearms under the Firearms Act.
Police have highlighted five specific Bruni models that are now illegal to possess. If you own any of the following, you are urged to hand them in immediately:
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)
The current amnesty provides a "safe window" for owners to dispose of these weapons. Between now and February 27, you can take these items to your local police station front desk without the risk of being prosecuted for illegal possession.
Once the amnesty ends, anyone found in possession of these models could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
How to Safely Hand Them In
Police are advising the public to follow these safety protocols when surrendering a firearm.
Place the item in a bag or box so it is not visible to the public during transit.
Make a specific journey solely for the purpose of handing the item in.
Upon arrival at the police station, inform the front counter staff immediately that you are there to surrender a firearm before taking it out of your bag.
Every weapon handed in is one less potential tool for criminal use. By surrendering these items now, residents are helping to ensure that Rutland and Leicestershire remain safe communities.
