Firearms amnesty announced in Dorset for certain illegal blank firers
Police encourage surrender of BRUNI models to prevent misuse
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
Dorset Police is inviting the public to surrender five specific models of BRUNI-manufactured blank firers during a national firearms amnesty which will run until 27th February 2026.
Under existing firearms legislation, these side or top-venting blank firers have been determined as readily convertible into lethal weapons following tests by the National Crime Agency. Possession of these models is now illegal under the Firearms Act 1968 and could result in prosecution with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The BRUNI models identified as illegal 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
These firearms, initially designed to discharge blank cartridges, are sold visibly painted in bright colours to denote their non-lethal purpose. However, criminals may modify them to resemble lethal weapons or convert them for illegal use.
How to surrender weapons
During the amnesty, individuals in possession of any of these five BRUNI models can safely hand them in at enquiry offices at Bournemouth, Blandford, or Weymouth police stations. Opening times for these stations can be checked on the Dorset Police website. Those surrendering such firearms will not face prosecution for possession and can remain anonymous.
The police have advised individuals to call 101 for guidance on how to safely transport the weapon to a police station. Any live firearms that are handed in will be checked for evidence of their involvement in criminal activity.
Chief Inspector Dave Horn of Dorset Police said: “Firearms offences in Dorset remain low when compared to other counties and metropolitan areas. However, we are not complacent and remain committed to stamping out gun crime. Surrendering the five types of BRUNI-manufactured weapons now will help prevent them getting into the wrong hands in the future and being used by criminals.”
Wider concerns over converted blank firers
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, highlighted the appeal of these models to criminals due to their potential for conversion and profitability.
“We work closely with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to identify and disrupt workshops used to convert pistols into lethal weapons, recover weapons and ammunition, and bring offenders to justice. Stopping the sale of these blank firers from being converted will also go a significant way to help protect the public,” Metcalfe said.
If you suspect someone is involved in illegal firearms activity, Dorset Police encourages contacting them via 101 or online at www.dorset.police.uk . Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.