Firearms Amnesty

From 3 to 28 February 2025, GMP alongside other UK police forces and law enforcement agencies will be running a national firearms amnesty for Turkish manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBF). Although these firearms may have been lawfully purchased originally, they are now illegal under the Firearms Act 1968. 

Surrender of these weapons during the above period will not result in criminal prosecution, however after the amnesty period, anyone found to be in possession of a TVBF could face prosecution and to up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

In Greater Manchester, those who own a Turkish TVBF are encouraged to surrender these to the front desks of stations across Greater Manchester. 

What is a Turkish Top Venting Blank Firer (TVBF)? 

TVBFs are guns designed to fire blank cartridges only, featuring a fully blocked barrel. In the UK, these weapons could previously be owned without a license unless classified as ‘readily convertible.’  

However, recent findings indicate a rising connection between these firearms and criminal activities, such as intimidation and mimicking genuine handguns. Over 10,000 TVBFs are estimated to be in circulation in the UK, and have been used in several serious, criminal incidents, including four murders.  

The models we are asking for people to hand over are top-venting blank firers manufactured by any of the following:  

• BLOW
• CEONIC 
• EKOL 
• RETAY 

Other firearms can be surrendered during this period, as can all brands of blank firers, converted or otherwise.  

To ensure safety when transporting your TVBF, please:  

• Place it in a bag or box to carry it out of public sight 
• Make a specific journey solely for this purpose to minimise being in public
• Make it clear upon arrival that you are here to hand in a firearm