Since 2021, if you acquire a deactivated firearm, you are technically required to notify the Home Office of the transfer, though this generally applies to items deactivated after certain dates. Ownership and Public Display
When looking to purchase a deactivated revolver, follow these steps to ensure you stay within the law:
Buying Deactivated Revolvers in the UK: A Complete Guide In the United Kingdom, collecting deactivated firearms is a popular hobby that allows enthusiasts to own a piece of history without the need for a Firearms Certificate (FAC). However, the laws surrounding these items are strict and have undergone significant changes in recent years. What is a Deactivated Revolver?
Revolvers deactivated to older standards (e.g., 1995 or 1988) can still be legally owned if you already have them, but they cannot be sold, gifted, or transferred to another person unless they are re-deactivated to the current standard.
Modern deactivation involves pinning and welding the barrel, cutting the cylinder walls, and ensuring the internal firing mechanism is neutralized. How to Buy Safely
The revolver itself will have a small "crossed swords" or similar stamp from the Proof House.
Owning a deactivated revolver is legal for adults over 18, but carrying one in public is a serious offense. Under the , it is illegal to possess an "imitation firearm" (which includes deactivated guns) in a public place without a reasonable excuse. To the public and police, these items look identical to live weapons; always transport them in a locked case and keep them out of sight at home. Where to Shop