When looking to purchase a deactivated revolver, follow these steps to ensure you stay within the law:
Modern deactivation involves pinning and welding the barrel, cutting the cylinder walls, and ensuring the internal firing mechanism is neutralized. How to Buy Safely
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.
The most critical thing to understand is the standard. As of 2016, and updated in 2018 and 2019, all deactivated firearms must meet a specific high standard of deactivation to be legally sold or transferred.
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
While private sales occur, established UK militaria dealers are safer as they ensure all stock meets the latest legal specifications.
The revolver itself will have a small "crossed swords" or similar stamp from the Proof House.
Commonly sought-after models include the , Enfield No. 2 , and various Smith & Wesson or Colt models used in world wars. Prices vary significantly based on the rarity of the model and the "level" of deactivation (some older specs, if legally updated, allow for more moving parts than others).
When looking to purchase a deactivated revolver, follow these steps to ensure you stay within the law:
Modern deactivation involves pinning and welding the barrel, cutting the cylinder walls, and ensuring the internal firing mechanism is neutralized. How to Buy Safely
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.
The most critical thing to understand is the standard. As of 2016, and updated in 2018 and 2019, all deactivated firearms must meet a specific high standard of deactivation to be legally sold or transferred.
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
While private sales occur, established UK militaria dealers are safer as they ensure all stock meets the latest legal specifications.
The revolver itself will have a small "crossed swords" or similar stamp from the Proof House.
Commonly sought-after models include the , Enfield No. 2 , and various Smith & Wesson or Colt models used in world wars. Prices vary significantly based on the rarity of the model and the "level" of deactivation (some older specs, if legally updated, allow for more moving parts than others).
