How Do I Get My Firearm Deactivated?

How Do I Get My Firearm Deactivated?

There are many reasons why you may be asking yourself 'how do I get my firearm deactivated'. Whether you're not wanting to renew your firearm/shotgun licence or you're just looking to deactivate a firearm for sentimental value - we can help!

What is a deactivated firearm?

A 'deactivated firearm' is a firearm that has been rendered incapable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile and has consequently ceased to be a firearm. At Henry Krank, we offer a Deactivation Service from just £130. Fill in our contact form here!

What is the UK law surrounding deactivated firearms?

Make sure to check out our blog - Deactivated Firearms - The UK Law. In this blog, we take a look at the current UK Law on Deactivated Firearms, and how it affects purchasing and owning a deactivated firearm.

Deactivation Certificate

How are firearms deactivated?

Military Rifles
For military rifles, and with bolt action rifles in general, the barrel is blocked, pinned and cut. The bolt face is ground away at an angle along with the firing pin. The bolt can move within the gun, but cannot be removed. The trigger may move, but there will be no connection between it and the bolt, so the gun will not cock or dry fire.

Shotguns
For shotguns, the barrel is blocked, pinned and cut. The action will break, but the barrels and fore end will not remove from it. The triggers may move, but they will not cock the action, and it cannot be dry fired. On hammer guns, the hammers may move under spring pressure but will not cock or dry fire.

Revolvers
Revolvers must have the cylinder filled with weld, and cut on the inside, with the barrel being pinned, welded and slotted underneath. The cylinder may rotate, and the hammer move, but there can be no connection between the hammer and the trigger, the revolver will not cock or dry fire.

Do I need a licence to own a deactivated firearm?

In the UK, no licence is required to own a deactivated firearm. However, a certificate of deactivation is required.

All firearms that we deactivate come with a certificate of deactivation from the Birmingham Proof House, and meet all current specifications. The certificate of deactivation provides evidential proof that the deactivated gun is no longer a working firearm in the eyes of the law.

How long does it take to deactivate a firearm, and how much will it cost?

Our deactivation service usually takes between 12-16 weeks, but this can vary depending on a number of factors.

If you have a firearm that you would like deactivating, we can arrange this for you at a cost from £130.

Deactivation fee for Pistols or Revolvers - £130
Deactivation fee for Rifles or Shotguns - £145

Payment will only be taken after your firearm has been deactivated. We can then ship your newly deactivated firearm back to your doorstep.

If you wish to discuss getting your firearm deactivated, make sure to fill in the contact form above and one of our team will be in touch.

I have a firearm that I would like deactivating, where do I start?

First, fill in our contact form below. Once we have received your contact form, a member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your enquiry further.

If you have more than one firearm that you wish to deactivate, please submit them individually.


Once you have spoken with a member of our team, and we have confirmed that your firearm is suitable for deactivation, we will need you to either bring your firearm into the shop or you can arrange for your firearm to be sent to us via your local Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD). As soon as we have your firearm, we will provide you with a rough estimation for how long the deactivation process will take.

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