A deactivated weapon is any firearm that has been converted so that it can no longer discharge any shot, bullet or any other missile. Deactivation is intended to be permanent and cannot be reactivated without specialist tools or skills.

Deactivation work carried out in the UK since 1 July 1989, will generally have been endorsed by a Proof House. The weapon will be proof marked and issued with a deactivation certificate.

There are stringent requirements before a weapon can be proofed as deactivated and such work should be left to a gunsmith. A registered firearms dealer is the best person to speak to about this.

Any weapon - including prohibited one such as a machine gun - can be deactivated and will no longer deemed a firearm under the Firearms Act.

Deactivated weapons may be possessed without a firearm or shotgun certificate and may be displayed in the owner's home without the need for a locked gun cabinet.

Buying deactivated weapons:
It is important that care is taken when acquiring any firearm that is described as deactivated. You should ensure that you are shown the proof house mark and certificate issued in respect of any gun deactivated in the UK since 1989.