https://www.dandbmilitaria.com/deactivated-guns-and-antique-firearms/pre-eu-spec
All very confusing ain't it ?
Had a telephone conversation with a representative of the above and who is a senior member of several relevant organizations, confirmed that, only whilst we were still members of EU that " Old Spec " aka pre-1995 deactivated weapons had to remain in sole possession of their owners unless being sold to a non-EU country i.e. Now UK .
Yes there is a question of whether Old Spec should be re-deactivated to EU spec, but apart from the fact that it turns them into nothing more than paper weights rather than precision engineered mechanisms, albeit unable to discharge a projectile, there is now no need and the authorities seem reluctant to get involved, which would suggest there is very little perceived threat.
Do a search and you will find many dealers offering Old UK Spec deactivated weapons for sale.
Anybody got one for sale ????