Speaking to Barry Johnson (centre), business development and compliance manager, the company’s origins reflect a combination of curiosity, instinct and early entrepreneurial thinking.
The story begins in the late 1990s with founder Dan Ryok, who was introduced to military fairs and boot sales by his father, Brian. The “D” and “B” in the company name reflect that partnership. What started as a teenage interest quickly developed into something more commercial.
“His dad used to take him to boot fairs, and he started buying things from one stall and then going down a few stalls and selling it on,” Johnson explains. “He realised he could make money and discovered he was really good at it. That’s literally how he started, and he never stopped.”
That early exposure to surplus military items coincided with a period of significant global supply. The end of the Cold War saw countries disposing of large volumes of stock, creating a unique environment for collectors and dealers alike.
Over time, the UK established itself as a central hub for deactivated firearms. Stringent firearms legislation, combined with clearly defined deactivation standards, created a framework in which collectors could legally own historically significant pieces without the complexities associated with live firearms.
“In the UK, we’ve got very restricted gun laws anyway,” says Johnson. “So deactivated firearms became accessible. The standards were high, they were recognised as safe, and as long as you were over 18, you could own one. That helped drive demand.”
For many enthusiasts, the appeal lies in a combination of history and mechanics. Earlier deactivation specifications often allowed for partial disassembly, enabling collectors to explore how firearms functioned. While modern standards are more restrictive, that fascination remains.
“Personally, I just love the mechanics of them,” Johnson adds. “Being able to take something apart, understand how it works and learn the markings – for someone like me, that was just great.”
As the market has matured, so too has the customer base. While private collectors remain central, D & B Militaria now works extensively with museums, film and television productions, and theatre companies. Each segment brings different requirements, from historical accuracy to practical usability on set.
Johnson notes that working with the film and television sector introduces additional complexity. Productions may require deactivated firearms, blank-firing guns or specialist props depending on the application. The company has supplied equipment to a wide range of productions, including well-known titles such as Rogue Heroes and Doctor Who, although confidentiality often limits visibility during production.
One of the defining characteristics of D & B Militaria is its ability to source rare and difficult-to-find items. This remains a key point of differentiation in a competitive and highly specialised market.
“That’s what we’re really good at,” Johnson says. “Even when we were smaller, we weren’t frightened to get on a plane, go and explore and see what was out there. These days you can make contact online, but there’s nothing like sitting down with someone, having a meal and seeing what they’ve got. We can usually work out where to go if someone wants something rare.”
This international approach is underpinned by the company’s regulatory framework. D & B Militaria operates as both a registered firearms dealer and a Section 5 authority holder, allowing it to handle prohibited firearms under strict conditions.
Achieving this status is a significant undertaking.
“It took us six years to get our Section 5,” Johnson explains. “That’s quite normal. You have to demonstrate a genuine need, and it’s not something you can just decide to do overnight.”
The complexity does not end there. Importing firearms and related items requires navigating a patchwork of international legislation, export controls and transport regulations. Differences in classification between countries add further challenges.
“What’s a sporting gun in France or Germany might be classed as a military firearm in the UK,” Johnson says. “Then you’ve got export paperwork, transit paperwork – it’s paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.”
Financial barriers also remain high. Acquiring stock often requires significant upfront investment, with no guarantee of immediate return, while compliance demands ongoing time and resource.
Despite these challenges, the company has continued to expand its activities. In addition to trading, D & B Militaria now supports UK law enforcement agencies with training and identification.
“I probably spend a couple of hours a week on the phone to police forces,” Johnson says. “They’ll come across something and ask what they’re looking at. There are so many variations – replicas, deactivated, blank-firing – it’s not straightforward.”
Customer service remains central to the business. Johnson emphasises that honesty and clear communication are essential in maintaining long-term relationships.
“Sometimes the answer has to be no,” he says. “You can’t always get something for the price a customer wants. You have to explain why and back it up. Reputation is everything, especially now people can leave reviews online.”
This approach is reflected in the company’s strong customer feedback, built over years of consistent service across a diverse client base.
Sustaining a business in the UK gun trade requires resilience, adaptability and a close eye on regulation. Johnson believes the fundamentals are no different from any other sector, but the stakes are higher.
“Hard work is underrated,” he says. “You’ve got to keep learning, and in this industry, you have to stay on top of legislation all the time.”
Ultimately, what underpins D & B Militaria’s longevity is a genuine passion for the subject matter.
“I love what I do,” Johnson concludes. “I’m passionate about the mechanics, the engineering and the history. You have to be. In this trade, if you’re not passionate, you won’t last.”
From its origins in boot fairs to its position as a recognised international supplier, D & B Militaria reflects the evolution of a specialist sector shaped by regulation, expertise and enduring demand.
"WHILE PRIVATE COLLECTORS REMAIN CENTRAL, D&B MILITARIA NOW WORKS EXTENSIVELY WITH MUSEUMS, FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS AND THEATURE COMPANIES."