The UK Government has confirmed its intention to remove sound moderators from the legal definition of a firearm, following overwhelming support from the shooting community in a recent public consultation.

First outlined in early 2024, the proposal seeks to reduce the administrative burden on both certificate holders and police forces by no longer requiring a variation to a firearms certificate in order to acquire or possess a moderator. A total of 19,277 responses were received during the six-week consultation, with 94% of respondents in favour of deregulation.

Currently, sound moderators, devices used to reduce noise and muzzle flash, are classified as components under section 57(1)(d) of the Firearms Act 1968. As such, they are treated as firearms in their own right, requiring police authorisation for possession or acquisition. The Government now proposes legislative reform to remove that requirement, recognising that moderators pose no inherent danger to public safety.

In its formal response, the Home Office stated: “This would meet the original objective of removing the administrative burden on the police and shooters of having to apply for a variation of a firearms certificate in order to acquire or own a sound moderator while at the same time helping to ensure that they were only held by those with a legitimate purpose, as demonstrated by the possession of a valid firearms certificate.”

Primary legislation over reform orders

Despite calls for swift action via a Legislative Reform Order (LRO), the Government confirmed it would instead pursue change through primary legislation. While a slower route, this approach allows the Firearms Act 1968 to be updated more comprehensively. It also paves the way for a new offence: possessing a moderator without a valid firearm certificate, ensuring only licensed individuals have access.

Stephen added: “It’s not the complete deregulation many of us had hoped for, moderators will still only be legally available to certificate holders, but it’s progress. It cuts unnecessary paperwork for the police and shooters alike, and that’s a win for the whole sector.”

Health, safety and community confidence

The Government acknowledged overwhelming support for the change on health and safety grounds. Some 95% of respondents said moderators played an important role in protecting hearing and reducing noise pollution, while 98% agreed that removing licensing controls posed no public safety risk.

Nonetheless, a minority raised concerns about possible criminal misuse, particularly in relation to poaching. The Government concluded such risks were minimal and would be mitigated by the continued requirement to hold a firearm certificate.

Airguns

Although the reform applies across the UK, moderators for airguns in Scotland will remain regulated under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. The Scottish Government has indicated it is reviewing this position in light of the Home Office’s decision.

Airguns classified as Section 1 in England and Wales may also present challenges under the licensing framework.

Stephen also highlighted some remaining uncertainties: “There are still grey areas. What about muzzle brakes or flash guards, will those be caught by the new definition?

Next steps

While no legislative timeline has been announced, the Home Office has stated that it will introduce the necessary reforms “when Parliamentary time allows.” Until then, moderators will remain subject to existing licensing controls.