Sound Moderators Are Finally Off Ticket – Here's What It Means for Shooters

For years, one of the biggest frustrations for UK firearm certificate holders wasn't buying a rifle—it was buying the sound moderator to go with it.

Need a new moderator?

You'd often have to apply for a variation, pay a fee, wait for your firearms licensing department to process the paperwork, and only then could you make your purchase.

Thankfully, that's now changed.

Following changes introduced under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, sound moderators are no longer treated as Section 1 firearms in their own right. That means firearm certificate holders no longer need a specific moderator slot or variation on their FAC to purchase one.

Why Is This Such a Big Deal?

For many shooters, this is one of the most sensible pieces of firearms legislation introduced in recent years.

After all, a sound moderator isn't a firearm.

It's an accessory designed to reduce muzzle noise, protect hearing, minimise disturbance to neighbouring properties and livestock, and improve the overall shooting experience.

For years, organisations across the shooting community argued that requiring individual authorisation for every moderator created unnecessary bureaucracy without improving public safety.

The Government has now recognised that view.

What Has Actually Changed?

The biggest difference is simple.

If you already hold a valid Firearm Certificate, you no longer need to apply for a variation or have a moderator entered onto your certificate before buying one.

That means:

• No waiting for a variation.

• No extra paperwork.

• No additional variation fee.

• Faster access to the equipment you actually need.

It's a welcome change for both shooters and Registered Firearms Dealers, making the buying process far simpler than before.

What Hasn't Changed?

It's important to remember that moderators haven't become unrestricted.

To possess a sound moderator intended for a Section 1 firearm, you must still hold a valid Firearm Certificate or Shotgun Certificate, unless an exemption applies. The change removes the need for a moderator to be individually authorised—not the requirement to be a lawful certificate holder.

In other words, moderators haven't become a free-for-all—they've simply become much less bureaucratic.

Good News for Licensing Departments Too

This reform doesn't just benefit certificate holders.

Sound moderators previously accounted for around one-third of all firearms entries on the National Firearms Licensing Management System. Removing the need to process moderator variations should significantly reduce the administrative workload for licensing departments, allowing resources to be focused on grant and renewal applications instead.

Hopefully, that will mean a more efficient licensing system for everyone.

Why We Think It's the Right Decision

At Rural Sports Ltd, we've always believed sound moderators are one of the most practical accessories a shooter can own.

They help protect hearing, reduce noise pollution, minimise disturbance to surrounding landowners and livestock, and make time spent in the field far more enjoyable.

Removing unnecessary paperwork while maintaining sensible safeguards feels like common-sense legislation.

It's a change that reduces bureaucracy without compromising public safety.

And for once, that's something the entire shooting community can celebrate.

If you've been putting off upgrading or replacing your moderator because of the hassle of variations, there's never been a better time to make the change.