Quick Answer
Yes. You can keep a sound moderator in your gun cabinet if it fits safely and does not interfere with the locks or firearms. In Great Britain, current Home Office guidance says sound moderators no longer have to be kept in a security cabinet following the changes effective from 29 June 2026. That does not remove the separate rules on lawful possession, firearms security or Scottish air-weapon moderators.
This answer concerns Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a separate firearms regime; confirm your arrangements with PSNI rather than applying this guidance there.
Is cabinet storage still compulsory?
For sound moderators covered by the 2026 changes, no. Paragraph 12.79 of the current Home Office firearms licensing guide expressly says there is no longer a requirement to keep sound moderators in a security cabinet when not in use.
The guide also says certificate conditions relating specifically to sound moderators before 29 June 2026 cease to apply. It says there is no need to return a certificate simply to have those entries removed. Do not confuse this change with the continuing security requirements for your rifles, shotguns and Section 1 ammunition.
The Home Office guide explains legislation; it is not itself a definitive statement of the law. Its moderator-specific guidance is newer than the 2020 security handbook. Advice written before the change can therefore give the wrong impression about today's moderator storage obligation.
Does that mean anyone can possess a moderator?
No. Cabinet storage and lawful possession are separate questions. Paragraphs 12.77 and 12.80 explain that section 2A of the Firearms Act 1968 restricts possession of a relevant accessory unless the person holds a firearm certificate or shotgun certificate, or an exemption applies.
Do not interpret removal from individual certificate control as unrestricted possession. Nor should you assume a cabinet key gives someone lawful authority to possess the firearms inside. A shotgun certificate does not authorise possession of another person's Section 1 rifle.
Air-weapon moderators need particular care: paragraph 12.81 distinguishes England and Wales from Scotland, where air-weapon licensing controls continue to apply. This page does not treat every moderator as legally identical.
How can I keep one in the cabinet safely?
Cabinet storage remains a practical option even when it is not compulsory. Use a stable shelf or suitable holder, and check that the moderator:
- Cannot fall out when the door opens.
- Does not obstruct locking bolts, hinges or the door.
- Does not press against a firearm or scope.
- Does not require you to force the cabinet closed.
These are practical precautions, not a new statutory checklist. If space is tight, reconsider the layout rather than compromising the cabinet's security. See our guide to gun cabinet inspections.
There is no reason to treat a moderator as ammunition simply because both are shooting equipment. Keep your ammunition security arrangements effective rather than filling its locked compartment with accessories.
What changes if the cabinet is shared?
Check access to the whole cabinet, not just the moderator. Removing a moderator-specific cabinet obligation does not change who may access the firearms stored beside it.
The Home Office security handbook, paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3, discusses suitable cabinets and access control. Apply its general security advice to the firearms you store, while using the newer guide for the moderator-specific changes.
Review sharing a gun cabinet and where to keep gun cabinet keys before changing access arrangements. Ask your licensing department if the entitlement of another user is unclear.
What should I do after shooting?
Unload and check the firearm before handling or removing the moderator. Follow the firearm and moderator manufacturers' instructions for cooling, cleaning, removal and storage. Do not assume all models have identical requirements, and do not compromise firearm security while equipment is cooling.
Practical Bottom Line
Yes, a moderator can stay in your cabinet if it fits safely. Distinguish sensible storage from legal obligations: current Great Britain guidance removes the moderator-specific cabinet requirement, but lawful possession and the security of accompanying firearms remain separate responsibilities.