Are Rifle Scopes Legal in the UK? Full Buyer’s Guide

Navigating the legal landscape of rifle scopes in the UK can be confusing for both new and experienced shooters. With varying regulations on different optics technologies and frequent misconceptions circulating online, it’s essential to understand exactly what’s permitted. This comprehensive guide will clarify the legal status of rifle scopes in the UK, including standard, night vision, and thermal imaging options, while providing practical buying advice to ensure your purchase is both legal and suitable for your needs.

Legal Status of Rifle Scopes in the UK

The good news for shooters in the UK is that rifle scopes themselves are completely legal to purchase and own without any special license or permit. This applies to standard optical scopes, red dot sights, and even advanced optics like night vision and thermal imaging scopes.

However, it’s crucial to understand that while the scopes themselves are legal to own, using them on firearms is subject to firearms licensing laws and specific regulations depending on your intended use. The legal distinction between owning a scope and using it on a firearm for specific purposes is important to understand.

Standard Optical Scopes

Traditional optical scopes with any magnification level are completely legal to purchase and own in the UK without restrictions. There are no limitations on magnification power, objective lens size, or reticle type for civilian ownership.

Night Vision and Thermal Imaging Scopes

Contrary to what many believe, both night vision and thermal imaging scopes are legal to purchase and own in the UK without special permissions. The confusion often stems from regulations about when and how these devices can be used for taking certain game, not their ownership.

UK Firearms Licensing Requirements

While scopes themselves don’t require licenses, the firearms they’re mounted on do. Understanding the UK’s firearms licensing system is essential for legal scope use.

Firearms Certificate (FAC)

To own a rifle in the UK, you need a Firearms Certificate (FAC) issued by your local police force. The application process involves:

• Demonstrating good reason for ownership (typically hunting, pest control, or target shooting)
• Providing secure storage that meets police requirements
• Background and medical checks
• References from responsible citizens
• Payment of the application fee

Your FAC will specify which firearms you’re permitted to own and for what purposes. These conditions directly impact how you can legally use different types of scopes.

Shotgun Certificate (SGC)

If you’re using scopes on shotguns, you’ll need a Shotgun Certificate. While the application process is similar to an FAC, the “good reason” requirement is less stringent for shotguns.

Specific Regulations for Different Scope Types

Night Vision and Thermal Imaging Regulations

The legality of using night vision and thermal imaging scopes varies depending on your location within the UK and your intended purpose:

Magnification and Other Features

There are no legal restrictions on scope magnification in the UK. You can legally own and use scopes with any magnification range, from low-power 1-4x variables to high-power 25x or greater fixed magnification scopes.

Similarly, there are no restrictions on other scope features such as:

Legal Considerations for Different Types of Shooting

Target Shooting

For target shooting at approved ranges, there are generally no restrictions on the type of scope you can use. Both standard optical scopes and advanced optics like variable power scopes with high magnification are permitted, though individual club rules may vary.

Hunting and Deer Stalking

When hunting game species, the legal considerations focus primarily on when you can hunt rather than what scope you can use. For deer stalking:

• Standard optical scopes can be used during legal hunting hours
• Night vision and thermal scopes can be used during legal daylight hours
• For night hunting of deer, specific licenses are required, with different rules across UK regions

Pest Control

For pest species like foxes and rabbits, the regulations are more permissive:

• Night vision and thermal imaging scopes can be used at night with appropriate firearm permissions
• No special license is typically required beyond your firearms certificate
• You must have landowner permission and be acting legally under your FAC conditions

Purchasing Process for Rifle Scopes in the UK

Where to Buy Rifle Scopes

Rifle scopes can be purchased from various retailers in the UK without restrictions:

• Specialist gun shops and shooting supply stores
• Online retailers specializing in shooting equipment
• General outdoor and hunting retailers
• Gun shows and shooting exhibitions

Age Restrictions

While there’s no specific legal age restriction for purchasing a scope on its own, most retailers will only sell to adults aged 18 or over. Additionally, if you’re purchasing a scope for use with a firearm, you’ll need to be old enough to hold the appropriate firearms certificate.

Documentation Needed

For purchasing just the scope:

• No firearms certificate or special documentation is required
• Standard payment methods and identification for age verification

For purchasing a rifle with a scope already mounted:

• Valid Firearms Certificate (FAC) with appropriate conditions
• The firearm must be listed on your certificate or you must have a slot available
• Photo identification matching your certificate details

Transportation and Storage Regulations

Transporting Scoped Rifles

When transporting a rifle with a scope mounted:

• The rifle must be unloaded and, ideally, have the bolt removed or action broken
• The rifle should be in a suitable case or slip
• The rifle and ammunition must be transported separately
• Never leave firearms unattended in a vehicle
• Travel directly to and from your shooting location

If you’re transporting just the scope without the firearm, there are no special legal requirements, though protecting your valuable optic in a padded case is advisable.

Storage Requirements

For storing rifles with scopes:

• Firearms must be stored in a secure cabinet that meets BS 7558 standards
• The cabinet must be securely attached to the building structure
• Ammunition must be stored separately, either in a separate lockable container or a separate compartment within the gun cabinet
• Keys must be kept secure and away from the cabinet

Scopes not mounted on firearms can be stored however you prefer, though keeping them in protective cases and in secure locations is recommended given their value.

Recent Legal Changes and Pending Legislation

Recent Changes in Scotland

Scotland has recently updated its regulations regarding night vision and thermal imaging devices for deer control. As of 2023, both night vision and thermal imaging scopes can be used for deer control at night under appropriate licensing from NatureScot. This represents a significant change from previous restrictions.

Potential Future Changes

While there are no specific pending changes to scope regulations at the time of writing, firearms legislation in the UK is periodically reviewed. Areas that may see future attention include:

• Standardization of night shooting regulations across UK regions
• Potential updates to export controls on optical devices
• Review of licensing requirements for specific pest control activities

Practical Buying Advice for UK Legal Use

Choosing the Right Scope for Your Needs

When selecting a scope for UK legal use, consider:

Budget Considerations

Common Misconceptions About Scope Legality

Resources for Further Information

Official Government Resources

• UK Government Firearms Licensing Guidance – Official guidance on firearms licensing procedures
• Firearms Act 1968 – The primary legislation governing firearms in the UK
• Natural England – Information on wildlife licensing for England
• NatureScot – Scotland’s nature agency with information on wildlife licensing

Shooting Organizations

• British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) – Comprehensive resources on all aspects of shooting
• National Rifle Association of the UK – Information for target shooters
• National Small-bore Rifle Association – Resources for small-bore rifle shooters
• The British Deer Society – Information on deer stalking and management

Conclusion

Understanding the legal landscape for rifle scopes in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. The key points to remember are:

• All types of rifle scopes, including night vision and thermal imaging, are legal to purchase and own in the UK without special licenses
• The firearm the scope is mounted on requires appropriate licensing
• Using scopes for deer hunting at night requires specific licenses that vary by UK region
• Night vision and thermal imaging can generally be used for pest control without special licenses (beyond your FAC)
• There are no restrictions on scope magnification or features

By understanding these regulations and following the guidance in this buyer’s guide, you can confidently purchase and use rifle scopes in the UK while remaining fully compliant with the law. Whether you’re a deer stalker, pest controller, or target shooter, choosing the right scope for your specific needs will enhance your shooting experience while ensuring you stay within legal boundaries.