Night vision

wirehairmax

Can someone explain to me in simple language, the legalities of the use of Night vision equipment in this country? I see more and more of it on sale here but always believed it was a firearms licensing issue? So how is it becoming more readily available over the counter so to speak ?

Cass

Simply put:

• A dedicated NV scope is a firearm and need authorisation to own and possess.
• A NV set up is completely legal to have without any authorisation UNTIL it is mounted to a firearm at which point it needs the authorisation. Doesn't matter if its a scope or home made kit. Once it stuck onto a rifle (by any means) it needs authorisation.
• Anything hand held and not firearm mounted (doesn't matter if it's capable as long as its not on the firearm) is completely legal to have without authorisation.

wirehairmax

Has it anything to do with the wildlife act?

Cass

Section 38 of the 1976 act says it's illegal, but it was amended in the 2000 act to say it can be used under license by the Minister.

wirehairmax

So a firearms dealer proclaiming it can be used freely on unprotected wildlife wouldn't be correct?

Cass

While no license is needed for foxes, rabbits, etc. (anything not in season) as is needed for Deer you still need the license/authorisation to have the NV setup.

The license for Deer, etc is completely separate to the NV authorisation. Think of it like a section 42 except for lamping/NV, etc.

mylo10

Does this mean the Nitesite is illegal in Ireland? I'm also curious about the set up people use, similar to the Nitesite, using a camera, IR Torch and a small LCD screen?

Thanks.

cookimonster

Based on Firearms legislation and Wildlife Act and as outlined by Cass 'NO' night vision equipment whether it's firearms mountable or not is illegal until you mount it to a fire arm and you do not have the relevant authorisation.
The only NV equipment that requires authorisation are dedicated NV Scopes whether you've got one mounted or sitting in your press.
Even section 42's authorizing the use of a lamp and shooting by night clearly states in red no 'the use of night vision is not permitted'

grassroot1

Does anyone know on what basis mounting the night sites on a rifle makes them a problem for the authorities.

juice1304

grassroot1 wrote: »

Does anyone know on what basis mounting the night sites on a rifle makes them a problem for the authorities.

Because that is what ninja assassins use to go on ninja killing sprees at night with their super silent silencers that prevent you from hearing the bullet which means you cant move out of the way.. Why else.. Why do you think ninja throwing stars are also banned.

Nekarsulm

grassroot1 wrote: »

Does anyone know on what basis mounting the night sites on a rifle makes them a problem for the authorities.

Hollywood.

I personally lay the blame at the feet of Steven Siegel.

Because it's easier to watch some hoo-ra gung-ho tinsel-town approximation of combat than to educate yourself about the real world capabilities of various firearms.

(And also, I believe, because many Gardai and politicians of all ranks are insecure and fearful of the citizens they are there to protect)

Ziggieire

juice1304 wrote: »

Because that is what ninja assassins use to go on ninja killing sprees at night with their super silent silencers that prevent you from hearing the bullet which means you cant move out of the way.. Why else.. Why do you think ninja throwing stars are also banned.

I am still laughing.
I have a firearms mounted night vision licence. All you have to do is ask for it from your Super. the same as a silencer it is per firearm.
Give him good reason and fill out an amendment forum and you are good to go.