Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life

s.16Firearms Act 1968

Possessing a firearm or ammunition intending, by means of it, to endanger life or to enable another person to endanger life, whether or not any injury is caused.

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life · Firearms Act 1968, s.16Card 78 / 195

Points to prove

Had in their possession
Any firearm or ammunition
With intent by means of it to endanger life, or to enable another person by means of it to endanger life
(Whether any injury has been caused or not)

Key definitions

Possession – wider than “has with him”. It covers a firearm kept at home or hidden elsewhere, as long as the defendant has knowledge of and control over it.
Firearm – s.57(1): a lethal barrelled weapon, a prohibited weapon, or a relevant component part of either.
Ammunition – s.57(2): ammunition for any firearm. It includes grenades, bombs and other like missiles (whether or not they can be used with a firearm) and prohibited ammunition.
Endanger life – the intent is to put someone’s life at risk. No one needs to be injured and the firearm need not be fired.

Good to know

Imitation firearms are not covered by s.16. Use s.16A (intent to cause fear of violence) for a replica.
In England and Wales the words “or cause serious injury to property” were repealed by the Criminal Damage Act 1971. For property, consider s.1(2) Criminal Damage Act 1971.
If the firearm is a prohibited weapon listed in Sch 20 to the Sentencing Act 2020, a minimum sentence applies for offenders aged 16 or over: 5 years if 18 or over when the offence was committed, 3 years if under 18, unless there are exceptional circumstances (s.311).
Related offences: s.16A, s.17 (use to resist arrest) and s.18 (carrying with criminal intent).

Legislation: Firearms Act 1968, s.16 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Indictable only
Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment and/or a fine
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life?

1. Had in their possession 2. Any firearm or ammunition 3. With intent by means of it to endanger life, or to enable another person by means of it to endanger life 4. (Whether any injury has been caused or not)

What is the maximum sentence for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life?

Life imprisonment and/or a fine.

Is possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life is indictable only: it can only be tried in the Crown Court.

What Act and section is possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life?

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life is an offence under the Firearms Act 1968, s.16.

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