Weapons and Firearm offences

8 November 2025 in Criminal Law | 5 min read | skip to FAQs

There are a variety of serious criminal offences that are associated with the possession of illegal firearms and weapons. There are also special circumstances where the possession and use of firearms and weapons are considered lawful. This article outlines the legal definitions and associated penalties of weapons and firearms offences.

Firearm Possession Offences

In NSW a person requires a licence or permit to legally possess a firearm, it is an offence to possess or use a firearm without a licence or permit. It is also an offence for a person who has a licence to use a firearm in a way which is:

1. inconsistent with the genuine purpose established for the person’s authorised use of the firearm or,
2. breaches a condition of the person’s licence to use the firearm.

In addition to possession offences, there are various other offences relating to firearms such as the supply and acquisition of firearms, the misuse of firearm licences and permits, unauthorised manufacture of firearms, the possession of more than 3 firearms and the possession of stolen firearms. For more information, see The Judicial Commission of NSW’s listing on firearms offences.

What Firearms are Considered Prohibited?

Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) outlines the list which includes guns or any weapon that is capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive, including blank fire firearms or an airgun. For more information on this topic, please see our article on Air Guns and Gel Blasters : The Law in NSW.

Penalties associated with Firearms Offences

Firearms offences carry very serious penalties, for example, the offence of unauthorised possession or use of a prohibited firearm has a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. The seriousness of a firearm offence and its penalty will be determined by the type of firearm involved in the offence. For example, offences involving prohibited firearms such as machine guns carry more serious penalties.

What are weapons offences?

There are a number of offences associated with prohibited weapons. It is an offence in NSW to be in possession or to use a prohibited weapon unless you are authorised to do so by permit. There are other offences relating to prohibited weapons, such as those relating to the manufacture of weapons or possession of digital blueprints for manufacture, the remote controlled possession of weapons and the sale and purchase of prohibited weapons.

What Weapons are Considered Prohibited Weapons?

Schedule 1 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW) outlines the list, which includes knives, military style weapons, spear guns, crossbows, lasers and handcuffs. It also includes any collection of disassembled parts which would, if assembled be a prohibited weapon. For more information on recent knife legislation, please see our article on NSW Knife Legislation.

Penalties associated with Weapons Offences

Prohibited weapons offences are very serious and carry with them various penalties. For example, the offence of unauthorised possession or use of a prohibited weapon carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Can I be Guilty of an Offence if I have a Licence to use a Particular Firearm or Weapon?

Yes, whilst you can use and possess firearms and prohibited weapons if you hold an appropriate licence or permit to do so, you may still be found guilty of an offence. This may occur where you are using the weapon or firearm in a manner which is inconsistent with the purpose of legitimately possessing or using the weapon or firearm. Furthermore, you may also commit an offence where you have breached a condition of your licence or permit to possession and use a firearm.

Other Weapons Offences

You may also be found guilty of an offence if you don’t keep your licensed firearm in a safe and secure location. To avoid this, you must take all reasonable precautions necessary to ensure your authorised firearm or weapon is in safe keeping, is not stolen or lost, and does come into the possession of a person who is not authorised to possess the firearm or weapon.

Licenses

It is also important to note that if you have a licence or permit to use a firearm or weapon it must be legitimate. If it is not, then you risk receiving a fine or 2 years imprisonment or both. It is important to note that authorised officers and police have unique powers to demand the inspection of firearm and weapon licences and permits.

Recent Knife Legislation in NSW

The knife laws that came into effect in June 2024 give NSW Police additional powers to tackle knife related crime. Specifically, they allow police officers to scan individuals with a metal detector, otherwise known as a wand, who may be carrying knives or other weapons. This can occur in designated areas. These designated areas are specified by senior police and police do not need a warrant or strong suspicion that an individual may have a knife or weapon.

In addition, the age limit to sell a knife was increased to 18 years from 16 years. Finally, the maximum penalty rates for possessing, carrying and using a knife in public places or schools were doubled and these offences were made indictable offences rather than summary offences. Indictable offences are considered more serious offences. They are dealt with in the District and Supreme Courts and attract higher penalties. For more information, see our article on New Knife Laws : Wand Scanning.

How can BSM Sydney Lawyer assist you?

Firearm and weapons offences are very serious offences that need to be handled with expertise. The criminal defence lawyers at BSM Sydney Lawyers have extensive experience with firearm and weapons offences. We provide expert legal advice and fight for your rights. Our criminal lawyers regularly attend the Local and District Courts and are expert advocates. The criminal lawyers at BSM Sydney Lawyers provide a free 20-minute, no obligation consultation.

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BSM Lawyer Sydney have offices conveniently located in Sydney CBD, Sutherland, Parramatta, Shellharbour and Wollongong.