Section 924(c) Firearms

Population Snapshot

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Of the 66,662 cases reported in fiscal year 2025, 2,384 involved convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).1 Offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) involve the use or carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, or the possession of a firearm in furtherance of those crimes.

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Individual and Offense Characteristics

 

 

  • 97% of section 924(c) individuals were men.
     
  • 58% were Black, 23% were Hispanic, 15% were White, and 4% were Other races.
     
  • Their average age was 34 years.
     
  • 94% were United States citizens.
     
  • 31% had little or no prior criminal history (Category I);
    • 15% were CHC II;
    • 19% were CHC III;
    • 10% were CHC IV;
    • 8% were CHC V;
    • 16% were CHC VI.
  • The top five districts for section 924(c) individuals were:
    • District of Puerto Rico (126);
    • Southern District of New York (112);
    • District of New Mexico (92);
    • Eastern District of North Carolina (87);
    • Eastern District of Virginia (86).
  • 7% were career offenders (§4B1.1).
     
  • 8% were convicted of multiple counts of section 924(c).
     

Punishment2,3

 

  • 100% were sentenced to prison.4
     
  • The average sentence for all section 924(c) individuals was 149 months.
    • 80 months for individuals convicted only under section 924(c).
    • 142 months for individuals also convicted of an offense not carrying a mandatory minimum.
    • 209 months for individuals determined to be career offenders.
  • 89% of section 924(c) individuals were also convicted of another offense; of those individuals:
    • 56% were convicted of drug trafficking, 23% of robbery, and 8% of another firearms offense.
  • 35% of all section 924(c) individuals were convicted of another offense carrying a mandatory minimum. In most cases, the other offense was a drug trafficking crime.
     

 

 

 

Sentences Relative to the Guideline Range

Section 924(c) Only Cases

  • 85% of sentences for convictions only under section 924(c) were under the Guidelines Manual.
    • 6% were substantial assistance departures.
      • The average sentence reduction was 53%.
         

Section 924(c) Cases Involving Career Offenders

  • 35% of sentences for convictions under section 924(c) for individuals determined to be career offenders were under the Guidelines Manual.5
    • 16% were substantial assistance departures.
      • The average sentence reduction was 47%.
  • 65% were variances.
    • All were downward variances.
      • The average sentence reduction was 34%.
         

All Section 924(c) Cases

  • The average guideline minimum  fluctuated and the average sentence imposed increased over the past five years.
    • The average guideline minimum was 182 months in fiscal year 2021 and 185 months in fiscal year 2025.
    • The average sentence increased from 136 months in fiscal year 2021 to 149 months in fiscal year 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Cases with incomplete sentencing information were excluded from the analysis.

2 These values represent the highest mandatory minimum an individual was subject to under section 924(c).

3 The “Other” category includes individuals with a mandatory minimum of 25 years (0.3%), 30 years (0.5%), and life (0.1%).

4 Offenses under section 924(c) carry one of several mandatory minimum penalties depending on the circumstances of the offense.

5 The guideline sentence for a section 924(c) offense is the minimum term of imprisonment required by statute. USSG §2K2.4. Punishments under section 924(c) run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(D)(ii).

SOURCE: United States Sentencing Commission, FY 2021 through FY 2025 Datafiles, USSCFY21-USSCFY25.

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