Age 21 to Buy or Own a Pistol

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DMW1116

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Just wondering about the subtle but distinct difference between possessing a handgun. I know different states have different laws. I know one cannot purchase a handgun under 21. However, is possession of one also limited?
 
I just feel that they should simplify who o what age is a person an adult.?
If you can vote, go into the military, sign a contract at 18 then why not a gun or drinks smoke.
So an 18 year old can vote on gun legislation but not buy a handgun??:what:
Yep, absurdity abounds
 
I would say it's very limited, in that you can 'own' a handgun between age 18 and 20, but you can't actually carry it for self defense until you're 21. It's like owning a car, but not being allowed to take it out on the street.
 
This article indicates that the 21 age limit applies to possession (with defined exceptions) as well as sales. https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/re...minimum-age-to-purchase-and-possess-handguns/

No it doesn’t.

Please read the link you posted - it notes that the minimum age of possession is 18, not 21. As noted in the link, the federal code cite is 18 USC 922(X). The defined exceptions in the statute relate to people under 18.



While the minimum age of 21 applies to transfers from a FFL, it does not apply to transfers from unlicensed parties (so FTF sales, gifts, etc). So it is entirely possible to acquire handguns legally while someone is between the ages of 18 and 21. This is of course dependent on state law which could be more restrictive.


I would say it's very limited, in that you can 'own' a handgun between age 18 and 20, but you can't actually carry it for self defense until you're 21. It's like owning a car, but not being allowed to take it out on the street.
That is state law dependent. There are a number of states who will issue carry permits to individuals under 21. I had a number of carry permits (resident and non resident) before I was 21.
 
However, is possession of one also limited?
You answered that one in the question--it's defined by the Several States.

A number of States allow possession by those down to 16; they just can't buy, per 18USC922 until 21.

Many allow simple possession by those 18-21, but, again, no purchase.

The CHL laws are all over the place, though, generally you need to be military or LE if under 21.
 
The premise that an 18 year old is mature enough to:

join the military or get drafted
drive!
consume alcoholic (adult) beverages
purchase firearms
or vote is flawed IMOHO.
 
As of 2008 my state SC, allows possession at 18 but 21 to purchase. Searching around got some pretty contradictory information. Basically the exact opposites. Federal only governs purchase if I am correct.
 
Wasn’t there a circuit court decision based on this just a couple weeks ago?
 
The premise that an 18 year old is mature enough to:

join the military or get drafted
drive!
consume alcoholic (adult) beverages
purchase firearms
or vote is flawed IMOHO.
The voting age was 21 until the 26th Amendment was passed in 1971 that lowered the voting age to 18 in response to the draft and war in Vietnam. "Old enough to die for your country, but not old enough to vote."
 
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