Does Youth Handgun Safety Act prohibit handling of firearms???

[Q-Tip]

This is a popular debate where i work. We have a policy (that honestly i don't agree with) to not allow anyone under the age of 21 handle a handgun. This policy has even been directed toward a sheriff's deputy in uniform who was 20 at the time and looking for a handgun to put on layaway until his birthday. In my mind i just saw $$$$ signs fly out the door when he was denied the ability to fondle. According to my interpretation, if somebody between the ages of 18-20 wants to handle a firearm and discuss it with me then i should be allowed to extend this ability to do so to them. I want informed customers of all ages. I don't want young adults to own handguns, and when they become 21 all the previous knowledge they have is from Call of Duty :banghead:

I have read the Youth Handgun Safety Act and i see no reason beyond a store implementing this policy beyond liability reasons.

Discretion is a big part of our responsibility here,but i wonder is it actually store policy or does ATF regulation prohibit showing firearms to the people in question (18-20 year olds). Please id like to hear opinions on this, don't feed me that possession enabling stuff, its not possession of a firearm by a minor that i'm asking about. Its more along the lines of examination by a minor.

 

[Frank Ettin]

This is a popular debate where i work. We have a policy (that honestly i don't agree with) to not allow anyone under the age of 21 handle a handgun. ...

I have read the Youth Handgun Safety Act and i see no reason beyond a store implementing this policy beyond liability reasons...

I agree that the store is going overboard a bit. The law really applies only to juveniles defined as persons under 18.

Here's the law.

 

[limpingbear]

personaly I've never believed in that whole "not until 21" rule. I think that if a person is old enough to vote, joint the military, or be a "legal" adult responsible for thier own actions, they should be able to purchase (or fondle) handguns....

 

[Frank Ettin]

personaly I've never believed in that whole "not until 21" rule. I think that if a person is old enough to vote, joint the military, or be a "legal" adult responsible for thier own actions, they should be able to purchase (or fondle) handguns....

What you believe is beside the point. We're discussing a matter of what federal law permits/requires, and therefore how an FFL must conduct his business.

 

[84jeepjohn]

Interesting. I know when I was at a LGS with my son, they sad is that your boy? OK. I think as long as there is an adult present there should not be an issue. We went in and shot a .22 right after looking at some compacts.

 

[NukemJim]

IANAL

Not sure of Fed law but it is legal under Illinois law. There are allowances for youth to handle firearms for "instructional" purposes. Since Fed law tends to override state law I think it is legal.

NukemJim

 

[Q-Tip]

Yea according to everything i have read 18 seems to be the age recognized by the Federal Gun Laws as being a juvenile. And TN law isnt contradictory to that at all, that i have found. I am going to discuss it with my boss, because its not his policy it seems, but just the opinion of my co worker that seems to be the conflict here. I just want to be able to provide those persons ages 18-20 with knowledge of the firearm BEFORE they take the step to ownership.And if somebody is misinformed regarding the law they can cause a lot of confusion where it is not needed. Thanks for the replies everybody.

 

[gojuice101]

Here in Virginia it is kind of weird. Of course you have to be 21 to buy a handgun, or handgun ammo, and to conceal carry. However, you can open carry at the age of 18. Also, there is nothing that prevents someone under 21 from handling a handgun, they just can't buy it.