North Carolina law does not currently address specific age requirements for the purchase of weapons. Rather, they look to the federal standards for such restrictions. Under federal law, at 18 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1), federally licensed gun dealers are prohibited from selling handguns to persons under the age of 21. Further, all other purchasers of shotguns and rifles are required to be at least 18 years old.
North Carolina General Statute 14-269.7 provides that it is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of 18 to possess or carry a handgun. A handgun is defined as a firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand, or any combination of parts from which such a firearm can be assembled. The punishment for this misdemeanor is imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $500.00, or both. This prohibition does not apply to the following:
(1)Officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States when in discharge of their official duties or acting under orders requiring them to carry handguns.
(2)A minor who possesses a handgun for educational or recreational purposes while the minor is supervised by an adult who is present.
