NavyLCDR
member
SHVar said:No, in order to buy, own, carry, handguns in most states you must be 21, it doesnt matter if you are in the military and can be issued one for carry on duty, or use on a range. The issue weapon is purely for duty in uniform.
That's not true. In AT LEAST 35 states the legal age for possession of a handgun is 18. The only state I can think of that possession of a handgun is legal at 18 and the purchase of that handgun (in a private sale) is not legal is Ohio. Here is a quick reference:
http://www.opencarry.org/age.html
and that map is not completely accurate regarding possession, because in a state such as Washington, possession of a handgun by an 18 is legal, but carrying that handgun for protection is not, so it is listed as 21 on that map.
I think a lot of people just have problems with 18 year olds being able to own handguns and defend themselves and make exaggerated statements regarding how "illegal" it is for them to do so.