Possession and/or Use of Guns for a Minor

[LT LunchSpecial]

For the past 3 weeks I have been trying to get an answer to this question and so far I can’t seem to get anyone who is willing to listen (and who has knowledge of gun laws)
I’m 16 years old and I have been trying to get into USPSA (jr.) shooting for the past few months.
I am repeatedly told that because I’m under 21 I can’t have anything to do with Guns. I don’t believe that’s true so can anyone help me out?
After being told a bunch of diferent things, i don't really know what to belive so i'm REALLY lost.
Do I need special permits?
I live within 1,000 Feet of a school; does that mean the Gun-free school zone act would prohibit me from owning a firearm?
Are there restrictions on velocity/Type of Weapon?
If my parents owned the gun could I go down to an indoor range and use it?
I live in Washington (WA not D.C.) are there any kind of special rules that would apply?
Can you please not Type “go down to your local dealer and ask them” I tried to do that but the guy treated me like a criminal, so that option is now out of the question. (Until I find a new one)
Sorry if this is kind of scatter-minded but I’m so confused right now, ANY help would be appreciated.

 

[wishin]

Welcome to THR. I think this answers your questions:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.040
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.042

Children — Permissible firearm possession.
RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii) shall not apply to any person under the age of eighteen years who is:

(1) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course;

(2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited;

(3) Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group that uses firearms as a part of the performance;

(4) Hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the person under Title 77 RCW;

(5) In an area where the discharge of a firearm is permitted, is not trespassing, and the person either: (a) Is at least fourteen years of age, has been issued a hunter safety certificate, and is using a lawful firearm other than a pistol; or (b) is under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved for the purpose by the parent or guardian;

(6) Traveling with any unloaded firearm in the person's possession to or from any activity described in subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section;

(7) On real property under the control of his or her parent, other relative, or legal guardian and who has the permission of the parent or legal guardian to possess a firearm;

(8) At his or her residence and who, with the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian, possesses a firearm for the purpose of exercising the rights specified in RCW 9A.16.020(3); or

(9) Is a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard, or organized reserves, when on duty.

Go here for additional info on Washington's gun laws:
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/washington.pdf

 

[jimmyraythomason]

“go down to your local dealer and ask them”

Rest assured,you will not hear that from anyone here. We all know better.

 

[NavyLCDR]

1. I am repeatedly told that because I’m under 21 I can’t have anything to do with Guns. I don’t believe that’s true so can anyone help me out?

2. Do I need special permits?

3. I live within 1,000 Feet of a school; does that mean the Gun-free school zone act would prohibit me from owning a firearm?

4. Are there restrictions on velocity/Type of Weapon?

5. If my parents owned the gun could I go down to an indoor range and use it?

6. I live in Washington (WA not D.C.) are there any kind of special rules that would apply?

7. Can you please not Type “go down to your local dealer and ask them” I tried to do that but the guy treated me like a criminal, so that option is now out of the question. (Until I find a new one)

8. Sorry if this is kind of scatter-minded but I’m so confused right now, ANY help would be appreciated.

1. Yes, we can help you out. No, it is not true that you can't have anything to do with guns.

2. Nope. No special permit required. In fact you can't get a Concealed Pistol License until you are 21 and that is the only permit Washington has.

3. Nope. You should be OK going to/from the gun range with the unloaded gun in a closed container regardless of the school zone.

4. Yes. Fully automatic firearms and silencers/suppressors are illegal to posses in Washington.

5. Yes. See the statutes that were posted above.

6. Yes. See the statutes that were posted above.

7. A dealer is just going to look at you like you are a criminal and won't have the right answers anyway. You really have no business do anything with a dealer until you are 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.

8. There is a Washington specific forum at opencarry.org. Also read all the firearms laws for yourself, they are almost all in RCW (Revised Code of Washington) section 9.41:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41

and here is a summary pamphlet:

http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/attachment.php?id=10415

 

[LT LunchSpecial]

WOW!

Thanks NavyLT for the Info and Thank you wishin for the Very helpful links.

You both have just cleared up months of confustion in just 2 posts.

 

[ChaoSS]

Why don't you go down to the local gun shop and ask them?


Seriously, though, I don't think you can buy the gun yourself, but your parents most certainly can buy a gun and let you use it, and then gift it to you when you are of age. The statutes posted above tell you when and how you can use said gun.

 

[Shadow 7D]

I believe on the federal level that you can purchase a handgun at 18 in a private sale, as the limitations mentioned are just for FFL dealers, in most states laws they that the statute of minor in possession (or similar) and specifically exempt minors who have permission or reason to have the firearm, such as hunting, scouts, or sporting activity.

And I wouldn't just ask at any gun shop, no guarantee that they know, especially the chain stores, you probably would be better served to find a shooting club with youth activity or a state run shooting range.

 

[ironcode]

silencers/suppressors are illegal to posses in Washington

Wrong. It's illegal to shoot through one, but you can possess it just fine. You can have it, just not use it in WA.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Wrong. It's illegal to shoot through one, but you can possess it just fine. You can have it, just not use it in WA.

You are correct, I was wrong, thanks!

 

[LT LunchSpecial]

I believe on the federal level that you can purchase a handgun at 18 in a private sale, as the limitations mentioned are just for FFL dealers, in most states laws they that the statute of minor in possession (or similar) and specifically exempt minors who have permission or reason to have the firearm, such as hunting, scouts, or sporting activity.

So how would one go about getting permission, Would that be Permission from a Judge or just your Parents/Guardian?

And I wouldn't just ask at any gun shop, no guarantee that they know, especially the chain stores, you probably would be better served to find a shooting club with youth activity or a state run shooting range.

Definitely learned my lesson on that one.

 

[Wheeler44]

I recommend gettin' you and your folks down to Paul Bunyan Range between Lakewood and Puyallup...Maybe 20 miles from you....They have an excellent youth smallbore club...Go, learn, and pass on good information, like you've received here...........

Another great program at Capitol City Range near Littlerock WA....

 

[Shadow 7D]

well if it aint from you mommy, you better hope the judge is understanding....
permission of the parents or gaurdians, rather implied, and of the firearms owner, since you can't