Some help?

[Chewbacca]

About a year ago (when I was 16) I voluntarily spent a few days at a mental health institution because of suicidal thoughts. I'm currently on anti-depressants and haven't had any issues since.

For my 18th birthday in September I want to buy myself a shotgun. It was my understanding that in my state (Vermont) at age 18 you could literally just walk into a shop that sells them and buy one after filling out some paperwork.

I know that being committed to an institution involuntarily by a judge or other law figure can prevent you from being able to buy a gun, but would they bar me from doing so based on an incident that happened when I was 16 in which I voluntarily allowed myself to be committed?

 

[skunyun]

I feel that is should be considered. To many things happen. To consider the issue would and or could protect you and others.

 

[lions]

Committed = involuntary
Admitted = voluntary

The question specifically says committed and asks if you have been adjudicated mentally defective, you can answer NO to both.

EDIT: Text of the question in question:

Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective (which includes having been adjudicated incompetent to manage your own
affairs) or have you ever been committed to a mental institution?

 

[lions]

I feel that is should be considered. To many things happen. To consider the issue would and or could protect you and others.

And when he walks into that gun shop to buy the shotgun of his choice he will be a bona fide adult, I see no reason to suggest he will not make the correct decision. At 16 he was mature enough to make a very hard decision to protect himself and I respect that.

OP, do you have your mind made up on which shotgun? You should check out the shotgun sub-forum, great info there. Welcome to THR!

 

[Chewbacca]

Thank you, Lions. I didn't realize there was a difference between committed and admitted. Also, I'm a girl, by the way.

No, I haven't chosen which shotgun yet, but I'll be sure to check out the shotgun forum.

Thank you again!

 

[KodiakBeer]

Question f: Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective (which includes having been adjudicated incompetent to manage your own
affairs) or have you ever been committed to a mental institution?

Make sure you understand the implications of this question. If you check "yes" you'll be out of luck.

 

[lions]

Also, I'm a girl, by the way.

And that's what I get for making an assumption.
My apologies.

 

[NavyLCDR]

What are you looking for the gun to do? Is it home defense or fun shooting? Shotgun would be better for home defense, but if you want fun shooting, you might want to look at a good target .22 or .17 HMR rifle. If you are interested in "building" your own, I would recommend looking at the Ruger 10/22 - tons of available upgrades and customizations are available for the 10/22 platform.