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Can I buy a handgun if Iʼm 18?

Can I Buy a Handgun if I’m 18?

As an 18-year-old, you may be wondering if you can purchase a handgun. The answer is not a simple yes or no. In the United States, the laws regarding handgun ownership and purchase vary from state to state. In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider.

Federal Law

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The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is a federal database that checks an individual’s criminal history and mental health records before allowing them to purchase a firearm. Under federal law, individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing handguns from licensed dealers. This is because the minimum age requirement for purchasing a handgun is 21 years old, as set by the Gun Control Act of 1968.

State Laws

However, some states have their own laws regarding handgun ownership and purchase. In some states, 18-year-olds can purchase handguns from licensed dealers, but only with a special permit or under certain circumstances. For example:

  • California: In California, individuals 18 years old or older can purchase handguns from licensed dealers, but they must have a valid California driver’s license or identification card and pass a background check.
  • New York: In New York, individuals 18 years old or older can purchase handguns from licensed dealers, but they must have a valid New York State permit to carry a concealed weapon.
  • Texas: In Texas, individuals 18 years old or older can purchase handguns from licensed dealers, but they must pass a background check and comply with federal and state laws.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the general rule that individuals under 21 cannot purchase handguns. In some states, 18-year-olds can purchase handguns for certain purposes, such as for hunting or target shooting. For example:

  • Alabama: In Alabama, individuals 18 years old or older can purchase handguns for hunting or target shooting, but they must have a valid hunting license and comply with state laws.
  • South Carolina: In South Carolina, individuals 18 years old or older can purchase handguns for hunting or target shooting, but they must have a valid hunting license and comply with state laws.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can I buy a handgun if I’m 18?" is not a simple yes or no. While federal law prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing handguns from licensed dealers, some states have their own laws that allow 18-year-olds to purchase handguns under certain circumstances. It’s important to check the laws of your state and local regulations before attempting to purchase a handgun.

Table: Handgun Purchase Laws by State

StateMinimum Age to Purchase HandgunSpecial Permit RequiredBackground Check Required
Alabama18Yes (for hunting or target shooting)Yes
California18Yes (with valid ID and background check)Yes
New York18Yes (with valid permit to carry concealed weapon)Yes
Texas18NoYes
Other StatesVariesVariesVaries

Important Points to Remember

  • Federal law prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing handguns from licensed dealers.
  • Some states allow 18-year-olds to purchase handguns under certain circumstances, such as for hunting or target shooting.
  • It’s important to check the laws of your state and local regulations before attempting to purchase a handgun.
  • Even if you are allowed to purchase a handgun, you may still need to comply with federal and state laws regarding handgun ownership and use.

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