by Sam Jacobs
Federal law prohibits anyone under 21 from purchasing a handgun and anyone under 18 from purchasing a long gun. However, private sales aren’t regulated, and each state has its own age restrictions for firearm purchases.
The minimum age to buy a gun is complex and challenging to grasp. Here are some key facts from our article:
- Seven states have minimum purchase ages for long guns above the national age limit.
- Kentucky has no minimum age to purchase a long gun.
- Twenty-three states allow those between 18 and 21 to purchase handguns in private sales.
Although national laws supersede state gun laws, no national laws restrict private sales. Therefore, the minimum age to purchase firearms in private sales varies widely. Check out your state’s laws here:
