Are you able to purchase a pistol at 18 years old but not ammo?

Question

the point is im an US Army Infantrymen and have shot a lot of different weapons systems and would like to purchase one for my own personal use. is that good enough i think so

Answer 1

In most states the age requirement for the purchase of a handgun is 21.

The ammo/weapon scenario is actually just the opposite of what you said. You can buy the ammo, but not the weapon. After all, some ammo can be fired in both long guns and hand guns.

I was in the Army and I have always felt some of the age requirements when applied to soldiers were unfair. I figure, if you are in the service and old enough to risk your life for your country, you ought to be able to have a beer when you get back in from the field... etc.

Answer 2

Under 21 you can't purchase either one from a licensed dealer, the exception being ammo that is primarily designed for long guns and .22 ammo. However, in most SANE places in the US an eighteen year old can obtain a pistol or ammo from a private party. I would guess the theory there is that you'll get some older adult supervision with your pistol use.

NOTE: While it's generally legal for you to obtain a pistol through a private sale, gift, or even as a loan (check your local laws), having someone go into a gun store specifically to buy the gun you picked out will almost certainly be viewed as a straw man purchase and expose both of you to possible prosecution.

Answer 3

There is no such thing as "handgun ammunition" You are either buying ammo for a handgun or for a rifle, most is interchangeable. Fed laws says an FFL cannot sell you ammo "for a handgun" you are not buying it for a handgun, but for a rifle. It is perfectly legal though to buy that ammo at 18 from a private seller The problem is that the ATF is one of the most corrupt government agency in operation toady and FFLs are scared of them. Best bet is to do what the other guy said, take the gun to a gunshop and ask them to sell you ammo for it, or just start a conversation with the counter wizard about what ammo would e best in this rifle you have at home. When he finishes trying to sell you the most expensive on the shelf tell all you can afford is whatever brand you decided to buy before you walked in. Or simply have a friend buy it for you, perfectly legal to receive it from any other source than an FFL and it is not illegal for you to possess it anyway . fed gun laws are kind of stupid, that's why most states made them a little better

Answer 4

Depending on the state, you may be able to purchase a handgun from a private individual at age 18.

When buying ammo from a store, remember you're not buying it for your pistol but rather for your carbine in the same caliber (regardless of whether or not you actually own one) - then it's rifle ammo.

Answer 5

In Michigan, you can obtain a permit to purchase a handgun from the Sherrif's office when you are 18. However, you cannot buy a handgun from a store until you are 21. So the permit from the Sherrif's office is no good for any store purchase; it only works when buying a handgun second-hand from a friend, neighbor, etc.

Yes, you have to be 21 to buy any handgun ammuntion. Unless your handgun is a .22 lr; then you can usually buy it without problem.

Answer 6

I agree with you, but the law says 21 for a handgun and handgun ammo.

Answer 7

Federal gun laws state you must be at least 18 to purchase a rifle and rifle ammunition. You must be 21 to purchase a handgun or handgun ammunition.

Answer 8

no sir....you have to be 21 years old to buy a pistol and permit.....you can buy ammo i believe but no pistol

Answer 9

ok what state are you in that you can buy a hand gun at 18?cause where i live you must be 21 and at 18 you can buy a shot gun(rifle)and rifle ammo.so i would check with your local law books before getting pissed off and upset.laws are set in place to protect people in general.I would not want a 18yr old buying a hand gun.dont we have enough shootings and killings going on in the world.

Answer 10

if you have the proper training and paper work to buy a pistol, then you should be able to buy the ammo for it. if not then you can buy your ammo off the same street you purchased your pistol from