How old do you have to be to shoot a handgun at a shooting range?

Question

I'm 18 years old and have heard that you have to be 21 to buy a handgun but does that automatically mean I would not be able to shoot one at a gun range?

Answer 1

I'm 18-years-old, have a CCW (12 states issue concealed firearms permits to 18-year-olds), and I shoot by myself at the NRA range. Another range, however, said I had to be 21 to shoot there. It's a range-specific policy, and 18-year-olds CAN buy handguns from gun shows and private sales (that's how the 18-year-old Columbine shooters bought theirs), just not from gun shops.

The following states issue CCW permits to 18-year-olds:
Maine*
New Hampshire*
Montana
Indiana*
Vermont
Alabama
Delaware
West Virginia***
Iowa**
Kansas+
Maryland++
North Dakota*
South Dakota
Wyoming***


*Non-resident permits as well
**Non-resident permits as well, w/ conditions
***if job-related/specific circumstances
+issues permits to private detectives
++issues resident & non-resident permits, but w/ conditions, hard to obtain

Answer 2

You can shoot a handgun when you are 18 at shooting ranges. Some people may say different but I do it all the time and they've checked my age.

Answer 3

If you're with someone that is 21 and has a pistol you can by all means shoot it.

There are no age restriction laws on a responsible adult taking someone to target shoot. Some clubs may regulate some things, but not to any extreme extent.

Answer 4

That is predicated upon what state in which you reside, and the regulations of the selection. some tiers will in all probability require you to be 21, regardless of if the state enables somebody to possess a pistol at age 18. choose to appreciate an consumer-friendly thank you to establish? call the selection you're interested in traveling and ask them. we gained't answer this question definitively for you.

Answer 5

in PA you can shoot a handgun when you get your hunting license, but you cant own one until you are 21
check you state info 4 your answer

Answer 6

As most ranges are privately owned,I would call to see what the policy is

Answer 7

my dad brought me to the range when i was 14 we had an instructor teach me the basics of practical shooting. i live in ma.

Answer 8

I believe it depends on the state? as long as you have a Handgun Licence then you should be able too

Answer 9

I would guess that it wouldn't be a problem but just call the range and they will tell you for sure.

Answer 10

Depends on the range and the state. It also depends on if you are accompanied by an adult. My nephew of 9 y.o. shot when myself and his father was there.