So I'm 19 and I'm going to a gun show...?

Question

I was just wondering what I could purchase...I live in Texas and the laws say that at the age of 18 you can purchase shotguns and rifles including assault weapons...you can't actually purchase pistols until the age of 21...I know a lot of the weapons that I've seen at these shows are illegal to actually carry but where is the line drawn on the weapons I can and can't buy at a show....

But like I said...the last one I went to I noticed they had a lot of illegal guns...not necessarily fully automatics...but shotguns with barrells that were way too short...Do you think I could still get away with purchasing one of those?...I guess I'll just have to try and find out for myself...I just feel bad because if they see a 19 year old trying to purchase a gun then they're automaticly going to say no because the younger generation has a bad rep...I'm just an average gun enthusiast like anybody else...I've shot guns since the age of 8 and have 3 pistols and 2 shotguns...but they stay at my dad's house which he paid for...I'm just looking at buying one to keep at my mothers house and do as I please with it...

Answer 1

You should be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun with no problems. Be sure you have your Texas ID.

Assault Weapons- What is an assault weapon? Is a rock or a baseball bat an assault weapon? This term is used by anti-gun folks to spread undue fear of firearms, PLEASE do not use it.

An Assault Rifle is by definition selective fire, which means it is fully automatic capable. It is unlikely that you saw any assault rifles for sale, what you saw is a semi-automatic rifle version like a AR15 or AK47.

With regard to the 'illegal' shotguns, did you bring a tape measure with you to determine if the barrel length was illegal? If so, do you know where to measure?

I have been to dozens of gun shows in many states including Texas and the only thing 'illegal' I ever see is modified SKS rifles and even that is debatable about the legality. I think maybe you don't quite understand the gun laws, but that's OK they are very confusing. Any reputable gun show will monitor participants and will toss out anyone doing anything questionable.

Answer 2

If you saw an illegal weapon and bought it, you could be arrested for it. I would not put it past the ATF to plant a trap at a gun show hoping to catch people such as yourself. Best approach is if you know a gun is illegal, or even think it is, stay away from it.

Best bet is to buy a new in the box never used rifle or shot gun. Or take someone you trust with you to help with the decision making.

(PS. Do not use the term "assault weapon." That just feeds into the agenda of the gun grabbers. A true assault weapon is a full automatic machine gun such as a Thompson, M16 or AK 47 which are covered under their own set of laws. Just because something LOOKS like it, does not mean it is the same. They want you to believe it is.)

Answer 3

Okay ... my first question, of course, is ... WHY do you feel the need to purchase a gun at this point? For what purpose is this gun going to be used for?

If you're looking to get into target shooting... start with something simple and basic (.22 rifle) and learn how to sight your targets and proper gun safety and maintenance.

The more I read your question - the more it sounds like you just want to buy a gun because you think they're "cool" ... this isn't really the right attitude to have with this type of purchase. Unless you're showing enough respect, knowledge, and safety in the handling of a firearm - I wouldn't sell you ANY guns.

P.S. There wouldn't be any truly ILLEGAL guns for sale at an licensed gun-show ... (they may display some pieces - but unless you've got a law-enforcement badge or something like that - they can't sell 'em to the general public).

Answer 4

Those Illegal weapons you saw were most likely legal unless this gun show was in the ghetto or somthing.It is legal to have a short barreled shotgun if you have a class III license.From what I understand they are expensive and hard to get.Until you are 21 you can't buy handguns only rifles and shotguns.

Answer 5

Typically gun shows are going to respect the law because they don't know who YOU are. The gun dealer isn't going to want to lose his license or get a great big fine. ATF does check out these events as another answers suggested. The legal age for long guns is 18 and 21 for handguns.

Shotguns with under 18 inch barrels and fully automatic weapons are not illegal but are conseidered Class III weapons. These require a class III weapons stamp and that you be 21 as well. To get a class III stamp takes about 2 weeks and costs about $200. The two week delay is for the background check similar to the one you get for CCW permit. ALL of these weapons have to be registered with the ATF so there is no way your going to get one without going through the proper channels at a gun show.....

Answer 6

You can not buy a pistol at your age anywhere. The law says 18 for riffle and shotguns that is all you can buy. Gun shows still have to do background checks on you to sell you a firearm.

Answer 7

In Texas, you can buy rifles or any other "long gun" at 18 but no handguns until 21. I also you you can't buy ammo for handguns until 21 - not sure about ammo for rifles.

Answer 8

Your Lucky.In Australia you cant buy a gun unless your a farmer or in a shooting club,very hard to get firearm license..
I wish I could walk into a store and buy a pump action 12 gauge or a semi auto .22 ,that would be awsome..

Answer 9

buy anything you want and can legally own
have been to numerous gun shows and have yet to see any illegal guns out in the open as there are serious penalties for the dealers if they get caught with them

Answer 10

just try it, the worst they can say is no your old enough for this one. but pistols are definitely 21 and up, and any "long" gun (shotgun, rifle, ect) are 18 and up. So as long as it's not a pistol, you should be able to buy anything.