Why can't 18 year olds have pistols.?

Question

Why do you have to be 21 to get a pistol?

Answer 1

I would imagine that in the History of Firearms that many young people well below the age of 18 used & fought to defend home & Country but some people chose to forget that.* If you don't like the current laws then lobby to have them changed.* Now that is something worth looking into & I believe you could change the current laws once you gain support from millions of younger people to do so.*

Answer 2

Because it's the law. Specifically, it is federal law, which will supersede State law; although, a few states will look the other way (to their own gun laws). The more complicated answer is that politics in the United States, especially in regards to handguns, favors more of a nanny state. In other words, it's assumed, despite what the Second Amendment and many State Constitutions may say, you purchasing or possessing a pistol is a not something you can be responsible enough to deal with. There's also the question of whether our Founding Fathers would think it's ok for an 18 year old to own a gun. My opinion says yes, but I don't think anyone has proof either way. And I guess the times change. However, at 18 you can buy all the cigarettes you want. You can also enter into binding, legal contracts. You can even elect a corrupt politician, if you'd like. You don't even get the option of being tested of your responsibility to own a pistol.

There's also the question of whether handguns do anything more then allow others to commit crimes. They're not a great defensive weapon. Having fired handguns, shotguns, and rifles, not to mention the laws of physics, I can safely say that the shotgun can't be beat. Unless of course, you mean long distances; then a good rifle is the champ. Then again, if you make handguns illegal the only ones who will be carrying a weapon in the street are the criminals -- after all, they won't be paying attention to gun laws.

Sometimes I wonder if girls would have a lower incidence of rape if the jackass had a gun to his head. Of course, that's assuming she practices with the weapon. I wouldn't know...

If you'd like to change the laws then make sure your political voice is heard. Until then, unfortunately, you'll have to wait.

Answer 3

There are many misguided fools that truly feel that society will be better off with no guns.

Since they can't get the laws passed to take all guns outright, they sneak in little laws that seem "reasonable" to a lot of people, like the 21 handgun law. Then next year they add a little more, then a little more....etc.

Gun ownership rights are being eroded every day in city coucils, state houses and in Congress every single day.

VOTE for candidates that support the Constitution, not undermine it.

Join the NRA. Join Gun Owners of America. Join your state's organizations. If you cannot afford the membership, at least sign up for email alerts to fight the Gun Grabbing Fascists.

Answer 4

Here in Ms. A 18 year old can own a pistol as well as have one in his or her's possesion. You still have to be 21 to buy the gun or the ammo though. And you have to be 21 to carry it concealed

Answer 5

specific you are able to hold at 18 in Arizona, yet you nevertheless can not conceal till you turn 21. SB1108 that brewer signed into regulation permit you to comprehend greater approximately not having the flexibility to cover yet. I stay in Arizona and characteristic for a on the same time as and while i became into 18 I ask the interior sight police branch and found the regulation that announces you are able to hold while 18. you purely can not get any ammo except you will get somebody to get it for you.

Answer 6

Because you are a second-class citizen for your first three adult years.

edit

A thumbs down for speaking the truth? I didn't write the laws which make it so, nor do I agree with them.

Under 18 you are a minor, with limited responsibilities and duties, and with limited rights and privileges.

At 18 you have all the responsibilities and duties of an adult, but not all the rights and privileges.

When you turn 21 you become a First Class citizen and recieve the rest of the rights and privileges of an adult.

Answer 7

Because it's the law. You need to be 21 to buy one, legally, but I don't think there is an age restriction on how old you need to be to own one.

Answer 8

because Federal Gov says so,back when I was under 18 it really made me mad to but after I turned 21 I felt if I had to go through it these kids do to.When I was 19 I had my father buy me a 44Mag in his name and when I turned 21 we transfered it to me.

Answer 9

Because Federal law says so.

Answer 10

The individual state legislation's determine the legal age for handgun purchases/ownership. The same state legislators passed similar laws making the legal drinking age 21. It's this way in most states.......No one is saying it's fair, but it is the law........