Can an 18-year old who legally owns a long-arm still not be able to legally buy ammo for it?

Question

I've seen posts that specified that you had to be over 21 to buy pistols or pistol ammo. It's been a LONG time since I was anywhere near that age, and I wasn't into firearms at the time, so I didn't know anything about that.

Ruger makes a Blackhawk that shoots .30 carbine, and some of the big bore handguns use calibers that are normally rifle shells. If an 18-year old buys those shells, how do the authorities know it's NOT for a handgun?

There are long arms that shoot .44 mag, which I think is classified as handgun ammo. Ditto on .38 special and .357 magnum. Does that mean an 18-year-old who owns one of those long arms can't legally buy ammo for it?

Just how are the rules about handgun/long arms ammo determined, anyway?

This whole thing seems illogical to me - not that there is much logic applied in gun laws, anyway.

Can anyone give me some facts here?

The reason I'm interested is that I'm considering buying a lever-action .38/.357 mag rifle for my stepson, but as he's just turned 18, I am wondering if he'd have trouble getting ammo.

What possible reason is there for someone to give Fishtremble a thumbs down for that answer?????

Are you crazy?

Roger, a long arm is a rifle, carbine or shotgun.

I have heard the term used to distinguish these from handguns.

Am I using it incorrectly?

If so, I welcome your correction.

Answer 1

As you're already aware, no pistols or pistol ammo for the under-21s (from a licensed dealer). If the seller is reasonably confident some dual use ammunition is in fact going into a nineteen-year-old's rifle he MAY and probably WILL sell it, but no one is ever under any obligation to sell ANY guns or ammo to ANY particular person. Don't look to the law for logic. It'll make you crazy.

Yes, you're using the term "long arm" correctly.

And Yahoo being what it is, thumbs down on a correct answer isn't surprising. Nor is finding a "best answer" that is technically and even hazardously incorrect.

Answer 2

To be honest I don't see where it would matter but our laws are very screwed up. Here in Mississippi I have never been questioned as to the purpose of the ammo I was buying (at 18-20 being the smart-*** I was I would have answered to kill someone who pissed me off). Just for the record there are even some rifles that fire 9mm rounds also. I think it would be at the seller's discretion. I have even purchased a handgun before from a local dealer who knew me, he couldn't get through to have me approved for the weapon but said that since he knew I would go through I could go ahead and take the pistol home and he would call the next day. A lot depends on the seller and his methods. I wouldn't think an 18 yr. old would have a problem unless he or she presents their-self in an inappropriate manner.


As to Roger W, the answer to your question: A long-arm refers to a long barreled firearm (rifle or shotgun). For example, any shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches is not considered a long-gun and in the US requires a permit from the BATF to legally own because of it's destructiveness and concealablity. The permit cost 200 dollars and for a gun shop to sell such weapons they must posses a class 3 FFL (the same class require to own, purchase, or sell fully automatic weapons).

Answer 3

The times I get asked, I just say its for a rifle (it really is, but I'd still say it). If you've gone through the trouble of legally acquiring firearms (pistol/rifle/shotgun) I don't think its anyone's business what you're buying the ammo for - unless its the State "law", I wouldn't say. I don't personally know of any states that require a permit for ammuntion - I've purchased ammo in about 6 states while at various competitions and never was asked.

Think about it though, you buy some .357's for your rifle, meet your buddy at the range and use them in his revolver...ooo did that break some rule? There is no logic in these policies.

I've never been asked (because its not required here in CT), why I'm purchasing ammo. Except in Wal-Mart. Cause its their policy. Whether its 12 gauge shotgun shells, .22's, or anything in between, they ask "Is this for a pistol". Say no. End of discussion.

Be safe.

Answer 4

Ammo which can be used in long gund as well as handguns such as the .22LR, .38 Spl/.357 mag, and .44 mag can be sold to 18 years old at the discretion of the seller. For example if he knows the buyer personally, or knows enough about him that he believes that he will not use the ammo unlawfully in a handgun.

Answer 5

Ahh the crazy gun laws!

It all depends on state laws and the store policy. As you know no one under 21 can have a hand gun. This led to several different state laws about ammo. In fact in California I had to buy .22 ammo for my grandson when I was visiting, because the store clerk refused to sell him .22 ammo BUT the clerk said he could buy shotgun and rifle ammo. That’s nuts!
So I would check with your sate laws and ask what the stores policy is.
But I think he may well indeed encounter problems buying ammo for that gun; sooner or later anyway.
You see some stores are concerned about liability.

Answer 6

You have to be 21 to buy handgun ammo. Strictly by the law, if you had a .22LR handgun, it would be illegal to buy .22LR ammo for it if you were 18. If you had a 22LR handgun AND a 22LR rifle, you could buy 22LR for the rifle,but not the handgun. But then when you got the ammo home you could change your mind and shoot it through the handgun. The law is stupid, but it is the law. Yes, there are rifles that fire 38 special, 357 magnum, 44 magnum, 45 acp, 40S&W, and 9mm. In some places the clerk might believe you that it is for your marlin 44 magnum levergun or your highpoint 9mm carbine, but in other places they will just blanket say no.

Answer 7

I can tell you personal that it depends on where they by the ammo we were getting ready to go out shooting and sent my friends 20 year old son to pick up some 30-30 rounds and some .357 rounds he showed back up with 30-30 only they would not sell him the .357 saying they were a not a rifle round even with them selling a lever action .357 rifle to him the day before

Answer 8

I own a few pistol-caliber rifles, and as long as you're going to a reputable gun shop, you can purchase pistol ammunition for such arms. Some places may refuse to sell you ammunition, and others may want to see that you do, in fact, have such a firearm. Anywhere that refuses you outright doesn't deserve your service. I'd bring your rifle along anyways to help your chances.

As long as ammunition is used in a rifle, and not a pistol, it's perfectly fine. Pistol ammunition can be sold as rifle ammunition so long as there's a rifle to put it in.

Answer 9

gunplumb pretty much said what I wanted to. When I was 18 I would buy pistol ammo one day and then the next day be told I couldn't

Answer 10

With your long time involvement with guns, MAYBE you will know the answer to a question that i have about your question.
In the 50+ years i have never heard of a long - arm.
Can you explain to me,what that is ?