How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun: A State Guide 2026

By: Cassandra McBride | Ammo.com

Ammo.com strives to provide accurate and reliable information. You can view our sources HERE.

This article was neither written nor reviewed by an attorney. The following information is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

Related reports include: Gun Control Laws and Trends | Gun Laws vs Crime Rates | Gun Ownership by State | How Many Gun Owners in America

Methodology

State laws are challenging to navigate, but we did our best to dispel common misconceptions and misinformation by researching existing statutes, media coverage, ATF guidelines, and all fifty states’ official websites.

Here are the ways we obtained the information contained in this article:

• Some states have no laws on purchasing firearms, but will have laws on selling them. We researched firearm transfer and possession laws in each state. For example, although there may be no minimum age to purchase a firearm in one state, it may be illegal to sell a gun to a minor in the same.
• We researched municipal laws and state laws using the ATF website. We cross-referenced our findings with state websites to ensure accuracy.
• We referred to ATF-published ordinances for a deeper understanding of rules and regulations at the local level. Although a state may allow purchasing/selling a gun to a minor, local jurisdictions within that state may prohibit doing so. We therefore cited the highest minimum age statewide.
• We researched private sales legislation to discern whether minors could purchase firearms at ages younger than the federally mandated minimum.
• We cross-referenced existing age restrictions with local news articles and current statutes to avoid outdated information.

State and federal laws may change annually. The information below is up to date as of February, 2026. It is necessary to verify state laws before attempting to purchase or sell a firearm or ammunition.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Own a Gun in the U.S.: Comprehensive Review by State

Federal laws apply to all states. The federal minimum age to purchase a pistol from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer is 21; to purchase a pistol from any source, 18. The minimum age to purchase a long gun from an FFL dealer is 18, but the minimum purchase age for long guns in private sales varies among states.

Federal laws apply throughout all fifty states. The following sections review purchasing age requirements under state laws where federal laws do not already prohibit sales.

Note: State laws change often. Checking your state’s current statutes before purchasing or selling a firearm is crucial.

Alabama

In Alabama, it is illegal to transfer a firearm to a minor without their parent’s consent. The state of Alabama defines a minor as any person under the age of 19.

• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Alabama is 19.
• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Alabama is 19.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Alabama Gun Laws.

Alaska

Alaska doesn’t have any special restrictions on firearms purchases by age. It is legal for 16-year-olds to possess firearms with parental consent, but it is unlawful for anyone under 18 to purchase a long gun from an FFL or under 21 to purchase a handgun, per federal law.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Alaska is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Alaska is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Alaska State Gun Statutes.

Arizona

Like Alaska, Arizona has no particular statute against transferring a firearm to a minor.

Therefore, residents must obey federal laws to purchase long guns and handguns from FFL dealers (18 and 21, respectively).

Private sales are permitted. Those between 18 and 20 can openly carry firearms in the state.

Since there are no laws prohibiting the sale of firearms to adults, and transferring firearms to minors without parental consent is a crime.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Arizona is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Arizona is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Arizona State Gun Statutes and Arizona State Firearm Sale Statutes.

Arkansas

Arkansas does not have specific statutes prohibiting the transfer of long guns to minors (individuals under 18 years old). The state does prohibit minors from possessing handguns, however.

The state has no statutes prohibiting or regulating private sales. Therefore, the age to purchase a handgun or rifle from a private seller is 18.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Arkansas is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Arkansas is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Arkansas state gun statutes.

California

Those purchasing firearms in California must go through a California-licensed dealer. A licensed dealer cannot sell any firearm to an individual under 21 unless that individual has a valid hunting license, is a qualified law enforcement officer, is active military, or has been honorably discharged from the military.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in California is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in California is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of California state gun laws.

Colorado

Colorado’s minimum age to purchase any firearm is 21. The only exceptions included in this state are for active military members or those approved for ownership by the P.O.S.T. Board.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Colorado is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Colorado is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Colorado state gun statutes.

Connecticut

Connecticut does not allow private sales or transfers, and purchasers must obtain a purchase certificate from the state. Upon acquiring the necessary approval, those 18 and over can purchase long guns, and those 21 and older can buy handguns.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Connecticut is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Connecticut is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Connecticut state gun statutes.

Delaware

Delaware raised the age for firearm transfers from 18 to 21. Excluding those who possess a firearm for military, law enforcement, or hunting purposes, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or purchase any firearm in Delaware (unless it’s a BB gun, in which case they still need to be under the supervision of someone 21 or older).

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Delaware is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Delaware is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Delaware state gun statutes.

Florida

Although Florida raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm only a few years ago, the state’s House recently passed legislation to decrease it again. It is still illegal to sell a firearm to any person under 21 years of age (unless they are military or law enforcement).

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Florida is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Florida is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Florida state gun statutes.

Georgia

Georgia does not prohibit private sales, and only restricts firearm sales to minors (those under 18). Residents can purchase handguns and long guns at 18 years of age, so long as they aren’t already prohibited, and the sale is private.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Georgia is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Georgia is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Georgia state gun statutes.

Hawaii

Residents of Hawaii must obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm. This permit is only issued to those 21 or older. Therefore, residents must be 21 to purchase a handgun or long gun.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Hawaii is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Hawaii is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Hawaii gun purchasing statutes.

Idaho

Idaho residents can purchase a long gun or handgun at 18 through a private seller.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Idaho is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Idaho is 18.

You can find more info on it here: Idaho State Gun Statutes.

Illinois

Illinois requires a Firearm Owner’s Identification FOID card (also known as a permit-to-purchase) to buy any firearm. A FOID can only be obtained by those over 21, unless an eligible parent or guardian sponsors the buyer. However, the state explicitly prohibits 2-year-olds from purchasing easily concealable firearms such as handguns and semiautomatic centerfire rifles.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Illinois is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Illinois is 21, although some may purchase a rifle younger with a parent or guardian’s consent.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of the Illinois FOID FAQ and Illinois state gun statutes.

Indiana

The minimum age to purchase a handgun or long gun in Indiana is 18. However, this applies only to private sales when the buyer is younger than 21 and purchasing a handgun.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Indiana is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Indiana is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Indiana state gun statutes.

Iowa

It is illegal to sell or make available a rifle or shotgun to an individual under 18 in Iowa. It is also illegal to sell or make available a handgun to anyone under 21.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Iowa is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Iowa is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Iowa state gun statutes.

Kansas

In Kansas, it is legal to transfer a firearm to any individual over the age of 18 (so long as they aren’t prohibited from possessing the firearm). Furthermore, it’s illegal to transfer a firearm with a barrel shorter than 12″ to anyone under the age of 18.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Kansas is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Kansas is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Kansas state gun statutes.

Kentucky

Kentucky statute states that it is illegal to give a juvenile (an individual under 18 years of age) a handgun. Only those over 21 may carry a handgun without a permit. Kentucky law does not mention a minimum age for purchasing or possessing rifles and shotguns.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Kentucky is 18.
• Kentucky has no set minimum age for rifle purchases in private sales.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Kentucky gun laws.

Louisiana

Like many other states, Louisiana does not prohibit private sales. However, it is illegal for an individual under 18 to possess a handgun there. It is also illegal to “deliver for value” any firearm to a minor. Therefore, the legal age to purchase a firearm in Louisiana (private sales only) is 18.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Louisiana is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Louisiana is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Louisiana state gun statutes.

Maine

Maine prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from buying a handgun, but does allow temporary transfers if the minor is using it for employment purposes and the firearm is locked and unloaded during transport. Those between 16 and 18 can purchase or receive long guns (rifles and shotguns) from parents and guardians.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Maine is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Maine is 18, although some may purchase them earlier with a parent or guardian’s consent.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Maine gun laws.

Maryland

Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License before residents may purchase a handgun. The minimum age to acquire this license and buy a handgun is 21. Maryland also restricts anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing ammunition or long guns.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Maryland is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Maryland is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Maryland gun laws.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires firearm identification cards for all firearm purchasers. Those purchasing a handgun must be 21 or older. Those purchasing rifles and shotguns may do so at the age of 18. However, those 18 to 21 cannot purchase rifles capable of holding more than ten rounds, or shotguns capable of holding more than five shells.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Massachusetts is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Massachusetts is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Massachusetts state gun laws.

Michigan

Michigan requires a permit to purchase any firearm (excluding law enforcement, Concealed Pistol License holders, and FFL dealers). Only those 21 or older can purchase a handgun, and only those 18 or older can purchase a rifle or shotgun.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Michigan is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Michigan is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Michigan state gun statutes.

Minnesota

Minnesota requires residents to obtain a permit to purchase and undergo a background check for all handgun and military-style assault weapon sales. Residents must be 21 years of age to purchase a firearm. It is unlawful to sell any long guns to individuals under the age of 18.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Minnesota is 21.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Minnesota is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Minnesota gun laws.

Mississippi

It is unlawful for a dealer to sell a handgun to any individual under 21 years of age in Mississippi. Private sales are permitted, but the state has statutes against selling any individual under 18 any firearm.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Mississippi is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Mississippi is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Mississippi gun laws.

Missouri

Missouri does not permit any firearm sales to individuals under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian’s consent. It is also illegal to sell ammunition to individuals under 18. Residents under 15 are prohibited from possessing firearms.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Missouri is 18.
• The minimum age to purchase a rifle in Missouri is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Missouri gun laws.

Montana

Federally, no individual under the age of 18 may purchase a handgun, even from a private seller. However, Montana sets no specific age for firearm purchases. The state does allow districts to set age limits, though, and some districts set the age to purchase long guns at 188 years of age.

• The minimum age to purchase a pistol in Montana is 18.
• There is no minimum age for purchases of long guns, but possession is prohibited for those 14 and under.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Montana gun laws.

Nebraska

It is illegal to sell any firearm to juveniles (i.e., under 18) in Nebraska. Residents must obtain a permit from their local law enforcement agency to purchase handguns. Typically, handgun purchase permits aren’t issued to anyone under 21.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Nebraska is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Nebraska is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Nebraska gun laws.

Nevada

In Nevada, it is a Class B felony to transfer a concealable firearm to an individual under 18. Furthermore, it is illegal to supply long guns to any individual under 18 unless they are at least 14, in possession of a license to hunt, and accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Nevada is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Nevada is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Nevada gun laws.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not specify a minimum age to purchase firearms. However, selling any firearm to a minor (i.e. under 18) is a misdemeanor unless a parent, guardian or grandparent is the one making the transfer. It is also lawful to leave a gun to a minor as part of an estate in New Hampshire.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in New Hampshire is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in New Hampshire is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of New Hampshire gun laws.

New Jersey

Any person who sells or transfers a firearm to individuals under 18 in New Jersey can face a minimum of five years in prison (excluding temporary transfers for shooting competitions or hunting). New Jersey doesn’t permit private firearm sales.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in New Jersey is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in New Jersey is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of New Jersey gun laws.

New Mexico

For the purposes of firearm transfers, New Mexico defines a “Person” as any individual over the age of 199. Possession of handguns for anyone 18 or younger is prohibited.

The state also prohibits those under 18 from purchasing long guns, BB guns, or air rifles. Many cities in New Mexico also place restrictions on gun transfers to those under 19 years of age.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in New Mexico is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in New Mexico is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of New Mexico state gun statutes.

New York

It is a Class C felony to sell a firearm to a minor in New York. The state requires permits to purchase handguns and rifles, which are only granted to those over 21 years of age.

Although most jurisdictions do not expressly prohibit 18 to twenty-year-olds from purchasing shotguns, New York City does. Those in New York City must be over 21 to purchase any firearm.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in New York is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in New York is 18, except in New York City, where it is 21.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of New York gun laws.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires a license to sell pistols and handguns, and follows federal guidelines for setting minimum ages to purchase. Those purchasing handguns must be over the age of 21, and only those over 18 may buy long guns.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in North Carolina is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in North Carolina is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of North Carolina firearm transfer laws.

North Dakota

North Dakota residents may concealed carry a handgun at 18, but are prohibited from purchasing a handgun until age 21. The state does not explicitly prohibit minors from buying long guns, but several jurisdictions prohibit the sale of any firearm to those under 18.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in North Dakota is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in North Dakota is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of North Dakota firearm law.

Ohio

Although Ohio does permit private firearm sales, the state specifically limits those under 21 from buying a gun. It is also illegal to purchase or attempt to purchase any firearm if the buyer is under 18.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Ohio is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Ohio is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Ohio gun laws.

Oklahoma

Despite recent legislative efforts to lower the handgun purchasing age in Oklahoma to 18, only those 21 and older may buy handguns in the state. It is also illegal to furnish a minor (i.e., under 18) with any firearm.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Oklahoma is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Oklahoma is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Oklahoma gun laws.

Oregon

Oregon does not permit private firearm sales. Therefore, the state’s minimum age to buy guns is the same as federal law. It is illegal for Oregon residents under 21 to purchase handguns, and those under 18 to buy long guns.

Although the state legislature recently attempted to raise the age from 18 to 21, legislators cut the new provision from the bill before passing it.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Oregon is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Oregon is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Oregon gun laws.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents may purchase a handgun at 21 and long guns (shotguns/rifles) at 18. Only those who are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian may possess any firearm.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Pennsylvania is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Pennsylvania is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Pennsylvania’s gun law statutes.

Rhode Island

Not only do Rhode Island residents have to reach the age of 21 to purchase a handgun, but the age to purchase any shotguns and rifles is also above the federal minimum. It is illegal to sell ammunition to any person under 21 in Rhode Island.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Rhode Island is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Rhode Island is 21.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Rhode Island gun laws.

South Carolina

South Carolina doesn’t prohibit private sales. Those between 18 and 20 may purchase a handgun. It is illegal to sell a handgun to any individual under 18 years old in South Carolina unless they’re a member of the military or state militia. It is unlawful to sell any firearm to a minor (i.e., under 18) without their parent’s consent.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in South Carolina is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in South Carolina is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of South Carolina gun laws.

South Dakota

Although South Dakota does not have specific prohibitions on firearm transfers by age, it is illegal for residents under 18 to possess a handgun. Moreover, the state has particular laws against selling firearms to minors when a reasonable person believes they would use them to commit a crime.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in South Dakota is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in South Dakota is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of South Dakota gun laws.

Tennessee

Like many other states, Tennessee does not prohibit private sales. It is illegal to sell any firearm to residents under 18 years of age. Although the state does not have a minimum age for long gun possession, knowingly supplying a minor with a firearm when a reasonable person would believe they will commit a crime is illegal.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Tennessee is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Tennessee is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Tennessee gun laws.

Texas

Texas prohibits the sale of any firearm to minors (i.e., under 18). The state offers some prosecutorial protections for those who sell a gun to a minor with the parent or guardian’s consent.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Texas is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Texas is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Texas State gun laws.

Utah

It is illegal to sell any firearm to juveniles (i.e., under 18) in Utah. However, the state does have exceptions for parent/guardian consent.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Utah is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Utah is 18.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Utah state statutes.

Vermont

In 2018, Vermont raised the age to purchase any gun for those under 21. Exceptions may be made for those who join the military or have completed a hunter safety course.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Vermont is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Vermont is 21.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Vermont gun laws.

Virginia

Virginia follows federal law, which means residents must be 21 to purchase a handgun and 18 to purchase a long gun. The state requires background checks for all firearm purchases. Even private sales require verification from a licensed dealer.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Virginia is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Virginia is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Virginia gun laws.

Washington

Washington requires federal background checks for every firearm sale, including private ones. It is therefore illegal to sell handguns to anyone under 21 and long guns to anyone under 18. The state also prohibits anyone under 21 from possessing semi-automatic long guns.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Washington is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Washington is 18, but semiautomatic rifles require buyers to be over 21.

Click these links for a comprehensive overview of Washington state gun laws and Washington state firearm statutes.

West Virginia

A federal judge in West Virginia recently ruled that it is unconstitutional to bar any person between 18 and 21 from purchasing firearms. The state also permits private sales.

Residents who can lawfully possess a firearm may purchase one if they are over 18, emancipated, married, or with a parent/guardian. It is illegal to sell a gun to any prohibited person or if a reasonable person would believe the buyer intends to commit a crime.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in West Virginia is 18.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in West Virginia is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of West Virginia gun laws.

Wisconsin

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess any firearm in Wisconsin. It is also illegal to sell a gun to a minor. The state does not require background checks for private sales, and does not explicitly prohibit handgun sales to those under 21. However, it is illegal for an individual under 21 to possess a handgun.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Wisconsin is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Wisconsin is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Wisconsin state gun laws.

Wyoming

Wyoming permits anyone over 18 to purchase a pistol or long gun. However, some city ordinances prohibit the sale of pistols to those under 21. Those under 18 may temporarily use a parent or guardian’s pistol so long as they are under direct supervision.

• The minimum age to buy a pistol in Wyoming is 21.
• The minimum age to buy a rifle in Wyoming without a parent or guardian’s consent is 18.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of Wyoming state firearm statutes.

Which States Raised the Minimum Age to Buy a Gun?

In 2023, a federal judge in West Virginia ruled that it is unconstitutional to prohibit those aged 18 to 21 from purchasing handguns. However, that ruling does not apply to all 50 states, and many legislatures are increasing the minimum age to buy a gun.

Although the federal government allows individuals to purchase long guns at 18, many states don’t feel that their residents should exercise their Second Amendment rights until 21.

Moreover, some states ban ammunition or certain firearms for those under 21. Hawaii, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Vermont, Washington, and New York City have minimum purchase ages above the federal minimum age.

In 2018, California raised the age to buy long guns (i.e., rifles and shotguns) from 18 to 21. Despite recent efforts to lower the gun-purchasing age back to 18, Florida also increased the age to purchase guns in 2018 to 21 after the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas attack.

Colorado raised the age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21 in 2023. Washington increased the age for those purchasing semi-automatic weapons to 21, and Hawaii recently increased the age to buy ammunition. Although New York State residents can purchase long guns at 18, those in New York City must acquire a permit to buy any guns, and that permit isn’t available to those under 21. Illinois requires a FOID for firearm purchases and possession, which isn’t available to those under 21.

Can You Legally Buy a Gun in One State and Transfer It to Another?

Per federal law, you can purchase long guns across state lines through an FFL dealer. A handgun must be transferred from an FFL dealer in the seller’s state to an FFL dealer in the purchaser’s state for the sale to be completed legally.

Many states have their own laws about interstate purchases, so shoppers must understand the laws in both states before buying and selling firearms. Below you’ll find issues that could make it illegal to transfer firearms across state lines.

Issue 1 – Federal vs. State Laws

Before purchasing or selling a firearm in another state, it’s critical to understand federal versus state laws. The hierarchical structure of the U.S. government means you must abide by federal laws, but states can make their own anti-gun laws as well.

It is legal to purchase long guns across state lines as long as you’re over the age of 18. It is illegal to buy a handgun across state lines, even if you’re over 21 years of age.

Issue 2 – Stringent vs. Relaxed State Laws

California law states that residents cannot travel to other states to purchase guns without going through one of the state’s licensed dealers. Illinois has an assault weapons ban, so traveling to another state to buy a semi-automatic rifle could net a criminal charge in that state.

Varying state laws can make interstate firearms purchasing challenging. If you’re interested in purchasing guns across state lines, it’s important to know the laws in both your state and the purchasing state.

Issue 3 – The Legality of Firearms in Each State

As mentioned previously, some states ban certain types of firearms, magazines, ammunition, and other accessories. Furthermore, some states, such as Washington, have fringe laws where it’s legal to sell long guns to those under 21 (excluding semi-automatic rifles).

Traveling to another state to buy a gun could land you in hot water in your home state, the purchasing state, or both.

Old Enough for Rights?

Many state governments support residents’ Second Amendment rights, while others favor safety-based legislation. The minimum age to buy guns isn’t always simple. Not only do federal and state laws apply, but city ordinances may as well.

Sources

1. California Increases Age to Buy Guns
2. Florida Bill to Decrease Age to Buy Guns
3. Colorado Purchase Age