Legal Age To Buy A Gun Info

States can raise these minimum ages but cannot lower them below the federal standard. As of 2026, several states have stricter rules:

: Some states, such as Minnesota, require a permit to purchase handguns or "military-style assault weapons," which are typically only issued to those 21 or older. Ownership vs. Purchase legal age to buy a gun

It is important to distinguish between buying and possessing. Federal law generally prohibits anyone under from possessing a handgun (with exceptions for ranching, hunting, or military service), but it does not set a minimum age for the possession of long guns. International Snapshot Outside the U.S., legal ages vary significantly: Minimum Age - Giffords.org States can raise these minimum ages but cannot

: Washington and Massachusetts require buyers to be 21 for semiautomatic rifles, while allowing 18-year-olds to purchase other long guns. Purchase It is important to distinguish between buying