Young Gun Owners

[Guest bipe215]

In Tennessee, can a person under 21 own a handgun. If so, under what conditions can they use them? Thanks.

Steve G

[Fallguy]

They can posses a handgun under certain situations.

See this thread.

[Guest Revelator]

Wait a minute, they said "person under 21." The law differentiates between juveniles (those under 18) and minors (those between 18 and 20). That thread is right about juveniles, and I'd add that minors may own handguns outright though they cannot buy them.

[Fadex]

I didn't think that the laws were any different for adults between the age of 18-21 and those 21+?

[Daniel]

you'd be wrong.

[Guest 04heritage]

can a 18year old carry a handgun>?

[Guest RISC777]

can a 18year old carry a handgun>?

No, sir.

See Fallguy's thread link.

Well, yes, on real property or/and in a residence if/when adhering to the TN Code wording.

[Fadex]

Sorry about that. I didn't pay close enough attention to the question. You can't purchase a handgun under your name if you are under 21 but you can purchase a longarm.

[Punisher84]

I always thought it silly you can be between 18 and 21 and own a handgun, but you can't buy ammo for it...

[Fallguy]

can a 18year old carry a handgun>?

Not in TN. They can in some other states.

[Guest JLowe]

you can possess and own a handgun in TN if you are under 21 and over 18. You have to be a Police officer to do so though. Most Depts. won't hire anyone under 21, but I have seen some exceptions.

[Guest Revelator]

You do not have to be a police officer to own and/or possess a handgun if you're ages 18-20. You can be a regular citizen, college student, whatever. As I stated earlier you cannot buy a handgun at these ages but you may keep one at home or carry it pursuant to lawful sport shooting, hunting, etc.

[Guest TnDeerHunter]

I always thought it strange that at 18 they are old enough to fight for their country but not old enough to buy a handgun

[DaveTN]

As I stated earlier you cannot buy a handgun at these ages

It is my understanding that there is no difference between an 18 year old and a 21 year old except in two areas.

1. They can’t get an HCP until 21

2. Because of federal law FFL’s can’t sell them a handgun; but Tennessee law does not have a restriction on private party sales and they can buy from a private party (if they are over 18).

Is this not correct?

Edited December 12, 2008 by DaveTN

[Guest Revelator]

Yes, the no-sale rule applies only to licensed dealers. Private sales would be ok. Good call there, I wasn't thinking about private sales.