Clear answer on gun laws

A

AndrewTB

Moderator
I am going to be turning 18 in September. After shooting off several handguns and a AR-15 today im really itching to find out what I would be able to do at that age as to buying.

Ive asked this before but got mixed answers (some say I can buy a handgun at 18 from a private dealer others said it was illegal etc..). I live in Tampa , Florida. Id like to know so I can look around and start saving up for my first gun.

Id really like to get a 9mm Ruger :D . Out of all the guns ive shot Ruger's have definatley bought me.
 
I believe you can buy rifles and shotguns at age 18, including the ammunition for rifles and shotguns. You have to be 21 to buy a handgun, and handgun ammunition. .22lr is considered a rifle cartridge btw.

Also I recieved a ruger P95DC 9mm for my birthday, and its an awesome combat grade pistol. I highly recommend it. :)
 
Andrew im 18...just moved from tampa.

you can buy a handgun at 18 if its private party...or you can be "gifted" one as long as its not a straw purchase (you pay the person who "gifts" it to you)

you can buy any non FFL longarm at 18.

at 18 with a private party purchased handgun...you cant buy ammo...stupid i know.... :rolleyes:

Chad
 
We cant buy ammo but can we posess it? Im loved the Springfield Armory XD-40 and the Ruger 9 me and my brother shot off at the range today. Would like something to protect the house etc.... An SKS and an Ar-15 wouldnt be the best home defense. Im not a huge fan of shot guns.
 
heh nope you can own the handgun at 18 via private purchase. but cant buy ammo...yes i know stupid.

shotgun is best bet for HD....far far less penertration than an SKS or AR....with the right loads...

XD guns are nice.... im particular to 1911's myself :cool:

what range did you go to in tampa? Knights? or the one off of dale mabry...cant remeber the name.

Chad
 
Shooting Sports on Dale Mabry. They have a friendly staff and their ammo isnt to badly price either and they take care of their customers.

Were looking for another range just to compare. Any reccomendations?
 
thats the only one i go to...yeah only thing i could ever complain about....is its DAMN hot inside there (the range)....other than that its real nice.

i have heard of this range. www.knightshooting.com its in clearwater? not sure but its suppose to be VERY nice...indoors but i think its a bit pricey...they do allow however alot larger calibers from what i understand and full auto...think you can rent FA to...never been though.

Chad
 
LMAO the tempatures inside the range are the only thing I have to complain about. Next week if I go im going to bring an extra shirt or two cause I sweat like a pig.


Is there any websites taht give detailed gun laws in FL?
 
andrew look under packing.org but thats mostly for CCW you can also check out the florida statues...but it can be tedious...i remeber a website that translated legalese into english....about gun laws that is.

do a search for Florida Gun Laws...

oh and are you in Highschool? if so where at? or if you gradated where from?

Chad
 
cooper city is about 30mins from ft. lauderdale...near davie/Dania Beach...

just wow down here compared to tampa.... :barf:

its about 4 hours away from tampa.

Chad
 
AndrewTB,

To buy a handgun from an FFL, federal law is that you are 21 or older with not criminal record.

You CAN buy a handgun FTF (Face to Face) from any private party.

You CAN be gifted a handgun that is bought for you by another party.

As for ammo, both the .40 and the 9mm are used in carbines. If asked by the people at wal-mart or whatever mart, just answer it's for a rifle. Do some research to know the names and models of common 9mm and .40 cal. rifles that one can buy, it makes you seem to know what you are talking about.

(side note, I don't know if this goes against the rules of telling people how to break the law since I don't consider the law much good but this is a public forum and I am held to the rules).

If this is considered advocating breaking the law, then just get someone 21 to buy you the ammo, I think that is allowed since you can legally own a handgun at 18.


Lastly, vote. The 21 age rule is BS when the government considers you an adult (able to enter into contracts, join the Armed Forces, etc..) at 18. If you are an adult well, damnit, you should be afforded all adult Rights (I could go into the 16 deal but lets concentrate on 18 for the time being). Don't get me started on the laziness and stupidity of young adults (you sir, are excluded from my wrath upon the subject).

Wayne
 
My understanding is that even a rifle with a pistol grip (e.g. AR15) can only be purchased by a 21 year old. Makes sense? No.
 
Rabbi,

My understanding is that even a rifle with a pistol grip (e.g. AR15) can only be purchased by a 21 year old.
Click to expand...

Geez, what nonsense :barf: (to clarify: Not directed at what you wrote, directed at how stupid the laws are) . I don't see why 18 - 20 year old don't fight for their Rights. I mean, I can understand them when they get brainwashed while in college (if they don't have a strong sense of right/wrong and a good at home support system) but when they leave from a conservative type atmosphere you would think they would want to be able to buy a handgun for defense and then vote accordingly. But then again, I will shamefully admit that I didn't vote until after I was 21 :o as most 18 to 20 year olds do (but it's still not an excuse!)

Wayne
 
Wayne,
I agree 100% on the stupid part. So based on that, an 18 year old could buy a Ruger Mini in .223 with a detachable mag. But he could not buy an AR in .223 with a detachable mag. But if the AR had a bullpup stock it would be OK. This is similar to CA's laws btw for everyone.
See, Wayne, what your missing is that "pistol grip" is a magical thing. When a gun has one it has the power to turn its owner into a full-auto street sweeping psychomaniac itching to mow down innocent school children. I know you'll never see this information on manufacturer specs but that is proof that they are trying to suppress this information. But the gov't knows this for a fact.
Say the words pistol grip three times and see if your testasterone doesnt revv up a little. Its true.
 
18 years old and the law.

You should complete several steps on your way purchasing your first firearm, pistol or longarm.


1) Ignorance is no excuse. Research and KNOW your local laws, state laws, and the federal laws that apply to you.

2) Knowledge is power. Learn all you can about not only the weapon you intend to purchase, but others as well. At least try to learn the basic functions of each action type.

3) The only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask. See if your local range offers a basic course of instruction. If not, look for a hunters education course near you. You may even check with your local law enforcement, as they might know where to turn for at least basic safety training. Don't forget the good old NRA. They offer courses as well.

4) Function over form, everyt time. Consider all of yor needs, all of the laws, and all of your personal restrictions. (budget, ability, familiarity, etc.) before you purchase. Spend time talking to the gun dealers, as well as other shooters at your range. Find a gun the will work best for you, not what everyone else is shooting. Rent different models if you can, to get a feel for what is right for you.

Finally, when you do purchase your gun, think for a minute. Consider three things:

1) This a large responsibility. It requires a great deal of maturity and professionalism.
2) Other people may not all like this. Be prudent in conversations, and try not to brag (too much ;) )
3) Become ACTIVE. Shoot often. Pay attention to politics, both local and national. Continue your firearms education, and ALWAYS BE SAFE. Learn it, live it, teach it.

And then, as soon as you buy your first firearm, rush to your computer and tell all of us so we can drool over it :D

Good shooting bud.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top