Looking to buy a handgun face-to-face, how can i make sure it is legally safe for me?

[Let it Bleed]

. . . posses and own handguns at the age of 18.

Not in all the States. As for the federal statute, all I'm gonna say is federalism as it often takes far too long to explain (Commerce clause, enumerated powers, etc.).

 

[crghss]

Work out the details before you meet. I for one would not let you see my drivers license. I would give you a bill of sale but thats it. With identify theft the way it is in todays world no way. Other people wouldn't like that so it would kill the deal.

I've purchased & sold weapons FTF, cash for gun and go separate ways. I've sold guns and given a bill of sales. But thats as far as I'm willing to go. In Florida that is as far as I have to go.

 

[AcridSaint]

I was not referring to state, county or municipal laws, only federal. To my knowledge there is no federal law prohibiting this transfer as long as it does not go through and FFL.

 

[Big Bill]

Acrid - if you are wrong, this could be the punishment: Violations of restrictions on Title II firearms and devices are punishable by a penalty of up to $10,000 and 10 years imprisonment.

Re-read my first post again. It specifically says this:

Ineligible Persons

The following classes of people are ineligible to possess, receive, ship, or transport firearms or ammunition:

* Persons less than 21 years of age for the purchase of a firearm that is other than a shotgun or rifle...

In addition to federal gun laws imposed by the National Firearms Act (1934), Gun Control Act (1968), Firearms Owner`s Protection Act (1986), Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993), the 1994 Omnibus Crime Control Act and other laws, most states and some local jurisdictions have imposed their own firearms restrictions.

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=60

This comes from the National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. That's all I need to know.

If the kid is stopped and they find him in posession of a handgun, this Federal law could be applied - depending on who stops him and how much they want to push it. I would personally NEVER sell a handgun or handgun ammo to anyone (not even one of my sons) until they reach the age of 21.

I'm not trying to be a jerk here; I'm just providing a word of caution. My gun dealer at one time was a state patrolman and was shot twice in the line of duty and retired. He informed me about these federal regulations when I started buying guns from him some years ago.

 

[Dave85]

The portion of the GCA the NRA-ILA has gleaned that information from regulates FFL transfers.

3. FEDERAL AGE RESTRICTIONS
Federal law prohibits Federal firearms licensees from selling or delivering any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than 18 years of age, and, if the firearm is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than 21 years of age. (18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1), 27 CFR 478.99(b)(1).)

If the transfer is an intrastate FTF, state law applies. If the state in which it is taking place does not prohibit ownership of handguns by those 18 and over, the transfer should not be prohibited.

 

[Big Bill]

Acrid - with additional research I did find this...

Hand Gun Possession

a. A person under 18 years of age is a juvenile under Federal law and may not possess a handgun or handgun only ammo, §§ 922 (x)(2), (x)(3), & (x)(5), but exceptions exist, see Section C.11.

b. Possess - A person 18 years of age or older may possess a HG (pistol, revolver).

c. Purchase - A person 18 years of age or older may purchase a HG from a non-licensee (not a gun dealer) who resides in the same State as the purchaser.

d. Gift / Loan- A person 18 years of age or older may receive a HG as a gift or loan from a non-licensee who resides in the same State as the recipient.

e. Outside State of Residency - A person may not receive a HG from a non-licensee who resides in another State, except by:

1) Will or intestate succession, § 922 (a)(5)(A) giver, § 922 (a)(3)(A) receiver, or

2) Temporary loan or rental for lawful sporting purposes, § 922 (a)(5)(B), or

3) The non-resident may deliver the HG (see § 1715, HGs non-mailable) to an FFL in the receiver’s State for purchase from the FFL, § 922 (a)(2)(A).

f. It is a felony violation to willfully violate the residency laws: § 922 (a)(5) transferor’s violation, § 922 (a)(3) receiver’s violation, up to 5 years in prison.

http://www.fedcoplaw.com/html/federal_firearms_laws.html

It's a little confusing, but you may be right. ???

 

[Norrick]

I'm not sure about particular laws, but I'd make a bill of sale describing the circumstances of the sale and scan their ID so you have more than just a signature (make them sign the paper that has the actual image of the ID on it).