Question about handgun ownership age

S

shokkazulu

New member
I just got a new handgun and im not 21 so my dad bought it for the me. The gun is in his name but can the gun put in my name once my permit gets back from the state or do i have to be 21 for the gun to be in my name. Thanks
 
Did you buy this gun from a dealer?

If so let me rephrase the question for you.

My dad just purchased a new gun for himself. Once I turn 21 can he give it to me as a gift and do I need to have it registered in my name for CCW carry.

To which the answer would be, yes he can give it to you with no problem as for the registration probably not but you should check with the laws in your state as they do vary.
 
ok...but i have a permit so i am legal to carry the gun..but i guess the but for the gun to be in my name i would have to be 21
 
I'm not sure what kind of "permit" you are referring to but the rule of thumb is this: "If you are not legally able to walk into a gun store and purchase a firearm, you cannot legally obtain it in any other way."

You must be 21 to own or possess a handgun. There is an exception to this if your parents allow you to use it for certain purposes and they have to sign a statement that they do. I would suggest you check with your local ATF office for details if that is your intent. They change their policy often so what they may allow today may change after the next election.(The law will be the same but their application of it may not.)

In case your interested, a firearm purchased by someone for a second party who is not legally able to buy it themselves is called a "straw man" deal.

Once you turn 21 your father can give you the gun as a gift. You do not have to re-register it in your name as far as federal law. Your state CCW law may require it though so make sure you keep current on that.
 
ok thanks the permit is a personal pertection permit. I live in IN and what i under stood from the cop is as long is i have that permit i am aloud at carry a hundgun on my person as long is it is conseald or in my car. I think also the gun had to be purchesed by a perant but thanks i will look into the law books dang democrats
 
Here is the skinny on Indiana gun laws: Indiana is a "shall issue" state. Anyone over the age of 18 with a clear record can apply for and, presuming you are not disqualified from obtaining a permit, be issued a CCW permit. The law reads "...this permit allows the concealed carry of any handgun lawfully posessesd..." This means that while you DO have to be 21 years of age to lawfully PURCHASE a handgun, you may carry one that is not registered to you as long as it is not stolen. So, if your parent purchases a handgun and knowingly allows you to carry it (with your permit) you are legally in the clear. I know it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, the whole "can't buy but can carry" thing, but thats how it is. Be thankful that Indiana is gun-friendly.
 
By the way, your parent does NOT have to sign anything stating that you are allowed to carry one of their weapons. In Indiana the burden of proof is on the Gov. to decide if the weapon is "lawfully posessed". Instead of checking with the ATF, you should ask your local Law Enforcement Personnel. The Feds are mainly concerned with Federal gun laws and they will generally direct you to ask locally about state carry laws.
 
Shok, it might help to mention your state. Also, a better thread title would help people figure out what you're asking before they read your post.
 
aye i know i did say my state IN btw yes the thread title was kinda "shady" but i was in a hurry whin the the ol'lady says jump i gata say how hi
 
You do not have to be 21 years old to legally possess a hangun or buy one from a private party. You do have to be 21 years old to purchase one from a FFL dealer. If you read the fine print on a permit to purchase you'll see what I'm talking about.
 
willbrayjr,
You are correct about the legality of a person under 21 to purchase a handgun from a private party. Here is an excerpt from the Indiana Criminal Code:
IC 35-47-2-7 Prohibited sales or transfers of ownership
Sec. 7. (a) Except an individual acting within a parent-minor child or guardian-minor
protected person relationship or any other individual who is also acting in compliance with IC
35-47-10, a person may not sell, give, or in any other manner transfer the ownership or
possession of a handgun or assault weapon (as defined in IC 35-50-2-11) to any person under
eighteen (18) years of age.
Click to expand...
Indiana does not require handguns to be registered, therefore if you do not do a transfer after purchasing from an individual you are in legal posession of that firearm even if you are between 18 and 21.
 
Hey Shokkazulu -

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your new handgun! I'm located in Indiana too, and you'll find that we live in a gun-friendly state. As a new handgun owner, I would highly recommend that you get some NRA certified training - classes are available in gun safety/handling and the legal aspects of using/carrying a gun for defensive purposes.

It's a good idea to get started out right by getting some quality training instead of relying on guess work and what you read on gun forums, which should be regarded as "For Entertainment Purposed Only."

Good luck with your new handgun and be safe.
 
You Indiana residents have some interesting gun laws. It's hard to believe you live some where between Ohio and Morton Grove.
 
yes they are interesting. At least the interesting parts are on the side of gun owners and not the anti's. Hooray Hoosiers!!! If only it were warm and sunny here all the time, Indiana would be perfect!
 
You must be 21 to own or possess a handgun. There is an exception to this if your parents allow you to use it for certain purposes and they have to sign a statement that they do. I would suggest you check with your local ATF office for details if that is your intent. They change their policy often so what they may allow today may change after the next election.(The law will be the same but their application of it may not.)
Click to expand...


Depends on the state. In Michigan you can't buy a new handgun from a dealer until 21, but you can buy a used handgun from an individual at 18. I bought my first two handguns a Ruger MkII and a Ruger Redhawk at 18. I bought them from my grandmother who bought them and decided they weren't really what she wanted;) We did this at the recommendation of the local chief of police who also had to do the green inspection cards for the original purchase and the transfer. However in this day and age I wouldn't recommend it.
 
State laws vary greatly on this matter. Last time I reccomended that someone in ohio at least 18 but not yet 21 could get a handgun from a private transaction, it turned out that while such a thing is legal by federal law, its a misdemeanor in ohio. My mistake ended with my post being deleted and the thread being locked:eek: This issue really pisses me off. Some jackass politicians pass useless feelgood legislation, and here it is causing all this stupid crap.
 
Maine state law states that you have to be 21 to purchase the handgun, but the handgun can be transfered to anyone over the age of 18 who can legally own one. (no criminals). You can also apply for a CCW at the age of 18 here.
 
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