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The short answer is, because the law says so (in some/most states). The longer answer is, because someone, somewhere feels that 21 is the minimum age for being able to properly handle a handgun...the same reason you have to be 21 in most states in order to drink alcohol.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThere are a couple of parts to the answer.
1. In some states, people as young as 18 can own handguns. You can't buy a handgun legally from a licensed dealer under 21, so you have to buy it from an individual or have it given to you.
2. Otherwise, there is no military exemption for ownership. State laws prevail. However, on-duty military personel that are required to carry handguns for their job (Military Police, for example), can carry a handgun while discharging their duty on the base.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt depends on where you are. Federal law says an FFL licensed dealer cannot sell you one unless you are 21, but in some states, you can buy a gun from an individual if you are under 21.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoNOOO! Of course not you have to be 21 to own a aotomatic gun not a pistol. Is that good
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo, you cannot. Federal law doesn't make any exemptions to the minimum age for purchasing a handgun - not even for service members.
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Why did congress state the law that no one under 21 could own a handgun?
There is no federal law that says someone under 21 can't own a handgun. There is a federal law that says someone under 21 can't buy a handgun from a licensed dealer. Some states allow people under 21 to own handguns, and federal law allows people under 21 to possess handguns for certain lawful purposes, such as target shooting.
Can military members buy handguns under 21?
Handguns are standard issue now. -------------------------------- However, for PURCHASE of a handgun, there is no exception in Federal law for members of the military- they cannot buy a handgun if under 21.
Hold old do you have to be to own a gun?
In the U.S. 18 for rifles and shotguns, 21 for handguns.
How old are you suppose to be to own a gun in Florida?
18 for shotguns and rifles, 21 for handguns.
How old do you have to be to own a gun in America?
With no criminal record, 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.
How old do you have to be to own a gun in Michigan?
Federal law says 21 for handguns and 18 for longguns.
How old do you have to be to own a gun in the state of Washington?
21, the same as in the whole of the United States, in accordance with federal law.
Can kids in Kentucky posess a gun?
not if the kid is under 18 for long barreled guns and 21 for handguns.
In what states can parents give their child a handgun?
It depends on how old the child is and what you mean by "give." In the U.S. a person has to be 21 or older to own or purchase a handgun, but people under 21 can possess handguns for various legal activities, for instance, target shooting or hunting.
How old do you have to legally own a gun in the state of Florida?
If Florida follows federal law, 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.
What age own a gun?
In the US, it's 18 for rifles and shotguns, and 21 for handguns and anything requiring an NFA tax stamp.
What can you do when you turn 18?
1: You can vote for presidential elections. 2: You can buy guns (handguns when you turn 21). 3: You can live on your own.
