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Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 8:33 am
by Weg
Is someone between 18 and 21 just flat prohibited from possessing a handgun in Texas, or is it that they just cannot purchase one. My scenario, is my Daughter may soon be getting her own apartment, and is 18. If I give her a .38 (which she is very familiar with), are we both violating the law? Also, is she covered by MPA same as anyone else. Thanks
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 8:38 am
by Pawpaw
A person must be 21 to purchase from an FFL, but can own a handgun at 18.
She's good to go!

Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:20 pm
by AustinPC
Another consideration may be that the only time she'd be allowed to practice with or purchase ammunition for it would be with you, or someone else who's 21 or older.
Would a nice shotty not be a better choice? I don't know your daughter, stature, familiarity with firearms, etc., but it's just a thought.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:35 pm
by Weg
Thanks for the responses...
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 6:33 pm
by tacticool
AustinPC wrote:Another consideration may be that the only time she'd be allowed to practice with or purchase ammunition for it would be with you, or someone else who's 21 or older
What law says she can't practice with it? I know about the 21 requirement for purchasing but that's easy to get around, especially if her parents are supportive of her handgun ownership.

Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:51 pm
by Rifleman55
The only problem that she might have is in purchasing ammo. if she says that the ammo is for a pistol then she cannot buy it. Since 38 can be use in a rifle they may not even ask.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:00 pm
by The Mad Moderate
Rifleman55 wrote:The only problem that she might have is in purchasing ammo. if she says that the ammo is for a pistol then she cannot buy it. Since 38 can be use in a rifle they may not even ask.
So if you tell the person selling ammo it's for a Rifle someone 18 could but 9mm ammo.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:19 pm
by Rifleman55
The only ammo that I could think of that would be a problem for an 18 year old could be .25 acp, 32 acp and .380 acp, and something like 9mm makerov. As long as there is a rifle chambered in the particular cartridge a person 18 or older should be able to buy it. That person may have trouble with clerks in places like wal-mart not wanting to sell to them.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:28 am
by speedsix
...MPA doesn't have a word about age...my son finally turned 18, but has carried his .38 in the car since the bill took effect...as soon as he got his regular DL...
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:23 am
by JJVP
AustinPC wrote:Another consideration may be that the only time she'd be allowed to practice with or purchase ammunition for it would be with you, or someone else who's 21 or older.
Only the purchase of ammo is an issue and that only if it is handgun only ammo. No problem with practice.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:34 am
by JJVP
speedsix wrote:...MPA doesn't have a word about age...my son finally turned 18, but has carried his .38 in the car since the bill took effect...as soon as he got his regular DL...
You realized that he broke federal law if he was carrying under MPA before he became 18. Federal law prohibits anyone younger that 18 to possess a handgun. He was lucky he was not caught.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/blnoguns.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:51 am
by tacticool
Rifleman55 wrote:The only ammo that I could think of that would be a problem for an 18 year old could be .25 acp, 32 acp and .380 acp, and something like 9mm makerov. As long as there is a rifle chambered in the particular cartridge a person 18 or older should be able to buy it. That person may have trouble with clerks in places like wal-mart not wanting to sell to them.
I hope you're not encouraging someone to lie to trick a FFL into violating federal law.
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:40 pm
by speedsix
JJVP wrote:speedsix wrote:...MPA doesn't have a word about age...my son finally turned 18, but has carried his .38 in the car since the bill took effect...as soon as he got his regular DL...
You realized that he broke federal law if he was carrying under MPA before he became 18. Federal law prohibits anyone younger that 18 to possess a handgun. He was lucky he was not caught.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/blnoguns.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
...your statement is in error, as your link will tell you if you see the fine print at the bottom of the linked page...he broke no Federal law at all, because I made sure he fell within those exemptions...research the actual printed Federal law that pertains, not some Public Information catchall page, and you'll have the law...that's what I realized...
Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:21 pm
by JJVP
speedsix wrote:JJVP wrote:speedsix wrote:...MPA doesn't have a word about age...my son finally turned 18, but has carried his .38 in the car since the bill took effect...as soon as he got his regular DL...
You realized that he broke federal law if he was carrying under MPA before he became 18. Federal law prohibits anyone younger that 18 to possess a handgun. He was lucky he was not caught.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/blnoguns.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
...your statement is in error, as your link will tell you if you see the fine print at the bottom of the linked page...he broke no Federal law at all, because I made sure he fell within those exemptions...research the actual printed Federal law that pertains, not some Public Information catchall page, and you'll have the law...that's what I realized...
Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 44 Section 922 (x) (3)
(iii) the juvenile has the prior written consent in the juvenile’s possession at all times when a handgun is in the possession of the juvenile; and
(iv) in accordance with State and local law;
I believe that this is what applies in your case. So you are correct, as long as he did not drive within 1000' of a school GFSZ). The only exemption there is a CHL from the state where the school is located.

Re: Between 18 and 21, and handgun possesion
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:32 pm
by speedsix
...they killed that one here in my neighborhood...I know, the sign was in my yard...gone three years now...