How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Gun in the US? - Buy a Gun in the US

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Gun in the US? - Buy a Gun in the US

Buy a Gun in the US


How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Gun in the US? - Buy a Gun in the US


Guns have been a part of American culture for centuries. Owning a gun is a right that many Americans take seriously. However, with that right comes responsibility, which is why the legal age to buy a gun in the US is regulated. 

In this article, we will discuss the various age requirements for purchasing a gun in the US.

What Is the Legal Age to Buy a Gun in the US?


The legal age to purchase a gun in the US is 21. This is the same for all states except for two: Alaska and Hawaii, where the minimum age is 18. However, even in these two states, there are certain restrictions that must be adhered to. 

For example, in Alaska, anyone under the age of 21 must be at least 18 years old to purchase a handgun. In Hawaii, the minimum age is 21 for any type of gun.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to the rule for purchasing guns in the US. The first is that individuals between the ages of 18-20 can purchase certain types of firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, from a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer. 

However, they must still pass a background check and provide proof of age. Additionally, members of the military who are 18 years of age or older can purchase firearms with the approval of their commanding officer.

State Laws


In addition to federal laws, there are also state laws governing the purchase of firearms. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations, so it’s important to be aware of the specific laws in your state. 

In some states, such as California, the minimum age to purchase a handgun is 21, while the minimum age to purchase a long gun (such as a rifle or shotgun) is 18. Other states may require individuals to be over the age of 18 to purchase any type of firearm.

Background Checks


In addition to the age restrictions, all individuals wishing to purchase a gun must pass a background check. This includes individuals over the age of 21, as well as those between the ages of 18 and 20 who are eligible to purchase certain types of firearms

The background check is conducted to ensure that the purchaser does not have any criminal history or mental health issues that would make them ineligible to purchase a gun.


Owning a gun is a right that many Americans take seriously, which is why the legal age to purchase a gun in the US is regulated. The legal age to purchase a gun in the US is 21, except in Alaska and Hawaii, where the minimum age is 18. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as members of the military and those between the ages of 18 and 20 who are eligible to purchase certain types of firearms. 

Additionally, all individuals wishing to purchase a gun must pass a background check, regardless of age. It’s important to be aware of the specific laws in your state, as they may vary.

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