Age to own Pistol?

**soccerdad** · February 10th, 2014, 09:09 PM

I'm sorry to bother anyone here, but just wanted to clarify my understanding of PA law concerning age 18 vs. 21. (I did search the forums and the laws sections and couldn't get a definitive answer). As I understand PA law, no one under 21 may OWN a handgun, correct? I'm also pretty sure you have to be 21 to obtain an LTCF, correct? The only thing an 18 yo can legally own is a long gun, right? Notice I said own, not possess. The reason I ask is my soon-to-be 18yo is thinking Temple U. (Let's not even get into the 'no guns' policies at the universities). Thanks in advance.

**FCastle88** · February 10th, 2014, 09:55 PM

You can own a handgun at 18 in PA, but you have to be 21 to buy it from a FFL and get a LTCF. He could legally own a handgun if you sell it to him or give it to him as a gift, since transfers between parent/child don't require a FFL. He can't legally carry in Philly without a LTCF though.

**DTFTH45** · February 10th, 2014, 11:37 PM

This is what I understand too.

I would however recommend Penn State over Temple

**knight0334** · February 11th, 2014, 12:02 AM

There is no real age limit to "own" a pistol under PA and federal law. However there is an age of possession. Yes, they are two different elements.

PA's age of possession is 18.

**Casual Carry** · February 11th, 2014, 12:17 AM

In most of Pa as I understand the law is 18 to possess, Philly is a whole different animal though. That is open carry only, no cars, no under shirt. Hell you cant even ride a bike or skateboard without a LTCF which you need to be 21 to get.

For Philly you cannot have a handgun without a LTCF anywhere but your home.

**cardoctor** · February 11th, 2014, 06:11 AM

temple is reasonably safe . your son just has to be smart and know his surrounding.

**snakeman21** · February 11th, 2014, 09:27 AM

Yes, one can own a handgun at 18... One simply cannot walk into a shop and buy one until 21. But an immediate family member were to give him one, it would be legal.

Careful, though... Owning handguns under 21 can be a risky business, with the confusion surrounding the legality of it. Contrary to popular belief, just because something is legal, doesn't mean you won't be arrested for it and then have to prove that it was legal.