Unclear on age limits.

[Rathmec]

Hey, guys.

I've been reading up on every source I can as of late to educate myself in PA firearm laws. I now live permanently in the Lehigh County area. I grew up here and I do enjoy it, but let's face it... I just feel the need to be armed sometimes! Even in my own neighborhood I don't feel completely safe.

I know this question must be answered somewhere on this site but for the life of me I cannot find it. You can feel free to purge this thread if that's the case.

I'm a few months away from turning 21 (November). I know you have to be 21 for the LTCF, however I can't seem to find anything on the purchasing and owning of a handgun. I've always been under then impression you can't purchase a handgun under the age of 21, however I can't find anything saying that on paper. All I've found is that you need to be 18 to purchase firearms.

So, if someone could make this black and white for me, that'd be great! Am I allowed to purchase a handgun and keep it at home? If so, I'd love to get the ball rolling before November. And like I said, if this has been covered a million times over on this forum go ahead and purge this.

[PisnNapalm]

You have to be::

18 to own a handgun. It can be gifted from a parent or grandparent or spouse. Also a sheriff can transfer it to an 18 year old from a third party but good luck finding one who will though.

21 to purchase through a FFL (dealer).


I'm not a lawyer ... I hope I got that right.

[knight0334]

Yup.. The above statement is correct.

[Pa. Patriot]

You have to be::

18 to own a handgun. It can be gifted from a parent or grandparent or spouse. Also a sheriff can transfer it to an 18 year old from a third party but good luck finding one who will though.

21 to purchase through a FFL (dealer).


I'm not a lawyer ... I hope I got that right.

In my opinion, it does not have to be "gifted" from spouse/parent/grandparent

"transfers" between those parties are exempt from having to visit the FFL (who can not process under 21 yr old transfers/sales) or the sheriff.

So you could "buy" a handgun from those parties since a "transfer" would include both sales and gifts. (IMO, IANAL)

ref: 18Pa.C.S.6111(c)

[Rathmec]

Thanks for the info.

Maybe I'll just go ahead and be patient for a few months. I almost feel like I'd run into a straw sale situation. Wouldn't want a dealer to get nervous with me.

[tlgpa]

Thanks for the info.

Maybe I'll just go ahead and be patient for a few months.

November isn't too far off. Spend the next few months doing research, going to shops, and checking out what gun you want. It'd make a nice b-day present to yourself.

[Rathmec]

Absolutely. I have plenty of time to see all of the helpful info from seasoned owners like all of you fine folk on this forum.

November isn't too far off.

No, it isn't. But the more time I spend living in the city of Allentown, the more I wish I were licensed to carry. This place makes me worry sometimes. And I remember it being such a quaint place when I was a littleun'.

[mickey01023]

say i knew this kid...could i gift a handgun to him? how about transferring one

[tlgpa]

say i knew this kid...could i gift a handgun to him? how about transferring one

Read above.

Gifted only between spouse/parent/grandparent.

Must be 21 yr old for transfers.

[lexnaturalis]

Read above.

Gifted only between spouse/parent/grandparent.

Must be 21 yr old for transfers.

It is my understanding that a 19 year old could buy a pistol from his father. It doesn't necessarily have to be gifted.