: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or handgun ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) , these are the federal minimum ages:
: Some states, such as Minnesota, require a permit to purchase handguns or "military-style assault weapons," which are typically only issued to those 21 or older. Ownership vs. Purchase legal age to buy a gun
The legal age to buy a firearm in the United States depends on the type of weapon and whether you are buying from a licensed dealer or a private individual. While federal law sets a baseline, many states have enacted stricter requirements. Federal Requirements
It is important to distinguish between buying and possessing. Federal law generally prohibits anyone under from possessing a handgun (with exceptions for ranching, hunting, or military service), but it does not set a minimum age for the possession of long guns. International Snapshot Outside the U.S., legal ages vary significantly: Minimum Age - Giffords.org : You must be at least 21 years
: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun or long gun ammunition from an FFL dealer.
States can raise these minimum ages but cannot lower them below the federal standard. As of 2026, several states have stricter rules: Purchase The legal age to buy a firearm
: Federal law permits unlicensed (private) sellers to transfer handguns to individuals at least 18 years old , and there is no federal minimum age for the private transfer of long guns. State-Specific Variations