Can you buy a pistol at 18?

Sure thing! So, federally, you can buy a pistol from a private seller at 18 (not from a licensed dealer, though—they require you to be 21). However, you’ve got to be 21 to purchase handgun ammunition. Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky: state laws can vary a lot. Some states align with federal law, but others might have stricter rules, like requiring you to be 21 for any pistol purchase, even private sales, or adding things like permits or waiting periods.

Your best bet is to check your specific state’s laws (or the state you’re in) to make sure you’re good to go. A quick call to a local gun shop or a look at your state’s official government website should clear things up. Always better to double-check than risk running into legal issues.

Alright, so here’s the deal: federally, you can buy a pistol from a private seller at 18, but licensed dealers won’t sell you one until you’re 21. Handgun ammo is also 21+ federally. But—and this is a big but—state laws can be way stricter. Some states won’t let you buy a pistol at all until you’re 21, even from a private seller.