Age requirement to shoot and own a handgun

[ac3boyz]

Hey guys, I have a 3 part question;

I have a 17 year old nephew who wants to go with his 17 year old friend to his friends property to shoot shotguns.  The property is around 100 acres west of Nashville.  He was asking me if it was legal for them to do.  So that's the first question.

I told them that I believe if the property was not unsafe to shoot a firearm, their age shouldn't be a problem.

Second question, he also asked me if was legal for him to buy a handgun when he turns 18?  I told him I thought at 18 it was legal for him to purchase a handgun through a private seller, but of course not through a FFL.

3rd, under current TN law, is there a provision for an 18 year old to legally carry a handgun#

Can anyone clarify the TN laws for me?

Thanks!

 

[bobsguns]

On private property, as long as they're not hunting, anyone can shoot anything (safely). Hunting opens up a stinkbox of regulations & so forth.

Anyone under 21 is currently prohibited from purchasing a handgun by Federal Law. 

Anyone under the age of 21 can be "gifted" a handgun. Most people try to make this come from a parent so as to maintain appearances. 

Quote

(a) A person commits an offense who:

(1) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly sells, loans or makes a gift of a firearm to a minor;

(2) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly sells a firearm or ammunition for a firearm to a person who is intoxicated;  or

(3) Intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence violates § 39-17-1316 .

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under subdivision (a)(1) that:

(1) A firearm was loaned or given to a minor for the purposes of hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or any other lawful sporting activity;  and

(2) The person is not required to obtain a license under § 39-17-1316 .

(c) For purposes of this section, “intoxicated” means substantial impairment of mental or physical capacity resulting from introduction of any substance into the body.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

More to follow.

[bobsguns]

Quote

In Tennessee, and per federal guidelines, you may possess a handgun at 18 and an unlicensed person may sell you a handgun at 18. Federal law does not allow the sale of handguns by a licensed person to anyone under the age of 21. Tennessee only issues carry permits to persons 21 or over.

ATF link

 

[ac3boyz]

Thanks Bob!

[bobsguns]

33 minutes ago, ac3boyz said:

Thanks Bob!

 

[Capbyrd]

On 2/1/2022 at 6:37 PM, ac3boyz said:

3rd, under current TN law, is there a provision for an 18 year old to legally carry a handgun#

Can anyone clarify the TN laws for me?

Thanks!

 

Yes. If he joins the military, he can get an Enhanced Carry Permit if he is either active duty or has an honorable discharge.