Youngster in need of some educating on private sale

[TaylorMade]

So I read all over 2 different things, It either says you can Own and purchase a handgun private sale at 18+ with a clean record because of a bill passed in 2021-2022, And other Sources say You must be 21+ to purchase a handgun flat out but you are legally allowed to own and carry one. Could anyone point me in the right direction on what the true reality is before I attempt to purchase one and get myself into any trouble? I am trying to get a HCP and the Range does not rent Handguns to those under 21 but law and range allows for 18yo to take the course. Very Confused here and would love to be educated so I can move forward on this adventure.

[Thearmededucator]

It’s quite confusing. Federal law still technically prevents 18yo from buying a pistol from a gun store, though recent court cases are challenging this. 
 

The simplest method for obtaining a pistol would be a private sale, rather than a gun store. 

[gregintenn]

It is legal for a private citizen to sell an 18 year old a handgun. It is not legal for an FFL dealer to sell a handgun to anyone under 21. Do not ask me to make this make sense for you, but it's how it is.

[TaylorMade]

51 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

It is legal for a private citizen to sell an 18 year old a handgun. It is not legal for an FFL dealer to sell a handgun to anyone under 21. Do not ask me to make this make sense for you, but it's how it is.

I was attempting to buy a 43x Glock earlier and was told I wasn’t legally allowed to be sold one under 21 private sale, thank you for the clear up I’ve been genuinely scared to ask people about pistols because of that. Seems not a lot of people are trading or selling in Memphis regardless (for good reason)

[gregintenn]

1 hour ago, TaylorMade said:

I was attempting to buy a 43x Glock earlier and was told I wasn’t legally allowed to be sold one under 21 private sale, thank you for the clear up I’ve been genuinely scared to ask people about pistols because of that. Seems not a lot of people are trading or selling in Memphis regardless (for good reason)

Everyone isn’t a law scholar, and folks selling a firearm aren’t required to sell it to you. Some folks err on the side of caution. Place a want to buy ad I. The classified section here and see what happens.

[TaylorMade]

5 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Everyone isn’t a law scholar, and folks selling a firearm aren’t required to sell it to you. Some folks err on the side of caution. Place a want to buy ad I. The classified section here and see what happens.

That’s what I did, and I understand that people don’t “have” to do anything but it would help to not be mislead with false information as someone new to this and trying to find the safest and best way to learn legally. I’ve been bounced between being called a legal and illegal sale quite a bit now and it seems nobodys even sure if it’s actually legal or not. (TNgov leaving most laws up to interpretation doesnt help much either) Hopefully my post on classifieds can fetch some traction and I can find myself in a place to get that permit and or a nice AR platform. (if I can find one in my little budget) 

[Thearmededucator]

AR platform you can do no problem 

[Zero]

I bought a handgun private sale (from a tgo member) when I was 18 after acquiring my HCP. Private sale of a handgun is 100% legal if you are 18-20 years old. Learn as much as you can, find a good deal from a trusted seller and go for it. 

[chances R]

3 hours ago, Zero said:

I bought a handgun private sale (from a tgo member) when I was 18 after acquiring my HCP. Private sale of a handgun is 100% legal if you are 18-20 years old. Learn as much as you can, find a good deal from a trusted seller and go for it. 

So, if one is under 21, still cannot legally carry a handgun in TN unless history of military service or currently serving.

[Chucktshoes]

29 minutes ago, chances R said:

So, if one is under 21, still cannot legally carry a handgun in TN unless history of military service or currently serving.

Your information is out of date. The legal age for obtaining an HCP is flatly at 18 now.

since 2023 Tennessee has been under a court ruling that declared the 21 age limit as unconstitutional, and it was codified into law this year. The only hang up that someone between the ages of 18–20 has an exercising their right to carry a pistol in self-defense is federal law that still sets the age for purchase through an FFL at 21. They must have obtained their pistol through private sale or gift as of right now.

[chances R]

As I understand 39-17-1351, nothing has changed, nor has it changed with my google search.  I believe it is still tied up in court and if so one met still be in legal jeopardy and expense.  I would appreciate any reference contrary to confirm.

[Chucktshoes]

17 minutes ago, chances R said:

As I understand 39-17-1351, nothing has changed, nor has it changed with my google search.  I believe it is still tied up in court and if so one met still be in legal jeopardy and expense.  I would appreciate any reference contrary to confirm.

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/Apps/GeneralAssembly/Publications.aspx

 

if you click the link to view the public chapter enactments for 2025, on page 26 you will find public chapter 356. It describes how in 39–17 – 1351 the legal age for obtaining an enhanced handgun carry permit has been lowered from 21 to 18 with an effective date of 05/02/2025.

Edited 6 hours ago by Chucktshoes

[chances R]

4 hours ago, Chucktshoes said:

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/Apps/GeneralAssembly/Publications.aspx

 

if you click the link to view the public chapter enactments for 2025, on page 26 you will find public chapter 356. It describes how in 39–17 – 1351 the legal age for obtaining an enhanced handgun carry permit has been lowered from 21 to 18 with an effective date of 05/02/2025.

You are absolutely correct and I appreciate the update.  Since I am a state instructor (inactive at this time) I still like being up to date.  I did verify this with the Handgun Permit office in Nashville as well.  So one footnote, if one is in the new age range and traveling, be sure and call and verify reciprocity with any state one is traveling through as they may not accept the new parameters.  The Handgun office tries to keep the reciprocity list up to date, but as you pointed out, this is a recent change.

Edited 2 hours ago by chances R

[Chucktshoes]

16 minutes ago, chances R said:

You are absolutely correct and I appreciate the update.  Since I am a state instructor (inactive at this time) I still like being up to date.  I did verify this with the Handgun Permit office in Nashville as well.  So one footnote, if one is in the new age range and traveling, be sure and call and verify reciprocity with any state one is traveling through as they may not accept the new parameters.  The Handgun office tries to keep the reciprocity list up to date, but as you pointed out, this is a recent change.

You are very welcome.I’m not an instructor or anything, I’m just a nerd with a hyper fixation on the legal issues and so manage to keep up-to-date out of nerdery.