tleonard55
Regular Member
My CC instructor tried to say the same thing (can't own a handgun until you're 21). Then again, he also spent a couple of minutes belittling OC. Thing is, that's not what the law says.
Yes, there are a few states where you actually have to be 21 to legally buy a handgun (Ohio being one of them, for instance, although interestingly if you're a resident of another state that allows private sales and buy one while being age 18-20, you can then move to OH and still legally own it). This is also by default true in many (all?) states that completely ban private sales of handguns. However, most states including Tennessee follow the Federal rules. The Federal rules say that a person age 18-20 (1) cannot buy a handgun from a Federally licensed dealer, and (2) cannot buy ammunition "intended for a handgun" from a licensed retail establishment. A person age 18-20 may however legally buy a handgun and handgun ammunition from a private seller, have these items gifted to him/her, and legally own it.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. None of the above information is, or should be construed as, legal advice. I accept no legal liability for any actions that any person may or make not take based on this information. For legal advice, consult an attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.
Thanks man I appreciate the help alot. I have read over the law plenty of times and I am almost absolutely certain I am well within the law in keeping my handgun inside of my vehicle. Hopefully there wont be any further issues with it until I turn 21 then I can get my CC and OC permits. The police in carter county don't really seem all that smart anyways. I stopped by the Bluff City police department and we talked for about an hour and they made a few phone calls and they ended up telling me I should be okay but that they aren't giving me permission to do it. I believe next time im not even going to tell the officer I have a weapon in my vehicle since it is not a legal requirement,I was simply doing it to be generous and show him that I am no threat to his safety.
If they do arrest me for it then I would possibly have a good lawsuit on my hands,but I would rather just not be arrested.