A question about raising the legal age for gun purchases to 21 for all guns

nb4shallnotbeinfringed

I think the handgun age limit should be lowered to 18, as well. If 18 is the legal age where you are an adult and can be your own person (out from your parents care) with your own responsibilities, you should also have the right to self defense afforded to all other adults.

Plus, what age are they going to raise it to next when a 21 year old goes on a spree? 25? 30? 35? Only those eligible for SSI are old enough to own them?

I don't like arbitrary restrictions.

Because I can die in the military at 17 protecting your freedom, but I can't buy a gun to protect my family.

Thats crazy to me. One of the joys in life of a young boy is getting that first .22 rifle.

I think there is ample evidence that shows that there are plenty of 18 year olds (and younger) who are mature enough to responsibly own any type of firearm. I had a driver's license at 15 and would drive myself on hunting trips many hours from home. I followed the hunting laws and practiced safe gun handling. My kids did the same.

However, I have no problem (even though I personally disagree with the age being set at 21) with our society deciding that people can't be considered responsible adults until a certain age.

Here's the kicker, if we're going to agree that 21 is that age, then we should be consistent.

Age of consent to sexual relations= 21
Age of military service= 21
Age to enter a contract= 21
Parents in charge of your life until 21
Voting rights= 21

and wait for it...

The school shooter who just shot the kids in Parkland Florida was 19. Why is he being tried as an adult? Shouldn't his case be handled in family court? After all, he wasn't an adult of 21, right?

So you think it's fair to be in the military or even law enforcement and not legally be able to own a gun??

This would be on the table for me if we also move military minimums, adult offender status, legal participation in contracts, etc. to 21. All of this you’re an adult at this age for this part of life at 18, 21 for this one and when we decide you’ve committed an “adult crime” for still another.

What does raising the age limit accomplish? I know lots of people who were bought guns by their dad’s at a young age. It might have stayed in dad’s gun cabinet until they reached a certain age, but it was their gun. If 19 yr old son wants an AR and pops is willing, an age limit isn’t going to stop the purchase.

Purchasing means nothing unless you attach some sort of ban on possessing an AR until you are a certain age, and we all know how fast that would be challenged in court.

As part of a broader issue, I would be okay with that only if there is a waiver for anyone who is or has been in the military (good standing) or has completed a safety course. Although, I think it should be for any age-limited right or privilege. Old enough to die for your country? Old enough to drink, vote or buy a gun.

Purchases? No problem with a reasonable age limit.