Policy Proposal for the Federal Government to Remove the Age Restriction on Handgun Purchases for Adults Aged 18-20

Liberty
1

Introduction

This policy proposal recommends revising federal law to permit adults aged 18-20 to legally purchase handguns. Under current federal regulations, individuals must be 21 years or older to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, while they can legally purchase long guns (such as rifles and shotguns) at 18. This restriction on handgun purchases for 18-20-year-olds contradicts established legal precedents recognizing 18 as the age of adulthood for numerous rights and responsibilities. Given that individuals are granted full legal responsibilities and are expected to fulfill adult obligations at 18, the age restriction on handgun purchases warrants re-evaluation to align with constitutional rights and principles.

Background and Rationale

  1. Constitutional Rights and Equal Access: The Second Amendment grants individuals the right to keep and bear arms. Legal adults aged 18-20 are entitled to the same constitutional protections as older adults, including the right to self-defense and equal access to firearms. The restriction on handgun purchases for this age group infringes on their constitutional rights and treats them differently from other adults, creating an unequal standard under the law.
  2. Legal Consistency Across Adult Rights: Federal and state laws recognize 18 as the age of adulthood, at which individuals assume full legal responsibilities. At 18, citizens can vote, enlist in the military, enter legally binding contracts, and assume other adult roles. The age restriction on handgun purchases creates an inconsistency in federal law, as it denies young adults a specific right based on age, despite recognizing them as fully responsible individuals.
  3. Self-Defense Rights for Young Adults: Data shows that young adults, particularly those in the 18-20 age group, may need access to handguns for self-defense purposes. Many individuals in this age group live independently, attend college, work, and serve in the military, often in environments where personal protection is a priority. Providing these young adults the ability to purchase handguns aligns with the foundational principle of the right to self-defense.

Proposed Action

Amend the federal law to lower the age requirement for purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer to 18. This adjustment would align with the broader legal framework that grants adults full rights and responsibilities at 18 and would restore equal access to Second Amendment rights for all law-abiding adults.

Implementation and Compliance

  1. Background Checks and Responsible Ownership: Ensure all federal requirements for responsible firearm ownership, such as background checks and safe storage education, apply uniformly to adults aged 18 and older. These requirements will help maintain safety and responsibility among all legal handgun purchasers.
  2. Firearm Education and Training Programs: To promote responsible ownership, introduce or expand voluntary firearm education programs for young adults. These programs, conducted through partnerships with local law enforcement or community organizations, can provide valuable training in safe handling, storage, and usage of firearms.
  3. Age Verification Protocols: Licensed firearm dealers will continue to use existing age verification protocols to confirm that buyers meet the legal age threshold and have passed the required background checks.

Conclusion

Revising federal law to allow adults aged 18-20 to purchase handguns aligns with constitutional principles and the legal recognition of adulthood at 18. This change would restore equal rights to all adult citizens under the Second Amendment, uphold the right to self-defense, and eliminate age-based inconsistencies in firearm laws. By ensuring access to handguns for responsible young adults, this policy would support the rights and responsibilities that define legal adulthood while encouraging safe and informed firearm ownership.