Question about a pistol

[BoneHead]

Need some help on a question. What is the minimum age for someone to legally buy a pistol in Ky? I was told it was 18, but I thought it was 18 for a long gun and 21 for a pistol.:confused:

[hoytman]

yes you have to be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun

[BoneHead]

Thank you. Someone kept telling me that they bought a pistol and they are 18. After I told them that they had to be 21 they didnt beleive me. I knew I was right but just wanted to make sure.

[130orBust]

You have to be 21 to purchase one, but you can own one at 18.

[killinmammals]

You have to be 21 to purchase one, but you can own one at 18.
what he said

[KyBucks10]

isnt it the same with buying ammo? you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammo and only 18 to buy rifle or shotgun ammo right?

[killinmammals]

isnt it the same with buying ammo? you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammo and only 18 to buy rifle or shotgun ammo right?
yep thats correct

[BowOnly]

isnt it the same with buying ammo? you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammo and only 18 to buy rifle or shotgun ammo right?


I don't think that's a state law just a policy of a lot of big box stores. But I could be mistaken.

[wprebeck]

If it matters any....

<-----FFL licensee, plus LEO



The only two statutes concerning possession of a handgun and having an age defined are "Possession of a handgun by a minor" (KRS 527.100) and "Unlawfully providing handgun to juvenile or permitting juvenile to possess handgun" (KRS 527.110). In both cases, "minor" and "juvenile" are defined as people under the age of 18 years old.

Since there is no state restriction for selling a handgun to an 18 year old person in KRS 237.020 (defines the right of residents to buy firearms), then one may sell a handgun legally to a person under 21, but 18 or over...provided federal law is also followed.

In this case, federal law restricts a purchase of a handgun from a FFL ONLY to a 21 year old or older. No such restrictions on private party sales (yet...waiting for it from our wonderful Pres), just on FFL licensees.

In other words...My company (which holds the FFL) may not sell a handgun to an 18 year old. If I wish to conduct a private party transaction with the same 18 year old, however...there's no law restricting it.

Hope this helps...and for all the doubters, please reference the afoermentioned statutes. They can be found at www.lrc.ky.gov