The minimum age to buy a gun varies depending on the country and type of firearm:
- In the United States, federal law generally requires buyers to be at least 18 to purchase shotguns or rifles from licensed dealers, but 21 to purchase handguns from licensed dealers. Texas law prohibits selling firearms to anyone under 18 except with parental permission. Some states have raised the minimum purchase age to 21 for all firearms, with exceptions for military or law enforcement personnel.
- In the United Kingdom, firearms and shotgun licenses restrict anyone under 18 from purchasing firearms or ammunition. People under 18 may receive guns as gifts if specific certificates are held but cannot purchase firearms.
- In Canada, individuals must be 18 or older to purchase and possess firearms, but those as young as 12 can use firearms under supervision with a Minor’s Licence and proper training. Restricted firearms have additional licensing requirements.
So, the general legal minimum age to buy most guns is 18 in countries like the US, UK, and Canada, with additional restrictions and higher age limits for some firearm types such as handguns in the US.
