At what age can a person legally purchase a handgun from an auctioneer?

In the United States, federal law establishes that a person must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, which would include purchases made through an auctioneer who is also a licensed dealer. This age requirement is intended to ensure that buyers possess a level of maturity and responsibility when handling firearms, given the potential dangers associated with handguns.

State laws, like those in Kentucky, may also adhere to this federal guideline, reinforcing the minimum age of 21 for legal handgun purchases. This helps create a uniform standard across the nation while also allowing room for additional regulation at the state level.

The other age options do not align with the federal requirement for handgun purchases, as 18 years old is the minimum age for purchasing rifles or shotguns, while 16 and 25 years old do not fit within the legal framework for handguns. Understanding these age restrictions is crucial for compliance with both federal and state laws concerning firearm purchases.