Age to own a handgun in Tennessee?

[TN_Mike]

I always thought it was 21. But I just read an article about South Carolina changing their law and lowering the age to 18. The article went on to say that with this change, SC was now in line with all the other Southern states.

So, does that mean that I have been wrong all this time? I have a son who is 17 now and will be 18 in December. I already have his first handgun in the safe. He picked it out when he was 15. It is a 9mm Sig P239. Can I transfer ownership of the gun to him after his 18th birthday?

I think you still have to be 21 to get your carry permit though.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Kerbouchard]

39-17-1303. Sales, loans or gifts; restrictions

(a) A person commits an offense who:
(1) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly sells, loans or makes a gift of a firearm or switchblade knife to a minor;
(2) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly sells a firearm or ammunition for a firearm to a person who is intoxicated; or
(3) Intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence violates the provisions of § 39-17-1316.

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under subdivision (a)(1) that:
(1) A firearm was loaned or given to a minor for the purposes of hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or any other lawful sporting activity; and
(2) The person is not required to obtain a license under § 39-17-1316.

(c) For purposes of this section, "intoxicated" means substantial impairment of mental or physical capacity resulting from introduction of any substance into the body.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Hope this helps, I would say you are good to go. He cannot purchase a firearm from a FFL at 18, but he can be given a firearm by his guardian as long as it is not used for unlawful purposes.

[archer51]

USC Sec. 922
(b) It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed
manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or
deliver -
(1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the
licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than
eighteen years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is
other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or
rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable
cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age;

The way I read it is the state may allow ownership at 18 for a handgun, but federal law prohibits a licensed FFL from selling to someone under 21.

[Agave]

Tennessee law does provide that 18-20 year olds may hunt - alone - with a handgun; the hunting regs guide does not mention ownership. While I cannot provide documentation proving it legal, I did own my first handgun at age 20 and do believe this is proper practice in our state.

[dukalmighty]

I know in Texas at 18 you can own a handgun and if in the military get a CHL but you cannot buy a handgun from a ffl dealer,or buy handgun ammunition if under 21

[frostyeyes]

In Mich. you can legally buy a handgun at 18 you just cant buy it from a FFL per federal law, however private sales are OK and since we have the pistol registration thing ( sorry registration is illegal so it's called safety insp. ) you have to get a purchase permit to buy.

[xxxmattxxx]

Ok i am a little confused on all of this. I am close to turning 19 and have been told i am able to carry a handgun but when I researched it, It said otherwise. So my question is, Can you carry a handgun at 18 in public? Everyone has told me different answers but I dont know who or what to believe. I would like a straight answer as yes you can carry one in public legally or you cant. Any info email me. xxxmattmattxxx@gmail.com Thanks.