Help So I'm 18 now. Are they really gonna let me purchase a deadly weapon?

[BoomBang101]

First post here, I'm glad to see that there's a community who, despite all our struggles, manages to support each other. That's dope.

So a critical step in the process is now done... I'm 18. I have my ID, I've never committed a crime, and I've never been declared ill by the court or been involuntarily committed to an institution.

According to my state's law, that's pretty much all it takes. I should be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun. But the paranoia is winning right now, honestly. I understand that this is America, but will they really sell me a gun if I've only just turned 18? It sounds kinda sketch, especially when you look at all the horrible shootings committed by people my age.

I do plan to educate myself heavily on firearms so I don't sound like an idiot. But something tells me "my family loves going shooting" ain't gonna cut it.

Just looking for a wiser voice of reason here, because I feel like I'm gonna be stopped during this process. It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be. Thanks =)

 

[sevenkarmas]

Gun store owners have seen it all. If you really want to purchase a gun, just be honest (to an extent). Tell them you are new to the sport. You may find after purchasing a gun and shooting at a range that it is enjoyable.

 

[makethepainstop]

First post here, I'm glad to see that there's a community who, despite all our struggles, manages to support each other. That's dope.

So a critical step in the process is now done... I'm 18. I have my ID, I've never committed a crime, and I've never been declared ill by the court or been involuntarily committed to an institution.

According to my state's law, that's pretty much all it takes. I should be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun. But the paranoia is winning right now, honestly. I understand that this is America, but will they really sell me a gun if I've only just turned 18? It sounds kinda sketch, especially when you look at all the horrible shootings committed by people my age.

I do plan to educate myself heavily on firearms so I don't sound like an idiot. But something tells me "my family loves going shooting" ain't gonna cut it.

Just looking for a wiser voice of reason here, because I feel like I'm gonna be stopped during this process. It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be. Thanks =)

There is the narrative that with so much crime, I'm scared and want a firearm. That is the go to reason to buy a firearm at a young age. Also be sure to ask about finding a shooting range, so it looks like your eager to practice protecting yourself. Few hints to help you.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be.

That's America for you.

I don't know what you state you are in but gun culture is pretty endemic in large parts of the country such that wanting or owning a gun would hardly call attention. If the law says you can get a gun at 18, then that's what the law says. Same way people get their driving permit or a tattoo or legally drink as soon as they can (which can be dangerous or impulsive too). But yes educating yourself beforehand would help sell your story I imagine.

That being said the obvious question remains: what's leading you to want to die at such a young age?

 

[lionetta12]

First post here, I'm glad to see that there's a community who, despite all our struggles, manages to support each other. That's dope.

So a critical step in the process is now done... I'm 18. I have my ID, I've never committed a crime, and I've never been declared ill by the court or been involuntarily committed to an institution.

According to my state's law, that's pretty much all it takes. I should be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun. But the paranoia is winning right now, honestly. I understand that this is America, but will they really sell me a gun if I've only just turned 18? It sounds kinda sketch, especially when you look at all the horrible shootings committed by people my age.

I do plan to educate myself heavily on firearms so I don't sound like an idiot. But something tells me "my family loves going shooting" ain't gonna cut it.

Just looking for a wiser voice of reason here, because I feel like I'm gonna be stopped during this process. It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be. Thanks =)

With how many guns are being sold every year in america, I highly doubt that they will ask too many questions and yes I assume they will sell a gun to you now that you are 18 if that is what the law says.

 

[Wannagonow]

Lots of gun lovers and supporters out there today. I'm sure a reputable gun shop will sell you what you want. You meet all the requirements. Don't worry. Because you're young I'll just say this- do your research (as you're doing) and don't rush into anything until you're ready. Glad you reached out here.

 

[Zulu]

First post here, I'm glad to see that there's a community who, despite all our struggles, manages to support each other. That's dope.

So a critical step in the process is now done... I'm 18. I have my ID, I've never committed a crime, and I've never been declared ill by the court or been involuntarily committed to an institution.

According to my state's law, that's pretty much all it takes. I should be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun. But the paranoia is winning right now, honestly. I understand that this is America, but will they really sell me a gun if I've only just turned 18? It sounds kinda sketch, especially when you look at all the horrible shootings committed by people my age.

I do plan to educate myself heavily on firearms so I don't sound like an idiot. But something tells me "my family loves going shooting" ain't gonna cut it.

Just looking for a wiser voice of reason here, because I feel like I'm gonna be stopped during this process. It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be. Thanks =)

If you're wanting to skip the whole socializing lingo inside a gun store, just buy online and have the firearm shipped to your FFL of choice. That way, you just go inside asking for your pickup, fill out your 4473, and presto. Granted, there are blue states that may have additional restrictions/requirements, but if you live in a red state, that's all there really is to it.

 

[wait.what]

To answer your specific question, yes, they will sell you a firearm so long as you meet all state and federal requirements. Federal seems taken care of, since you're of age and have no criminal record. Your state may have extra requirements—paperwork, waiting periods, proof that you've had training. Requirements for handguns are sometimes more strict than for long guns.

But how is it that you've found your way here, of all places? I can't imagine it's because things have been going well.

 

[UtopianElephant]

Just looking for a wiser voice of reason here, because I feel like I'm gonna be stopped during this process. It seems completely diabolical how easy it would be. Thanks =)

It's not that easy; if it was, pretty much anyone would be able to purchase a gun here without much effort. Many people get denied just because they use medical marijuana or because they got into a shouting argument with a neighbor.

 

[peacetime]

If it was me, I would talk about how I find guns fascinating as objects and shooting seems like a good hobby. There's nothing weird about being a gun enthusiast and wanting to own a gun and shoot it at a range every now and then to get better at shooting, etc.

 

[wait.what]

Many people get denied just because they use medical marijuana or because they got into a shouting argument with a neighbor.

Seriously? I won't ask where you live because nobody needs to throw that info around on this site, but I am surprised. I do know that in some circumstances local police get a thumbs up or down on somebody getting a particular license, and so a lot depends on local cops' opinion of an individual person or just on having an armed population in general. My understanding is that it's usually only CCW permits that are approved this way, though.

You still with us, @BoomBang101? How are you doing?

 

[theboy]

Of corse!

 

[UtopianElephant]

Seriously? I won't ask where you live because nobody needs to throw that info around on this site, but I am surprised. I do know that in some circumstances local police get a thumbs up or down on somebody getting a particular license, and so a lot depends on local cops' opinion of an individual person or just on having an armed population in general. My understanding is that it's usually only CCW permits that are approved this way, though.

You still with us, @BoomBang101? How are you doing?

It's nationwide in all states, if a person uses med. marijuana ( you have to be registered and have related card to be a legal user of such), they cannot legally own a fire arm. Lying on the drug section of the form is a crime. What's worse is that people who begin using pot for this reason, or possibly another controlled substance, are not told that they would be permanently giving up their legal ability to own a gun.

The other point relates to the crime of assault or domestic violence, which are non-felonies that often bar a person from buying and owning fire arms. The definition around these is very vague, and sometimes does not involve physical assault at all.

 

[BoomBang101]

If you're wanting to skip the whole socializing lingo inside a gun store, just buy online and have the firearm shipped to your FFL of choice. That way, you just go inside asking for your pickup, fill out your 4473, and presto. Granted, there are blue states that may have additional restrictions/requirements, but if you live in a red state, that's all there really is to it.

So this is basically what I've heard too, that buying it online can eliminate a lot of the awkwardness and allows for better research. What's disappointing though, is that a federal law passed last year, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, says that there's now an additional 10+ day waiting period for buyers under 21, to allow for additional background checks and potential collaboration with police... sigh.

Seriously? I won't ask where you live because nobody needs to throw that info around on this site, but I am surprised. I do know that in some circumstances local police get a thumbs up or down on somebody getting a particular license, and so a lot depends on local cops' opinion of an individual person or just on having an armed population in general. My understanding is that it's usually only CCW permits that are approved this way, though.

You still with us, @BoomBang101? How are you doing?

Yup =) I'm just going along with the current at this point... didn't notice they approved this thread.


Thanks everybody for all the help, and especially the non-judgemental attitude... I think confidence is key here, more than anything else. I did kinda think the worrying could all be in my head, but the process just seems SO easy. Lately I've been looking into SN as an alternative though, as it seems that whole process would be much more discreet. Who knows, I'm not prepared nor finished with my research yet, so we'll see.

 

[MideonNViscera]

I can't PM you, so do you mind if I ask why you're at this point? I'd like to think maybe there's something you're overlooking. Maybe there's not, but I'm open to talk if you're interested.

 

[Zulu]

So this is basically what I've heard too, that buying it online can eliminate a lot of the awkwardness and allows for better research. What's disappointing though, is that a federal law passed last year, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, says that there's now an additional 10+ day waiting period for buyers under 21, to allow for additional background checks and potential collaboration with police... sigh.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that new federal law now being a thing. Even if you have to do a waiting period of some kind, it's better to do all your research online and order online to have your firearm shipped to an FFL. I've just found over the years that it's better to avoid coming up with an excuse for wanting to get a firearm and the social awkwardness that might entail from it. You don't have to supply any of that information. You don't need to provide a story. You can if you want to, but it's not necessary. If you go into a gun store clueless, try to make up some odd excuse, and come across as nervous/jittery with asking questions that could otherwise be answered online, you could raise eyebrows. An FFL can refuse to sell to you if you appear unstable and suspicious, regardless of a background check.

If you just order online and have it shipped to your FFL, you can just go inside straight to the cashier, say you're there for a pickup, and do the required background check(s). And if you have to wait a few days, then come back later and do the same thing. In and out. You don't have to say anything else beyond picking up your order and doing a background check.

It's nationwide in all states, if a person uses med. marijuana ( you have to be registered and have related card to be a legal user of such), they cannot legally own a fire arm. Lying on the drug section of the form is a crime. What's worse is that people who begin using pot for this reason, or possibly another controlled substance, are not told that they would be permanently giving up their legal ability to own a gun.

Yeah, this is the number one reason why I stay away from recreational drug use. Even if cannabis is legal in your state, it's still illegal at the federal level and can disqualify you from legally purchasing/owning a firearm.

 

[my-end]

Better off spending some time and money at a range, they'll bring up selling you one before long. If it's only to die with, there are better methods.