Child with a pistol

Federal Law

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(x), it’s illegal to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun or handgun ammunition to anyone under 18 years old.

Exceptions: There are some narrow exceptions (like temporary use for ranching, farming, hunting, or target practice with adult supervision).

Violations can be punished by up to 1 year in prison for the youth, or up to 10 years in prison for the adult who transferred the gun.