Handgun Laws

[Drummer101]

I live in Minnesota and the law about handguns is 21. And it happens to be that I am 19.

I am thinking about a 22lr handgun (I think about a lot of guns, just no money lol)

But is there a way that I could use one legally?

I would like to use and enjoy it but my parents are not shooters (but my mom likes guns more and if needs be would come as a "chaperone" and have it in her name).

But if I have a friend with me who is 21 would I be allowed to use it or do my parents have to be with me?

Is there a difference between shooting on a range vs. public land?

[nathaniel]

In minnesota you have to have a ccp to buy any kind of pistol. I havent looked in awhile but as far as I know you cant even use one until your 21, I got in trouble last year because I was using my pistol (ND you can use one if your over 18 and have a gaurdian with you) at the local shooting range which is in MN (I live across the river from MN). Tell me if I'm wrong anyone cause Id like to know too.

[Drummer101]

If I need a ccp permit then I think I am going to forget it for a few more years.

[stargazer65]

The age requirement refers only to getting a permit for purchase or carry. I know of no law that establishes a minimum age to use one, however the individual range may have their own age limit rules. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. Check out this link for your minnesota laws.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/minnesota.pdf

[ISC]

I was up there visiting awhile back and was shocked to learn that you need a pistol permit to buy a rifle with a pistol grip too.

[Drummer101]

So looking at this, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/poli...un-permits.asp I can posses one but not purchase one?

[stargazer65]

I can posses one but not purchase one?

That's how I would understand the law that you posted. You would not be able to go to a local gun store and purchase a handgun, but you would be able to shoot one at the range. The range may have their own separate rules. Furthermore the way I read it, it looks like the law was written allowing someone over 18 to own a handgun (for example through inheritance, or buying through a private seller who is not an FFL). Straw purchase would be illegal.

IANAL and TINLA

[blume357]

actually own one... same with use.

As for purchase the 21 age minimum is a federal 'rule' with FFL, licensed gun dealers.

You may be able to purchase a handgun privately depending on your state laws.

As for carry and usage, like I said that depends on your specific state's laws.

[Al Norris]

Moved to L&CR.

[Drummer101]

Straw purchase would be illegal.

By this do you mean that someone would purchase it for me?

[stargazer65]

That's correct, it is a very serious offense:

A straw purchase is any purchase whereby the purchaser is knowingly acquiring an item or service for someone who is, for whatever reason, unable to purchase the item or service themselves.

The term is widely used within the context of United States federal gun laws, whereby a straw purchase is defined as any purchase from a dealer holding a Federal Firearms License where the buyer conducting the transaction is acting as a proxy for another person. The law does not distinguish between someone who is purchasing on behalf of a person who legally cannot purchase or possess a firearm, and one who is not. In the United States, straw purchases are a felony violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968 for both the straw purchaser (who can also be charged with lying on Federal Form 4473) and the ultimate possessor. One of the questions on form 4473 is “I am the buyer of this firearm” and the purchaser must answer honestly yes or no, by checking the appropriate box in ink. However, purchase of a firearm as a bona fide gift for someone who can legally own such a firearm is permitted.[1]
Many gun shops have jointly participated in programs (such as: “Don’t Lie For The Other Guy”) to deter such purchases.[2]

[Tikka15]

I live in Minnesota as well and i'm 16 and it's legal for you to shoot them as long as you gave parental permission, I can go a shoot my .22 pistol at the local range anytime I want because my dad signed a waiver, but it's only when there is a adult supervising me.

[Drummer101]

So could I have parental permission and go with someone who is 21 to a public range with a firearm that is my parents?

Or have my friend who is 21 purchase it and store it but use it when he is around (I think this one is a bit sketchy).

How can i be gifted to me if I am under 21?

[Aguila Blanca]

Originally Posted by Drummer101

How can i be gifted to me if I am under 21?

"Happy birthday, Son."

or

"Happy Canada Day, Mate. Thought you might enjoy this l'il toy."

[Drummer101]

Looks like I am going to have to have a 1/4 birthday lol


But do my parents have to be with me when I shoot?

[nathaniel]

Your parents will not be able to buy it either unless they have a concealed carry permit.

[bj426]

you do NOT need a carry permit (not ccw.... there is no "conceal" in MN handgun law) to purchase.... although if you have one it would work. you can obtain a purchase permit for free from your local sheriff. you'll have it in a week. E A S Y

[nathaniel]

you do NOT need a carry permit (not ccw.... there is no "conceal" in MN handgun law) to purchase.... although if you have one it would work. you can obtain a purchase permit for free from your local sheriff. you'll have it in a week. E A S Y

I was told by the wilkin county sherriff that you need a ccp to purchase anything classified as a pistol I guess MN LEO's dont know their own laws.

[csmsss]

I guess MN LEO's dont know their own laws.

It certainly wouldn't be the first time an LEO guessed at/invented his own interpretation of a firearms law.

[csmsss]

Oh, and...

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/firearms.pdf

Enjoy.

[Drummer101]

I saw that before but it was from 1999 so I did not know if it was current.

But in there it says that I can own a handgun being under 21.

[Don P]

Why not call the state agency that issues permits, license's and see what they have to say. I would forgo asking law enforcement for most are NOT well versed in gun law.