[Don H]

Originally Posted by scorpion_tyr

The only way for someone 18 to 20 years of age to legally own a handgun is to be given one as a gift. That's federal law, states may be more restrictive, but cannot allow an 18 year old to buy from a private citizen.

That is incorrect. There is no federal law that prevents an 18-21 year-old from purchasing a handgun in a private-party transaction that does not involve an FFL. There IS, however, a federal law that prohibits a dealer from selling a handgun to anyone under the age of 21:

18 USC 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;