Wondering about Arizona Gun Laws

[CoyDog8]

Im turning 18 in a few weeks and ive been debating getting my first gun. My dad and brother both own guns and shoot regularly but ive been wanting to get my own personal gun. I am a little confused on the state law. Correct me if I am wrong (which is very possible) that you can buy privately at 18 (with AZ Drivers License) and from a federal licensed shop at 21.

[spazz]

you are supposed to be 21 to purchase from either a shop or private person. you can be given a fire arm as a gift from your parent,  but you arent allowed to purchace one till you are 21.

[punkerr1313]

18 years old is the age you need to be to own a handgun, long barreled rifle, or shotgun. That being said, you can only buy shotguns and rifles from shops at 18. The age you need to be to buy a handgun and handgun ammunition is 21. You can own a handgun at the age of 18, but you can't buy it from a shop. You would have to have someone older buy it for you or buy it privately. I turn 18 this week, so I've been doing some research and see where you're coming from!

[CoyDog8]

so is it illegal to buy privately at 18 or just some people dont like to do it?

[punkerr1313]

From what I've read, it seems heavily frowned upon, but not illegal. Really, what you do is your choice. I decided not to just to be on the safe side. Plus, once you have it you can't buy any ammo for yourself afterwards.

[DarrK]

Bought myself an SKS from a store on my 18th Birthday.

[theFlyingTrumpet]

18 years old is the age you need to be to own a handgun, long barreled rifle, or shotgun. That being said, you can only buy shotguns and rifles from shops at 18. The age you need to be to buy a handgun and handgun ammunition is 21. You can own a handgun at the age of 18, but you can't buy it from a shop. You would have to have someone older buy it for you or buy it privately. I turn 18 this week, so I've been doing some research and see where you're coming from!

This ^^

18.... Can buy rifle/shotgun and ammo from shop or privately. Walk out of store with gun and ammo 30 min later after paperwork, etc. Can own/open carry any firearm including pistol. Cannot purchase pistol or pistol ammo....

21.... Can purchase pistol or pistol ammo and conceal carry any firearm. Again most gun shops you'll walk out 30 min later after paperwork with pistol in one hand and ammo in the other.

Honestly I only really have experience with shops, but from what I've seen on backpage and armslist, most sellers require azdl for age confirm.

God I love Arizona.

[d.prather]

You can buy a handgun privately just not through an ffl. I'm 18 and have bought multiple pistols off backpage when I was 18. There is no laws against it. You cannot have someone older buy it from a store for you. This is considered a straw purchase and is illegal.

[theFlyingTrumpet]

You can buy a handgun privately just not through an ffl. I'm 18 and have bought multiple pistols off backpage when I was 18. There is no laws against it. You cannot have someone older buy it from a store for you. This is considered a straw purchase and is illegal.

^ And here is the rest of the answer. Lol. The straw purchase thing is interesting though, because buying off backpage at 18yrs is in my opinion identical to having a 21yr old friend buy the pistol for you.... All your friend has to say is "oh I decided I didn't like it and wanted to sell it." And he sells it to you.... And that's legal? lol....
If I remember correctly, you can get around the straw purchase if the handgun has been purchased as a gift though.
Either way, yes it's easy to get a hold of a handgun at 18. Again, I love Arizona. 

[CoyDog8]

one thing i dont understand is why let someone who is 18 own an AK or AR and not let them own a pistol.   Seems like it would be the other way around.  The main reason i want to get a handgun is for home protection. After my this year of high school i will be moving into an apartment on my own and would like to have it for protection.

[Fung Li]

Is there an exception to buying handguns at 18 for people in the military?  I'm just about to enlist in the Navy and being able to buy my own handgun would be helpful.

[Warlord]

Is there an exception to buying handguns at 18 for people in the military?  I'm just about to enlist in the Navy and being able to buy my own handgun would be helpful.

Usually in the military you will be issued one, I do not know much about the navy, but many military groups do not let you even carry your personal guns in uniform anyways.

As for home protection at 18yrs, a shotgun is preferred as little training is required. At 18 and on your own I expect you wont be rich enough to afford a lot of ammo for a pistol to practice with.

[Fung Li]

Is there an exception to buying handguns at 18 for people in the military?  I'm just about to enlist in the Navy and being able to buy my own handgun would be helpful.

Usually in the military you will be issued one, I do not know much about the navy, but many military groups do not let you even carry your personal guns in uniform anyways.

As for home protection at 18yrs, a shotgun is preferred as little training is required. At 18 and on your own I expect you wont be rich enough to afford a lot of ammo for a pistol to practice with.

The Navy is issued 9mm (which I hate) and it's not like I will be in uniform 24/7

[Warlord]

What m9 is it and why do you hate it? Just curious.

[Fung Li]

I don't like 9mm ammunition in general due to the lack of stopping power.  I mean it's great I can hold 15 rounds in magazine, but it does no good when I have to shoot a guy 4 or 5 times before he realizes he's down.  I'd rather stick with a .40 or .45