What is the legal age to carry a handgun openly?
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What is the legal age to carry a handgun openly?
Officers have told me 18 years old, and some have told me it’s actually 21 years old. Of course, you must be 21 to purchase a handgun in VA, but just wondering about the carry/possession.
Asked on September 28, 2010 under Criminal Law, Virginia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
When you say "openly" what do you mean? Like walking around with it in your hand? Brandishing a weapon is never legal. Most laws on this topic deal with the right to carry a concealed weapon, which has to do of course with the ability o purchase the weapon and obtain a permit to carry it. And for clarification, you must be 21 to purchase a handgun in Virginia, that is correct. Because by its very size it can be considered a concealed weapon. You must only be 18 to purchase a rifle or shotgun. Those are not easily concealed. Additionally, Federal Law does not allow you to purchase ammunition for a handgun until you are 21 either. So let's assume that if you are under 21 it is not a good idea.
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