View Full Version : 18-20yearolds possessing a hand gun in colorado?
I was wondering if anyone could give me insight if I am doing something illegal. I am 20 years old now I own many rifles and when I turned 18 I received a .22LR bulls eye pistol for my graduation since then me and my father bought a 1911 and a sig just to clarify my father did buy them I didn’t since the law says I can’t. the 22LR was a gift given to me with my father from my grandfather, but I can’t find anything in the Colorado revised statues saying I can’t possess a handgun in Colorado being 18 or over. it states any juveniles who is 18 and under possessing a handgun is committing a crime, but says nothing for the ages 18-20?[Rant2] I have talked with a few law enforcement friends in my area they say it’s not something they would go after being there is nothing to enforce saying I can’t. When me and my father were buying the 1911 from a dealer at first he told me I can’t possess a hand gun due to the juveniles hand gun act I stood firm on what I found saying it’s for anyone under the age of 18 but I’m not 18 I was 19 at the time. So you can see how I was confused when he told me I couldn’t. After are visit he had some questions of his own and called the ATF at first the agent said no I can’t but after talking for a few moments he said he would get back to him when he called back he said there was nothing he could find that would prevent me from possessing a handgun. I feel I have covered many bases on this issue, because I do go to my range and shoot often in matches and just for practice with my 1911 this is why I checked online and locally before getting caught from my understanding I’m ok but would like to hear your thoughts.
It is an interesting topic when you think about it I thought it would be good to discuses! another is I am 20 years old and been reloading since I was 18 I can buy all the reloading components for hand gun ammo and make it myself with no problem but I can’t buy over the counter handgun ammo!!! [Help]
Thanks for reading, coop
This is where i got my online info:
http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=
Here is a little info from rocky mtn. gun owners website. A lot of good info on this site. http://www.rmgo.org/faq/Gun%201-Pager.wpd.pdf (http://www.rmgo.org/faq/Gun%201-Pager.wpd.pdf) Or thier home page rmgo.org
4gunfun
You have to be 21 to buy a hand gun from a licensed FFL. You have to be at least 18 from a private party. That's why all the shops tell you no.
I could sell you any of my handguns if I chose to, but no shop can or will.
GreenScoutII
02-23-2010, 22:48
Yeah, for what its worth, I always thought the whole 21 to buy a handgun thing was stupid. I'm pretty sure you're ok to posess, just not to purchase. I frequently carried a revolver when hunting as a young man and was never given any grief over it. Thats been almost 20 years ago so something might have changed. Heres a link: http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/COSL.pdf
It doesn't specifically mention 18-20, but mentions juveniles are allowed to be in posession of a handgun while hunting, target shooting, or doing a safety course.
Wish I had better info.
Some ranges have stupid rules like if you are under 21, you need to be with a parent to shoot on their pistol range. I told them that was stupid as you can buy a pistol from a private party, or be gifted one at 18. They didn't relent.
GreenScoutII
02-23-2010, 22:56
Not to sidetrack the thread, but I just don't think its right to tell a young man he can join the service and potentially die for his country, but not extend to him the full rights of citizenship until he turns 21. Complete bull IMHO.
stuart i was aware about having to be 21 to buy from dealers the fact i sell guns in a sports store, but i was not aware that a private sale could sell me a handgun thats news to me. thought you couldn't buy unless you are 21 guess thats good news to me. i only have less than a year left but its good to know.
i agree with the 21 age law its pointless.
It's not really a law restricting the 18 year-old Green Scout, it restricts the FFL. Otherwise, I agree.
Won't be long now coop.
pickenup
02-23-2010, 23:34
I am not a lawyer, and do not play one on TV.
So the following is worth exactly what you paid for it.
From the BATF FAQ
(F6) Does a customer have to be a certain age to buy firearms or ammunition from a licensee?
Yes. Sales of handguns and ammunition for handguns are limited to persons 21 years of age and older. Although some State and local ordinances have lower age requirements, dealers are bound by the minimum age requirements established by the GCA.
As you know, you must be 21 to buy from a dealer. What this quote references is that the BATF recognizes that some states have lower age requirements, than imposed by the guideline for dealers.
Colorado revised Statutes does specify an age limit.
If you HAVE attained the age of eighteen years.......well....
18-12-108.5. Possession of handguns by juveniles - prohibited - exceptions - penalty.
(1) (a) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years knowingly to have any handgun in such person's possession.
Now.......will a LEO take your handgun, impound your car, and throw you in jail, if you are found to be under 21, and in possession of a handgun.........?
LEO's do NOT always know the law. They act. They write tickets. They let the courts decide. Will you be out hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars, only to find you were RIGHT to begin with...........maybe, maybe not.
I would print out the C.R.S. and carry them with you, any time you have firearms in your possession.
I am not a lawyer, and do not play one on TV.
So the following is worth exactly what you paid for it.
From the BATF FAQ
As you know, you must be 21 to buy from a dealer. What this quote references is that the BATF recognizes that some states have lower age requirements, than imposed by the guideline for dealers.
Colorado revised Statutes does specify an age limit.
If you HAVE attained the age of eighteen years.......well....
Now.......will a LEO take your handgun, impound your car, and throw you in jail, if you are found to be under 21, and in possession of a handgun.........?
LEO's do NOT always know the law. They act. They write tickets. They let the courts decide. Will you be out hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars, only to find you were RIGHT to begin with...........maybe, maybe not.
I would print out the C.R.S. and carry them with you, any time you have firearms in your possession.
good post.
i do carry a couple of copys of this just to be on the safe side untill im over 21 i am aware most officers dont know the laws retaining to this.
Not to sidetrack the thread, but I just don't think its right to tell a young man he can join the service and potentially die for his country, but not extend to him the full rights of citizenship until he turns 21. Complete bull IMHO.
A Friggin Men. Amen...
Not to sidetrack the thread, but I just don't think its right to tell a young man he can join the service and potentially die for his country, but not extend to him the full rights of citizenship until he turns 21. Complete bull IMHO.
alcohol comes to most peoples mind. as well as handguns.
good post.
i do carry a couple of copys of this just to be on the safe side untill im over 21 i am aware most officers dont know the laws retaining to this.
yep that is your best defense, then the cop can second guess himself if the chance did arise.
The only other thing i would ask is if i was going camping which i do from time to time and hiking would that fall in the lines of CCW if i had it in my back pack not chambered but a mag ready it would take me a few secs to get it, but for emergencys would they know no but somthing i am wondering ?
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