What's the difference between private and normal sales of firearms?

Federal law requires that the buyer be 21 if they purchase from an FFL dealer. A “private” sale is one that does not go through FFL dealer for transfer. Many states restrict the sale of all firearms (and do not call out handguns separately) to 18 or older. So that is why you can do a private handgun sale at 18 in some states. Federal law also requires that you use an FFL dealer to handle the transfer if the buyer and seller reside in different states.

While in some states you can make a private handgun purchase at 18, other states require that you be 21 to by a handgun or require that all handgun sales go through an FFL.

In addition to not being able to purchase a handgun (from a dealer) at 18, you can’t buy a drink either. It is at least partially due to societies recognition of being responsible. That’s why it is easier to send 18 year olds into combat. They are not responsible enough to know any better.

R Mck..I know of no cities in VA that require “paperwork” to buy a gun. Do you even know what you mean by “paperwork”?

Federal law limits sales by licensed dealers so that they can only sell firearms to those at least 21 years old, and has an exemption for long guns so that the buyer only has to be 18. Federal law does not control sales as far as age by people not licensed to sell firearms. I think at 18 years old, you should be able to purchase all firearms (including NFA ones) from licensed dealers. There is a Federal Youth Handgun Safety Act that makes it illegal in most cases for persons under 18 to own or possess a hand gun.

A private sale is person-to-person, like an ad in the paper, or you hear about it from a friend. There are some cities (in Virginia that I personally know about) where you have to have paperwork to buy a gun, and therefore, you need paperwork to sell that gun, even if it’s a private sale. What you call a normal sale is from a licensed dealer. There’s still paperwork to fill out, but once you own that gun, you can sell it to whomever you want.

I think 18yo’s can buy long guns, but you have to be 21 to buy handguns. That varies state to state. People say you can join the military at 18, so why can’t you legally own a weapon? Fine. Show me your military ID, and I’ll sell you a gun. Being in the military doesn’t mean you’re not the average 18yo idiot, but it does mean you’ve shown some responsibility. There is no other dumb-*** exam, so to me, the Mil ID will suffice for now.

private sale is where you buy from another person like a friend or something, and not from a gun store

you can buy a handgun at 18 from private sale

yes i do think there should be an age difference since it is easier to tell when an inexperienced CoD nerd is pointing the gun in the wrong direction

EDIT: well you see the difference here is that ALOT of teenagers today are irresponsible and the military will teach them responsibilty and caution when using a firearm

Source(s): besides there is an easy way around the 21-18 age difference like private sale

“private sale” means ANY sale that does NOT go through a licensed FFL dealer ……fed law requires FFL dealers only sell handguns to 21+ ……stupid law but it is what it is…..

some states do not allow private sales……most do….

** i think if ur old enough to carry a firearm in defense of this country then u should be able to carry one for self defense in ur hometown……also think drinking age should be 18 …..

**@ r mck there is NO town in VA that requires “paperwork” for any handgun….other than standard 4473 form if u buy from a dealer…….VA has a preemption statute….which means towns/cities cannot make up their own rules…..

Source(s): btw form me and most ppl “private sales” are normal……FFL purchases are only for when u cannot find what u want or don’t want to wait…..

private sales usually happen in someones home and normal sales usually happen in a store when they sell firearms