Fact Check: "Federal law still prohibits 18 to 20-year-olds from buying guns from licensed dealers."
What We Know
Federal law regarding the purchase of firearms is primarily governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968, which sets the minimum age for purchasing firearms from licensed dealers at 21 years old. This means that individuals aged 18 to 20 cannot legally buy handguns from licensed dealers. However, they can purchase rifles and shotguns at that age, as long as they comply with state laws. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the law explicitly prohibits the sale of handguns to anyone under 21, but does allow for the sale of long guns to those aged 18 and older.
Analysis
The claim that "Federal law still prohibits 18 to 20-year-olds from buying guns from licensed dealers" is partially accurate. While it is true that federal law prohibits the purchase of handguns by individuals under 21, it does not prohibit the purchase of long guns (rifles and shotguns) by those aged 18 to 20. This distinction is crucial for understanding the full scope of the law.
The reliability of the sources discussing this topic varies. The ATF is a federal agency and provides official information regarding gun laws, making it a credible source. In contrast, social media claims and unverified posts can often lack context or accuracy, which raises concerns about their reliability. Therefore, while the claim has a basis in fact regarding handguns, it is misleading when it implies a blanket prohibition on all firearms for that age group.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim is partially true but lacks nuance. While it accurately reflects the prohibition on handguns for individuals aged 18 to 20, it fails to mention that these individuals can legally purchase rifles and shotguns. Further research is needed to clarify the distinctions in federal law regarding different types of firearms and the implications of state laws that may vary from federal regulations.
