Hand gun under 21 but over 18

[Spencer5556]

Hey there! I am new to the forum!

I had a question for all of you. I am almost 20 and currently own an SKS and a weatherby pa08 shotgun. I am hoping to get a hand gun next. It is no secret you must be 21 to purchase a handgun. I was curious if you can be gifted a handgun buy someone if you are under 21 And over 18.
I have access to a family friends property which is where I will do most of my shooting. Are there anyways for me to legally own/use a handgun?

Thanks!

 

[richardlpalmer]

Welcome!

Lots of good questions...

 

[BigStick]

Welcome to the forum. I would recomend checking out the laws (RCW 9.41).

I think you might be ok, but don't take my word for it, look it up yourself. The only reference I saw for age was 18 in WA. This is one section:

(3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

and with regards to unlawful possesion: 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii)

(iii) If the person is under eighteen years of age, except as provided in RCW 9.41.042;

 

[devanjones]

My understanding is that you aren't supposed buy it, but if its given to you, you own it. It's got special rules though I believe.

 

[DerBarbarian]

From my experience someone can gift one to you, OR you can buy it via private sale which isn’t illegal it’s kinda at the seller's discretion. I purchased 2 handguns when I was 18 via private sale and I didn’t have any issues, as long as it’s in your home or abode, or in your vehicle on the way to or from a range you shouldn’t have any issues, I ran into rangers in the woods a couple of times and they never batted an eye.

 

[Spencer5556]

Awesome! Thanks for the replies! Now I have to figure out what I want and I need to find a decent deal. I was hoping to get a 9mil for 350. Reasonable?

 

[BoomStick]

Becareful. I would say a immediate family member may be able to gift you one. If you have someone purchase one and give it to you that could be seen as a "straw-man purchase." Not that anyone would know as long as you dont get in any trouble with it.