The trusted voice of Minnesota's Gun Owners to Defend and Restore the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Following our landmark victory in Worth v. Jacobson, many young Minnesotans have asked: Can I now legally buy a handgun?

The answer depends on who you’re buying it from.

Minnesota Law: What You Can Do

Minnesota does not prohibit adults aged 18–20 from purchasing, owning, or possessing handguns. In fact, the following are all legal under current Minnesota law:

  • Purchasing a handgun through a private party sale
  • Receiving a handgun as a gift from a family member or friend
  • Owning and carrying a handgun (with a valid permit to carry, which 18–20 year olds can now obtain thanks to Worth)

In short: If you’re 18–20, you’re an adult under Minnesota law, and your right to keep and bear arms is fully recognized by the state.

Federal Law: The FFL Blockade

Here’s where things get complicated.

Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)), federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) are prohibited from selling handguns or handgun ammunition to anyone under 21. That means:

  • You cannot walk into a gun store and legally buy a handgun from an FFL until you turn 21.

This is a federal restriction, not a state one. And while it’s currently being challenged in court in other jurisdictions, Worth v. Jacobson did not address this issue.

Private Sales

Because Minnesota does not impose the same restriction, 18–20 year olds can legally purchase a handgun through a private sale. This is often the most accessible route for young adults looking to exercise their rights.

However, private transfers in Minnesota are subject to the state’s Universal Background Check law, which requires:

  • A background check conducted through a federally licensed dealer
  • Or completion of the state’s form after seeing a permit to purchase or permit to carry, and retaining records for a decade

We explain that process in detail here: https://gunowners.mn/ubcs

Summary: Your Rights at 18

  • You can carry a handgun with a valid permit (which you can now apply for at 18)
  • You can own and purchase handguns in private transactions
  • You cannot buy a handgun from a gun store until you’re 21

The Second Amendment doesn’t start at 21. We’re working to tear down unconstitutional restrictions at every level—federal and state.

Questions? Contact us or visit our FAQ to learn more.