Originally Posted by hometheaterman

This is not true. In VA I know and some other states also apply you can open carry as long as your are 18 or older. You have to be 21 to get a concealed permit however. You also can't purchase a handgun from a dealer until you are 21. However, you can purchase one from a private party or be given one as a gift as long as you are 18 or older. I'm not exactly sure what the laws are on being under 18 and carrying a handgun. I've read them before but hate to comment on them as I can't remember them 100% so don't want to give out wrong info.

OpenCarry.org is a good site that list the age you need to be in most states to open carry.

Like said though it's not usually allowed to open carry during bow season.


The federal law is that you have to be 21 to purchase a handgun from a FFL dealer. Some states such as VA allow you to purchase one in a private sale if you are under 21.