Civilian purchase briefing
Guns R Us
Pick a state and an age. This is every class of firearm a law-abiding adult can buy, what takes extra paperwork, and what the state takes off the counter.
Other reasons a sale can be refused
Age and state are not the whole test. Federal law still bars a dealer from selling a firearm to a prohibited person. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law even where a state has legalized it.
Federal rules sitting on top of your state
- Dealers run a background check. Handguns are sold only to residents of the dealer’s state. Rifles and shotguns can be sold in person to a resident of another state when both states allow the gun.
- The handgun age in the statute is still 21. On September 17, 2026 the Justice Department said it should not be enforced against law-abiding 18-to-20-year-olds. Many dealers have not changed their practice. State age limits still apply in full.
- On October 9, 2026 ATF said it will not enforce the tax stamp or registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any-other-weapons. Machine guns and destructive devices did not change. Some states only allow those items when they are federally registered, which is now an open conflict.
Reviewed October 12, 2026. Not legal advice. A city can be stricter than its state.
The counter is waiting.
Choose your state and age to see the rundown.