If I am under 21 can I carry and shoot a handgun in Arizona?
Once you turn 21 in the state of Arizona, there is what is called an open carry law, which means that you can legally carry a firearm in a holster without a permit so long as it is in plain sight. The restrictions are that you cannot wear it in a bank or government building such as a courthouse or other restricted areas. The discharging of a firearm is also restricted to certain areas, as well. Concealed carry requires training and a permit. The only place where a minor can carry and shoot a handgun is on private property, with consent of the property owner (i.e. a firing range).
It’s not cut and dry.. It’s true that you have to be 21 to purchase from a federally licensed dealer, but you only have to be 18 in AZ to purcase from a private owner. In addition, you can carry openly at 18, but not concealed. If you’re under 18 (but over 14) you can only use a firearm when with an adult. See the AZ statute ARS 13-3111.
DO SOME RESEARCH ON YOUR LOCAL LAWS. Everything I am about to tell you may be completely VOID depending on your local laws and regulations. Either way, if you’re under 18 I know for sure that it is completely illegal no matter what you do. If you are 18, however, there may be a way for you to legally carry a handgun but it all depends on your local laws and regulations. I’m not sure what you’re asking when you speak of “shooting” a handgun. Do you mean in self-defense? Or transfering a handgun from your home to a shooting range? Depending on your LOCAL LAWS, you can sometimes own and carry a handgun in the US if you are between 18-21 but you cannot have purchased the weapon yourself as that is an illegal transfer. it must be gifted (or grandfathered, as some call it) to you by a close relative. However, it must be carried openly (not concealed) and there is a lot to learn before you attempt to do it. Check out www.thehighroad.us and www.opencarry.org for more help on this subject. Rese
