Hello all,
I'm trying to sell a used pistol... There's a 19 year old that is interested. IIRC you must be 21 to purchase a pistol from an FFL - what's the story on private sales? You must be 21 to purchase ammo too - so I can't throw in a couple boxes with the purchase either, right? I've been looking around the VSP website but can't find anything definitive.

Does anyone have FIRM information on this?

Thanks.

18 is legal age for all firearm (inc pistols) transfers between private individuals.

I do not know the legal age for ammo.

I found this:

--What is the legal age to purchase ammunition?
Virginia law does not address age requirements for the purchase of ammunition. Federal law requires an individual to be at least 21 years of age to purchase handgun ammunition, and at least 18 years old to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition.--

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm

So, it looks like the included ammo is a no go per Federal law...

Someone else may come up with proof to the contrary, but key word in my mind is 'purchase' - from your original post, it sounded like you were giving the ammo as part of your pistol deal. Law does not say anything about possession of ammo.

Gotta love ambiguity in the law! You can't buy from an FFL, bet there's nothing against the possession of a pistol by a 18-20 year old. You can possess the pistol, but you can't buy ammo.

ARGH.

I haven't met the guy in person, but he seems legit over email. I just want to make sure I don't jack anything up here.

OK... more Google sleuthing here - I think I am satisfied with the ability to cover my ***PLAY NICE*** using US Code.

http://smartgunlaws.org/minimum-age-to-purchase-possess-firearms-policy-summary/

Unlicensed persons may not sell, deliver or otherwise transfer a handgun or handgun ammunition to any person the transferor has reasonable cause to believe is under age 18, with certain exceptions.

18 USC 922 x 1 and x 5: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922


Hopefully this info can help others out down the road.

When I was 18 I bought a 10/22 at Walmart , the cashier wouldn't sell me any ammo cause she said it was pistol ammo and I had to be 21 I tried explaining it was the ammo for the gun I just bought but she would have none of it , if I had not already past the back ground check I would have said forget the whole sale ..... today most rifle ammo has a pistol it can be shot in and vice versa

So it's confirmed, then, that one can legally purchase ammunition meant only for use in a handgun through a private sale from the age of 18?

That's true. HOwever, there are a number of exceptions to the rule. If the person who's under 18 has the gun or ammo in connection with employment, on his own property, etc. (read the statute, it's not really that simple: 18 USC 922(x)), or who has written permission from his parents, then it's ok. Also don't confuse title with possession - you can sell a gun to a person who's three years old as long as you don't transfer possession of the gun to the purchaser - you can give it to a parent, for example. The tot may own the gun but it would be a crime for you to transfer possession to the tot.

Btw, I once had someone try to sucker me into a sale of ammo on this website, and who, after some initial interchange of interest and information, said something like, "does it matter if I can't prove how old I am?" - clearly a cop trying to do a "sting" operation. I wrote back with something like, have a parent with you who can receive the ammo. Never heard another word about it. Be careful. When in doubt for any reason, walk away from the transaction.