Federal law prohibits the sale, deliver, or transfer of a handgun or ammunition that is suitable only for a handgun to a juvenile under 18 years of age. See 18 U.S.C. §922(x)(1). And a person under age 18 may not possess a handgun or handgun-only ammunition. Certain exceptions apply, such as where a juvenile possesses written permission of a parent or guardian. See 18 U.S.C. §922(x)(3). A violation of this law is punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment—unless the transferor had reason to believe the juvenile would commit a crime of violence with the gun or ammunition, in which case the crime is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
And it is unlawful for a licensed firearms dealer, manufacturer, importer, or collector (licensee) to sell or deliver any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than eighteen years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age. 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1).
Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(1), it is illegal to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun or ammunition suitable for use only in a handgun to anyone under the age of 18. Additionally, individuals under 18 are prohibited from possessing handguns or ammunition for handguns, with certain exceptions such as having written permission from a parent or guardian as per 18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(3). Violations of this law can result in up to 1 year of imprisonment, or up to 10 years if the transferor believed the juvenile would use the gun or ammunition to commit a violent crime. Furthermore, licensed firearms dealers and other specified licensees are prohibited from selling or delivering any firearm or ammunition to individuals under 18, and from selling or delivering handguns or handgun ammunition to individuals under 21, as stated in 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1). These federal regulations apply in the state of Texas, and any violation of these laws can lead to severe legal consequences.
