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Im 19 right now and would like to get as much experience as i can. Can i join IDPA or do i have to wait till im 21?

Kyle

HotRod68Camaro wrote:Im 19 right now and would like to get as much experience as i can. Can i join IDPA or do i have to wait till im 21?

Kyle, welcome aboard!

You would be considered a junior member until age 21, and your parent or legal guardian will need to sign the application form and waiver (http://www.idpa.com/Documents/appwinfo.pdf) with you, as well as having a third person sign as a witness.

Others who know more than me can make corrections, but I don't believe a parent actually has to join the IDPA with you, just co-sign the application and liability waiver. I think shooting matches as a junior will be up to the individual clubs hosting the match; some may require that a parent shoot with you. You can find information about Texas clubs at http://www.texasidpa.com/. If I were you, I'd locate some clubs close to me, then contact them about what requirements they might have for you to shoot matches with them.

skiprr, Good answer and accurate. The only thing I would add is that until you are 21 you cannot own a handgun and you could have problems transporting it to the range. Most clubs will require a parent or legal guardian present for the match.

Steve

It sounds like it might just be easier for me to wait till im 21 but i will contact some local clubs and see what they say.

SRVA wrote:skiprr, Good answer and accurate. The only thing I would add is that until you are 21 you cannot own a handgun and you could have problems transporting it to the range. Most clubs will require a parent or legal guardian present for the match.

Steve

I didn't even know that. I thought you could own one (gift, inherited, etc) before turning 21 but just couldn't buy one.

We've had several young men shoot at Cross Timbers matches that were, 12, 14, 17 yrs old, but, their fathers were also there shooting

Gary

That's how i got mine, i talked with an officer and he said as long as someone (my father) gave it to me it was fine, i just couldnt purchase one.

HighVelocity wrote:

SRVA wrote:skiprr, Good answer and accurate. The only thing I would add is that until you are 21 you cannot own a handgun and you could have problems transporting it to the range. Most clubs will require a parent or legal guardian present for the match.

Steve

I didn't even know that. I thought you could own one (gift, inherited, etc) before turning 21 but just couldn't buy one.

We've had several young men shoot at Cross Timbers matches that were, 12, 14, 17 yrs old, but, their fathers were also there shooting

Gary

You can own a handgun at 18. You can't purchase one until 21.
I am not sure about the legalities of transporting one.

SRVA wrote:The only thing I would add is that until you are 21 you cannot own a handgun and you could have problems transporting it to the range.

That is incorrect. You can't buy a handgun from an FFL until age 21, but you can certainly own one, and even buy one from private party.

Kevin

KBCraig wrote:

SRVA wrote:The only thing I would add is that until you are 21 you cannot own a handgun and you could have problems transporting it to the range.

That is incorrect. You can't buy a handgun from an FFL until age 21, but you can certainly own one, and even buy one from private party.

Kevin

Wow, I never knew a private party could sell to someone under 21. Where would I find that in the law? Thanks for the information.......l learn something new every day.
Jason

Kevin - are you sure about that? I was actually looking to purchase a pistol from the officer that i talked to and he said that he would have had to sell it to my dad and my dad could then give it to me if he wishes.

My oldest daughter is 15 and shoots IDPA and 3 gun steel and there is no problem with getting her in the macths its after she has wiped the others off the board itws hard to leave, (hahahahaha) .

300shooter

KBCraig wrote:That is incorrect. You can't buy a handgun from an FFL until age 21, but you can certainly own one, and even buy one from private party.

Kevin

I agree with Kevin. That is the law as I understand it also. I also believe an 18 yr old can apply for a CHL if they are active or honorably discharged military.

As far as IDPA goes, it will probably be up to the individual clubs as to the unsupervised minimum age limit. My son started at 14 although he was under my supervision at all times.

The relevant Texas law on buying handguns is:

PC §46.06. UNLAWFUL TRANSFER OF CERTAIN WEAPONS.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person:
...
(2) intentionally or knowingly sells, rents, leases, or gives or offers to sell, rent, lease, or give to any child younger than 18 years any firearm, club, or illegal knife;

Then we have:

PC §46.13. MAKING A FIREARM ACCESSIBLE TO A CHILD.
(a) In this section:
(1) "Child" means a person younger than 17 years of age.
...
(b) A person commits an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm ...
(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the child's access to the firearm:
(1) was supervised by a person older than 18 years of age and was for hunting, sporting, or other lawful purposes;

That's it.

I can find nothing in the law that would make it illegal for an 18- to 20-year old to possess a handgun under any circumstance where any "person" could legally possess one.

- Jim

I will probably start looking for a club around summer. Im moving back to Katy/West Houston and buying a house so i have got to get that squared away, but as soon as that is done I will be looking to join.

The only tricky thing is that it is illegal to sell handgun ammo to anyone under 21 (this is a federal law).

The good thing is that there are carbines chambered for all major handgun calibers. wink-wink, nudge-nudge

Kevin