How do you feel about raising the right to bear arms to 21?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:39:22 -0500

Recently the President said that he wanted to raise the age for the purchase of firearms from 18 to 21, meaning long guns.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 6:41 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:41:58 -0500

It is literally a joke. I am a big supporter of the President, but he is literally saying the men and women who fight for this country, many of whom are under 21, shouldn’t have firearms either.... WTF.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Feb 22 at 2018 6:42 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:42:32 -0500

Well, let's raise the age to vote then too.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 22 at 2018 6:49 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:49:31 -0500

It's a nice, common sense first step... At the very least, with rare exceptions, 21 year olds shouldn't still be in high school anymore!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 22 at 2018 7:01 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:01:15 -0500

If 18 year olds are responsible enough to serve, they are responsible enough to own firearms. How about we fix the generational detachment disorder instead. Maybe we teach the value of life, teach them how to deal with failure and rejection, and the proper way to resilience that drives them to achieve instead of acting like a jealous reality star.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 7:01 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:01:27 -0500

Only if the raise the minimum age of enlistment to 21.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 22 at 2018 7:02 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:02:09 -0500

How do you regulate a RIGHT?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 22 at 2018 7:04 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:04:20 -0500

Can drive at 16. Can vote at 18. Can buy cigarettes at 18. Can sign away your life and join the military at 17-18. Can get married at 17-18. Can consume alcohol at 21.

If we're going to raise the age of one thing, then we might as well raise the age for everything else.

Either kids are mature enough by age 18 or they aren't. When motor vehicle fatalities is the leading cause of accidental deaths in teenagers, the argument is stupid that we're "raising the age in the name of safety".

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Feb 22 at 2018 7:05 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:05:51 -0500

Fine. If we go back to 21 to vote, serve as an LEO, etc.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 22 at 2018 7:09 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:09:47 -0500

That and a 3-5 day cooling off period might help.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 7:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:09:55 -0500

Responsibility and Education of Firearms out weights Control in my book.
In essence, a 16 year old is allowed to drive on the roadways, and held responsible for his/her actions on those roadways. Proper Education and Responsibility of that 16 year old driving actions, keeps all of us safe on the roadways today.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Feb 22 at 2018 7:15 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:15:13 -0500

Why the debate? We send 17 and 18 year old boy/man to fight where they can be killed or lose limbs. I see nothing here unless there are big changes. We send women. And according to what I read we have to take transgender that probably be non-deployable. Not trying to start anything but there are problems coming up. That a little like underage drinking but sending them to learn to kill. Hard to decide the correct answer.

Response by SGT Randy Bordner made Feb 22 at 2018 7:56 PM

SGT Randy Bordner — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:56:31 -0500

I served as an infantryman in Vietnam when I was 18. I could not buy beer nor could I vote but the politicians did not mind having me fight a war. If you are old enough to be in the military; you should be able to purchase any legal firearm you choose subject to passing the background check. For the other 99% of under 21 who do not serve; I would entertain the idea of limiting certain types of rifles but would need more consideration.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 22 at 2018 8:03 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 20:03:37 -0500

If you can fire a nuclear missile at 18yrs old on a boomer, you should be good to buy a non nuclear weapon at 18yrs old. If you can fire 777's at 18yrs old, you should be good. If you can fire an Abrams at 18yrs old, you should be good. If you can demonstrate more maturity at 18yrs old than all of our legislators who are in their 40's on up, you should be good at 16yrs old.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 8:22 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 20:22:26 -0500

So if a 20 year old is married, working, kid on tbe way, he doesnt have a rigjt to purchase a gun to degend himself, his wife/kid, and property?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 8:47 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 20:47:27 -0500

Teenagers have committed some horrible atrocities lately, but the vast majority of gun crimes are committed by people over 21 years of age. Raising the age will make people feel like they’re doing something but that’s about it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 22 at 2018 10:06 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 22:06:43 -0500

Is there some sort of statistic that shows this will materially affect gun violence? Or is it just a (pardon the pun) "shot in the dark" to give the appearance of activity. I am loathe to arbitrarily take away someone elses' rights.

How about we make the age of majority for drinking, driving, smoking, voting, marriage, sexual consent, firearms purchase, drinking coffee, staying up past 9pm, snacking before a meal, adopting a pet, and signing a contract 55? Why 55...? Because it doesn't affect me. I'm 56.

Response by PFC Sandra Wade made Feb 22 at 2018 10:22 PM

PFC Sandra Wade — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 22:22:19 -0500

I don't believe that is the answer. If you can vote, and serve put your life on the line for your country, you should be allowed to use for sport and hunting. I do believe we need to put safety measures in public places as they have in court houses and airports. Also a stronger ID, background check and waiting period. This would in many cases minimize the emotional anxiety of using a weapon for bad purposes. Finally, I stand firmly behind these children and would be ashamed to have them go through this by themselves. The general public really does not need a weapon that fires rapid multible rounds. Save that for war. Not saying give them up or seize them. Simply don't sell them anymore.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Feb 22 at 2018 11:16 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:16:32 -0500

We allow 15yr olds operate a two ton mobile machine of potential disaster. Less people are kill by guns.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 11:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:25:49 -0500

If it changes to 21, then they should change the classification of an adult to 21. Make 21 the kefal age to enlist in the military, get married, etc.
If you not 21, your not an adult.
SMH. Funny thing about pointing a finger. 3 are usually pointing back at you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 11:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:36:12 -0500

That shpuld be state by state regulated. States like Montana 18 years old for state residents is what it should be. It differs state to state. They should leave our state rights to the local and state officials

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 22 at 2018 11:47 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:47:35 -0500

Tough call on this one for me. I think if a person is old enough to vote or serve their country then they are old enough to purchase a firearm. Rifle OR pistol. Old enough to buy alcohol as well, but I digress. So do we raise the voting age to 21? Same for the enlistment age?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 12:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:40:14 -0500

Change it to 18 for all of it. If you can go to war then you can carry a pistol, or drink a beer, or any other grown up thing.

Response by 1SG Marc Jensen made Feb 23 at 2018 6:41 AM

1SG Marc Jensen — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 06:41:43 -0500

How about 18 for everything? This is really an all or nothing decision; voting, receiving entitlements, military service, purchasing firearms, buying tobacco/alcohol, everything; you are either a mature adult at 18 or 21, all or nothing.

Response by SPC Brett Curry made Feb 23 at 2018 7:49 AM

SPC Brett Curry — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 07:49:33 -0500

Or, if you're under 21 and want a hunting rifle, you can only buy a bolt action single load no clip rifle.
What people forget is an assault weapon is only called that because if what you do with it. You assault someone with it. It's the 30 round clip and fully automaticfor it to be a military weapon. Civilian rifles, including the AR15 shld only come with a 5 round clip.
My bbgun can be an assault weapon, if I assault someone with it..

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Feb 23 at 2018 8:16 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:16:43 -0500

Banning all firearm purchases until 21 would probably run into Heller. Banning semiautomatic purchases until 21 would probably pass Constitutional muster.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 8:33 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 08:33:59 -0500

This is just another rule that will not prevent anyone willing to kill innocent people from doing so. Why in the world do we keep thinking that people who are ok with walking into a school and killing students or killing concert goers from a hotel room will respect your laws? Did making the legal age to buy tobacco 18 keep any of us from smoking and dipping before that? How many of us tasted beer for the first time on our 21st birthday? Very few I'm sure.

You can change the age to 30. It will have zero impact.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Feb 23 at 2018 9:09 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:09:08 -0500

As an enlisted man, I always hated regs being changed because of a few bad apples. The only ones this will affect are the law-abiding citizens.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 23 at 2018 9:20 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:20:52 -0500

Hell, I think if you are old enough to drive a tank through Iraq, you are old enough to buy a rifle, pistol AND a beer.
Maybe if we quit treating teenagers like children, they might quit acting like one.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 23 at 2018 9:22 AM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:22:29 -0500

For everyone saying "If you're old enough to serve you're old enough to _____" That's not entirely true. At 18 you're old enough to apply for service. There is no guarantee you will get in or stay in. Criminal records, school trouble, low emotional IQ or regular IQ, lack of discipline, being unable to learn simple tasks as well as so many things can DQ you from service. Super simple too, if you join the military and make it through basic guess what, the US government has decided you are fit to utilize an m4/16 rifle so you get a waiver to buy a rifle at a younger age.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Feb 23 at 2018 10:12 AM

SMSgt Keith Klug — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:12:50 -0500

You really have to take a look at the laws surrounding the age for voting. The Supreme Court was divided on this issue. Take a look at the link and you will see why the age was lowered to 18. http://www.history.com/topics/the-26th-amendment

The 26th Amendment - Facts & Summary - HISTORY.com

Find out more about the history of The 26th Amendment, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Feb 23 at 2018 10:27 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:27:46 -0500

If we change it to 21 what will it solve?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 23 at 2018 11:36 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 11:36:18 -0500

Regulating who has which rights is dangerous territory. Regulating which can be manufactured or sold is established. Bring back the assault weapons ban, period

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 12:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:04:34 -0500

I am staunch in my longstanding belief that the age to vote, the age to drink, the age to buy products with nicotine, the age of consent, and yes, the age to buy weapons ... should all be tied to the age to serve. If one can be recruited, serve, and perhaps die at 18, by God, he or she should be able to drink, smoke, screw, and buy guns at 18.

Personally, I think there is a greater risk from kids voting at 18 ... than there is from them owning guns.

Edited to add: If one were to change the age to vote, drink, use nicotine, consent, and buy weapons to 21 for all unless they sign up to serve in the military at 18 ... in which case they get to vote, drink, use nicotine, consent, and buy weapons as well, I'll belly up to the bar. :)

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Feb 23 at 2018 12:22 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:22:25 -0500

By this logic, any privates who join the military who are under 21 can't sign for a weapon. This also means raise the tobacco and voting buying ages to 21.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 23 at 2018 12:37 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:37:54 -0500

I personally don't care. When I look at an 18 year old, they look like children to me. While everyone argues that they are old enough to go to war, yeah only because they have a older much wiser NCO's there to hold their hand. 18 year kids are not like they once were. Were seeing this in today's generation. So if the law changes, I won't lose any sleep over it.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 23 at 2018 12:58 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:58:06 -0500

No response for me. I feel that age is not a finite indicator. I have know very mature responsible men and women younger than 18 and those in their 60s who I would not trust with a butter knife.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 23 at 2018 6:32 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 18:32:56 -0500

No, or raise the age of consent and entering the Army, Driving a motor vehicle, Voting, everything to 21.. If scientific based research supports ones maturity level on average is insufficient at 18, 19, & 20 to purchase a rifle, it is equally insufficient to vote, drive a missile, to decide those who should lead us, or carry a weapon into war and defend the nation following the rules of war, ROE and the orders of those appointed over them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2018 12:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 00:55:20 -0500

All cubs should be entitled to have bear arms from birth.

Response by SGT Thomas Mitchell made Feb 24 at 2018 11:39 AM

SGT Thomas Mitchell — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 11:39:39 -0500

I don't believe there is a simple solution to this topic. My male siblings and I were given lever action .30-30s for our 12th birthday. However they were locked up and unavailable to us unless we were out at the target range and being supervised by our father, an uncle or adult friends of the family. Ammunition was locked up and stored separately.

There isn't a specific age when an individual has the judgment and emotional self control to own, handle and operate firearms. Legislating a legal age to own a firearm is not going to solve the problems caused by firearm misuse. Determining ways to identify individuals who are likely to handle and use firearms in a safe, appropriate manner prior to ownership is likely to be next to impossible.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 6:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:34:41 -0500

Should be 18 for everything

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2018 7:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 19:26:22 -0500

I really haven't decided how I feel about that. In my observation, alcohol proves there isn't a great deal of increased maturity gained in those three years, so I really fail to see the effectiveness of increasing the age limit.

Response by SGT Jamarl Jones made Feb 27 at 2018 10:59 PM

SGT Jamarl Jones — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 22:59:37 -0500

There needs to be a third options: 18 for long guns AND pistols. Whenever you reach the age of majority you should be treated the same as every other adult. An 18 year old should be seen under the eyes of the laws as a 45 year old. This includes the ability to purchase guns, booze, and voting. If you want to raise the age of majority to 21, then fine, but let's quit this piecemeal approach.

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Feb 28 at 2018 7:23 PM

MSgt J D McKee — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 19:23:25 -0500

Only if we put the draft age up to 21, and the age of enlistment to 21 too. Because if we are gonna make them go fight people they don't even know in a country they never heard of, even if it's only if we need them bad enough to start the draft, then they better be considered adults. If we consider anyone under 21 to not be an adult, in every particular especially guns, alcohol, nicotine, then we should quit using child soldiers, because that's what we are doing if we don't consider them adults.
Further, when I was in the USAF, the drinking age was "be in the Air Force", and from what I understand now, that is no longer the case. Yet in many states, an "emancipated" person regardless of age (IE married, or a letter from the parents) can have all the privileges of an adult. Why is a 17 year old in the military not considered "emancipated"? They are sure as fuck an adult when it comes to killing people and risking getting killed, and to me, that means more than what gun or booze they can buy. Emancipated sucks as a term because of the association with slavery, but that's what it's legally called.
Short form, whatever age they can legally join the military or especially be drafted should be the adult age. For pistols, rifles, drinking, smoking, everything. Anything else is just not right.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 28 at 2018 7:31 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 19:31:15 -0500

A 19 year old is being stalked by her former 26 year old boyfriend. The boyfriend has violated restraining orders in the past with other ex's. And he has two conviction for stalking and domestic abuse. I think I "FEEL" sick to my stomach.

I do not agree with nor approve of varying rights and privileges, depending on age, once a person is past the age of majority. If its 21, its 21 for all (voting, drinking, sexual consent, moving out of the home, etc. etc.) If its 18, its 18. If its 35, its 35. If there is some magical age where society expects you to conduct yourself like an adult, make adult decisions, and hold you accountable as an adult; Then there is a de facto age where society expects you to conduct yourself like an adult, make adult decisions, and hold you accountable as an adult.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 28 at 2018 9:29 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:29:03 -0500

Response by Cindy Creekmore made Mar 1 at 2018 7:01 AM

Cindy Creekmore — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:01:28 -0500

By that logic, you need to raise the driving age from 169 to 21. Raise the voting age from from 18 to 21. If you look at the mass shooters of the last 5 decades, all have been in the mid 30's or older........how about you teach your kids not to be assholes............

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Mar 1 at 2018 8:09 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:09:59 -0500

Military personel 18 for everything, Non-military or LEO 21 for everything

Response by SPC Tim Grasmick made Mar 1 at 2018 11:55 AM

SPC Tim Grasmick — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:55:54 -0500

The age is not the problem we need to consider here. A person could be 18 or 21 and still have the same motives and maturity levels. We have to be allowed to get back to parenting without the fear of going to jail for teaching our kids right from wrong. I am not saying go out and beat our kids and cause harm to them, but simple discipline. Anyone here remember the board of education that teachers or principles had hanging on the wall? Yeah.

Response by MSG Elliott H Gray made Mar 1 at 2018 4:24 PM

MSG Elliott H Gray — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 16:24:46 -0500

If they raise it, they need to raise the driving and owning a cell phone age to 21 as well, 26 teens die each month from distracted driving!

Response by PO1 Mike Dean made Mar 1 at 2018 5:22 PM

PO1 Mike Dean — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:22:03 -0500

Old enough to serve and vote, old enough to buy a firearm. Those under 21 with a military ID should also be allowed to purchase a handgun and carry concealed. My 19 year old grandson carries an M-4 and a sidearm with the Navy Security Force. No reason to deny him the right when he is out of uniform. I can remember when the voting age was 21. It was lowered when it was argued 18 year olds were dying for their country ('Nam) but couldn't vote.

Response by SGT David Gavar made Mar 1 at 2018 11:45 PM

SGT David Gavar — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:45:29 -0500

If I'm able to join the military at 18y/o and kill the enemy, I should be able to bear arms at 18. Also, my parents at government run public schools had gun clubs at the 5th grade. I personally do not see the logic in yelling and screaming at a gun used to murder a person when an evil human did the shooting. It's crazy to punish the object of despair when we should focus on the weilder of destruction.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Mar 3 at 2018 9:44 AM

SGT George Duncan — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:44:59 -0500

the younger you learn any thing the better you become using it.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Mar 3 at 2018 9:58 AM

SPC Brian Mason — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:58:48 -0500

I agree for ALL firearms. Simply becoming 18 does NOT convey maturity and intelligence. In the ways of the world and on my own, I was NOT well-prepared at 18 as I'd have liked. I wasn't learned in the ways of government, voting, guns, etc. at that age either.
I wasn't magically knowledgeable at 21 either however......I knew a lot more by then. In my opinion, a class on voting, the Electoral College, and how the President 'runs' the country should be mandatory for ALL students in high school. Proof must be given before one can vote. For firearms, a simple 8 hour long class isn't enough for those who've had little to no experience with them.
Alcohol should be the same. For one to 'legally and Constitutionally' be an adult member of society in America all these right should be enabled at the same age. Fail to meet the requirements for one and the ability to do so may be delayed.
Example: Someone with a history of suicide and similar mental problems would not be able to get a firearm until cleared by a licensed physician and/or psychologist at the minimum for at least a year. Those with alcohol problems would have the same as well as periodic checks. Safety of the masses far surpasses the 'need' of unstable individuals.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 3 at 2018 10:02 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 10:02:30 -0500

LOLOLOLOLOL President Trump is trolling the Liberals they will not be able to just go for a couple of thing they want to ban it all. They will never be able to pass any thing because they can not present a bill that doesn't include 25 more rules than any one wants. MO

Response by AB Autumn Lynn made Mar 3 at 2018 3:48 PM

AB Autumn Lynn — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 15:48:55 -0500

Its sad when our society has become so poorly raised that our children feel they need to use a gun, any gun to sort out the problem. This has been a problem before the school shootings even started back at Columbine.

Response by PFC Joe McMillian made Mar 3 at 2018 8:40 PM

PFC Joe McMillian — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:40:17 -0500

18 year old can learn to shoot real assault weapon. He can give his life for the country.

Response by SSgt Douglas King made Mar 5 at 2018 10:44 AM

SSgt Douglas King — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 10:44:08 -0500

Against it. If you are old enough to serve, fight and die for our Great Country, then you should be allowed to buy a firearm. MAGA.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 4:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 16:14:42 -0500

Consistency is something we might look into. The US has a stair-stepped process of rights to citizenship. 16 to drive; 18 to vote, join the military, or be prosecuted as an adult; 21 to drink and buy or own a handgun and ammunition. Oh, and 12 or 14 as an "age of consent" to have sex in many states. So, at what point are you an adult in American society? You either have inalienable rights or you don't. We either believe in the Constitution or we don't. Apparently, we are a nation of hypocrites. I was already 21 when President Reagan blackmailed the States into raising the drinking age to 21 in 1985 to "eliminate drunk driving" after much lobbying and pleas from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). So, he caved and threatened to withhold highway funds from States that didn't comply (one of the few things he did that I disagreed with at the time). The thing is, much like gun laws, it has a whopping ZERO percent (0%) on DUIs because the vast majority of DUIs are committed by people between the ages of 35 and 50. He targeted the wrong demographic. But MADD was happy and now half the college kids in America became criminals every time they drank a beer. Criminalizing a normal behavior is doomed to fail every single time. As for school shootings? Just look at my name. I was 14 when Guyana happened in November 1978 and I was bullied INCESSANTLY just because some A-hole with the same name killed about 1,000 people. I'm sure some poor kid in Michigan or someplace had the perfectly innocent name of Charlie Manson in 1969 and then had to start going by his middle name of "Francis" or something because some A-hole with the same name killed a bunch of people. In high school I adopted the nickname "KC" from the Grateful Dead song, "KC Jones." It stopped most of the beatings but I still took a lot of crap. In other words, I SHOULD have been a high school shooter. Crappy home life, tall, lanky, awkward teenager with 6 guns in my closet and plenty of ammo for each one. The thing is, I NEVER even considered going to school (or anywhere else) and shooting people. Why? Because my generation had a pretty good understanding that murder is WRONG! We had guns in half the trucks in the parking lot at school and NO ONE EVER got shot! Guns aren't the problem, people are. One the primary reasons we have the 2nd Amendment is so that we have the ability to defend ourselves from bad actors. I carry a gun for the same reason a cop carries a gun; self-defense. Inalienable means God-given and inseparable. Your rights don't come from the Constitution they are simply guaranteed by it. They come from "nature's God" as the founders repeated extensively throughout The Federalist Papers. Simple math here; a citizen is armed, a subject is not. We need ONE age of citizenship, not 4.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 4:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 16:32:24 -0500

As long as we also raise the legal age to vote and the legal age in which you can serve in the military. Certainly anyone who serves should be entitled to the right to bear the arms which they will use to defend the nation. If they aren’t mature enough to possess a weapon and exercise their second amendment right they should have to serve until they can.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 9:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 21:46:32 -0500

I feel that if we consider an 18 year old, competent enough to Vote and Join the Military then before we take another right away from the 18-20 year olds we need to really look at what we expect out of them. We expect them to register for the selective service, vote and be responsible for their own actions. As such if you are going to whittle them down to all they are legally able to do is vote and go to war, I think if they are able to vote, go to war and own property then they need to be allowed to do everything a 21 year old is. Other wise they are not able to do any of them.

Response by SGT Josheua Cooke made Mar 7 at 2018 2:43 PM

SGT Josheua Cooke — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:43:57 -0500

Honestly, I feel in my heart of hears that it won't matter what age the person is as most of these sad events were purported with stolen weapons ("borrowed" from parents or other family).

But in reality 18 is no longer even the age of adulthood anymore. One is tried as an adult and has the right to get themselves into crippling debt and vote, but to rent a car, drink or take certain jobs, they remain precluded. In that instance I am fine with holding the right to purchase firearms till 21 under the same mentality as having changed the drinking age. It is a means of compromise, and if it will get the left and right on the same page about this issue then let it happen.

But make no mistake, guns and the ability to buy them is not the problem, the way we've raised the last couple of generations and our unwillingness to promote mental health is the root cause.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:52 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:52:31 -0500

Perhaps there should be an exception for men and women in the infantry or special forces?
Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 7 at 2018 9:09 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:09:55 -0500

Well, not all arms. 18 year olds can still go down to the nearest flea market and pick up a sword for not too much. The amendment remains intact.

Response by SPC Janet Roush made Mar 8 at 2018 5:51 PM

SPC Janet Roush — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:51:05 -0500

I don't think raising the age will do anything. If you really want a gun you can obtain one somewhere.

Response by SSgt Dwayne Williams made Mar 8 at 2018 6:23 PM

SSgt Dwayne Williams — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:23:24 -0500

Its just another attempt to infringe on the 2nd amendment rights of law abideing citizens better security around schools is a better answer takeing a good hard look at how we raise our children might not hurt either they need to learn respect and responseability

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Mar 10 at 2018 10:29 AM

CPT Dennis Stevenson — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:29:52 -0500

No civilian of any age should be able to buy an assault weapon. Period. There's a good reason why the military keeps weapons locked up in the arms room.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 11 at 2018 9:53 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:53:14 -0400

First, let's make sure we properly word this because 'the RIGHT to own and bear arms SHALL NOT be infringed' so what we are really discussing, is at what age to we determine a citizen to have fully reached their minority? It was considered to have been 18 in most states BUT this has been stepped on for decades because we have not allowed 18-20 years olds to buy alcohol? IF these citizens are not competent to own fire arms or buy alcohol, what in the World are we doing allowing them to vote? Then to throw some dirt into the discussion to muddy it up more, how in the World are we allowing these people to make adult decision about their health care, especially in the abortion discussion, and what in the World are we doing allowing these people to take out financial instrument? They sure as heck should not even be offered credit cards or anything close to these kind of tools? Here is an actual violations of their rights that would save lives the next day, IF these citizen are not responsible enough to own a fire arm or buy alcohol, what in the World are we doing allowing them to own a cell phone and a car? This age group is killing and injuring a LOT more people with that deadly combination.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 13 at 2018 9:24 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 09:24:10 -0400

I still think it goes back to parents been more involved with their kids when it comes to discipline, respect and their inner feelings. This whole thing about limitations on disciplining kids is nonsense. Ok, I don't mean go and try to kill your kids, but come on! My brothers and I got beat with booms, weight lifting belts, bats because my mother was raising four boys by herself, but with all that, we turned out alright. We know right from wrong and the implications when you don't act right. It starts at home! Raising the age doesn't fix anything in my opinion.

Response by SFC Robert Bishop made Mar 23 at 2018 7:54 AM

SFC Robert Bishop — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:54:40 -0400

Once again, the focus is misplaced. It's not the legal mean and women who are legally purchasing handguns and long guns, that are shooting up schoiols, churches, and other areas of group gatherings. It's those that are suffering from some form of mental instability, who should be banned from purchasing any weapons at all, including knives! Fix the system so we track and properly report these people in the same fashion we report those that have been issued a 209A (Restraining Order for Domestic Abuse) and /or convicted of Domestic Abuse, or for Selling drugs in a school zone. In each of these cases, not only are they barred from purchasing any type of firearm, but in the case of the drug convictions, their license is suspended as well. If the mentally ill were reported in a similar fashion, then the only ones who possess a danger through the posession of a weapon would be those acquiring them in an illegal fashion, which is the majority that have acted already! SFC Robert J Bishop Jr, Massachusetts

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 7:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 19:26:57 -0400

What does increaing the age for firearms do for any of these problems coming up? Have any of them been from a legal 18 year old gun owner? No, lets focus on the real issue.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 12:29 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 12:29:44 -0400

It's not going to matter- its not like people who want to do harm will follow the laws.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Mar 25 at 2018 8:12 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:12:19 -0400

Let's also raise the age to own a phone or a car to 21!

As I said elsewhere here - I keep reading the Constitution and the ONLY place I see any mention of age is when it comes to holding office in the Federal Government. Am I missing something?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 25 at 2018 9:34 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 21:34:04 -0400

It's just a gate way method to peck at our right to bear arms. The legal age to consume alcohol is 21 yet so many minors are caught drinking. I know because I am a military police officer so I've seen that. Where is the logic in this? It absolutely won't do jack squat and jack got deployed to...Korea!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 3:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 03:21:48 -0400

To be honest, its not a fair survey. If you're 18 you are an adult, and should be a full-fledged adult unless a court of law deems you need to be denied your constitutional rights, on an individual basis, following due process.

SO. 18 for everything. guns, beer, voting, jobs, taxes, kids, marriage, etc.

Response by SGT Mike Palella made Mar 27 at 2018 11:39 AM

SGT Mike Palella — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 11:39:53 -0400

Age is just a number after all. With that said it is maturity that should be taken into account. As a concealed carry license person I feel training is key. If class requirements and background checks are met, then age is not the issue. I am all for gun safety courses and a background check need before firearms can be purchased. Anyone that toes the line shouldn’t have a problem with this either.

Response by SPC Hugo L. Fortes made Mar 27 at 2018 5:09 PM

SPC Hugo L. Fortes — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:09:24 -0400

Always taught my kids to respect Guns, and trained them on how to use them.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 3:59 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 03:59:52 -0400

I don’t see the problem. But if we are raising the age for guns and drinking then are we saying the age of consent should go up to 21?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 29 at 2018 1:00 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:00:45 -0400

How about if they raised the age to view any "Social media" (FaceBook etc) to 25?
Plus raise the age to respond on any Social Media to 30?

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 30 at 2018 1:27 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:27:03 -0400

Sounds good to me!...I'll be 58 in the Spring! lol

Response by SSG Dale London made Mar 30 at 2018 6:40 PM

SSG Dale London — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 18:40:02 -0400

Personally, I think even the current age restriction above the age of majority is unconstitutional. If someone is old enough to fight for his or her country, if they're old enough to drive (and vehicles are involved in many times more deaths than guns), if they're old enough to vote (and politicians kill more people even than cars), I believe they ought to be old enough to defend themselves with a firearm, regardless of length.
The 2nd Amendment says: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
The phrase "shall not be infringed" is tautology for "congress shall write no law."
If Congress i's not happy with the 2nd Amendment, are free to change or repeal it through the amendment process -- but good luck getting it ratified by two thirds of the states.

Response by SGT Kyle Bickley made Apr 2 at 2018 1:10 PM

SGT Kyle Bickley — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:10:45 -0400

Yet they have access to some of the most power weapons in the world while working for the military. Guess you better raise recruitment age to 21 also.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Apr 2 at 2018 2:01 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 14:01:15 -0400

If your 18, 19 or 20 and you are a member of the military you should be able to purchase a gun. If you are considered too young to have a gun than you should also be non deploy-able to a combat zone until you 21st birthday.

Response by PVT Jaime Rivera made Apr 3 at 2018 1:16 AM

PVT Jaime Rivera — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:16:57 -0400

It bothers me that people who are toughting the 2nd amendment are glancing over key info. Right to bear arms in DEFENSE OF ONES COUNTRY. not to make hamburger meat out of a deer. And the people who rest on this, LARGELY, have not served or attempted to serve in our military... that’s my problem personally

Response by SSG Shawn Culp made Apr 5 at 2018 1:55 PM

SSG Shawn Culp — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 13:55:35 -0400

If you are not allowed to own a gun until you are 21, then the legal adult age should be shifted as well. This would mean that all kids under 21 must attend some kind of schooling, either traditional schooling such as more High school or make college mandatory unless you attend a vocational school. Also this would mean that you couldn't vote until you are 21, and the big one, cannot join the military until the age of 21.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Apr 6 at 2018 4:52 PM

SrA James Cannon — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 16:52:46 -0400

I am totally against raising the age of long guns to 21. What I would favor is a Federal law requiring all long gun sales, both from a dealer and private sales, to be only to people who are 18 or above. There are 15-20 U.S. states where it is not illegal to sell a long gun in a private sale to a person of any age. There are a couple of states that specify 14. I think 18 should be the law. I don't have a problem with a 14 year old who has been through a hunter safety class being able to "possess" a long gun with their parent's permission, but I do have a problem with them being able to go buy one at all, let alone without their parents knowing.

Response by David Clare made Apr 9 at 2018 12:03 PM

David Clare — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:03:59 -0400

There is no restriction that you can impose that is going to stop a person intent on this type of conduct from gaining access to a weapon. The argument is a waste of time and will accomplish nothing. If you really desire to fix what’s wrong with society today go back to what was simple and worked. Teach your children to respect others, value life, and take pride in their community and country. Monitor and hold them accountable for their conduct. Instill a value system that includes faith. Lead them by example and show them how an adult should behave.

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Apr 10 at 2018 12:35 PM

PO1 Steven Siepp — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 12:35:21 -0400

well I guess you won't be seeing any recruiters in high school as I would guess the age to join the military and carry would have to go up as well. BTW I had my first long gun at 14 and traded a 22luger for it. Just wish people would quit blaming responsible gun owners and the guns for the infinitesimal amount of sick twisted people who go out and kill.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 11 at 2018 4:00 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:00:34 -0400

I used to shoot a 22 in Scouts as a kid - learned to hunt and gun safety all as a teenager. My daughter 13 knows all about gun safety.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 10:22 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:22:52 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member what does the Constitution say?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 4:05 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:05:11 -0400

No.

Response by SGT Doug Comer made Apr 15 at 2018 9:44 AM

SGT Doug Comer — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 09:44:27 -0400

I think parents/ guardians/ responsible adults need to teach kids about firearms when they are young. My dad started teaching me around 10 years old. During my teens, I was shooting competition and reloading the ammo I fired. I don't think there;s enough of that going on now.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Apr 15 at 2018 12:53 PM

SGT George Duncan — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 12:53:13 -0400

should be taught about guns and issued one at 7yrs old

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Apr 17 at 2018 12:49 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 12:49:56 -0400

I don't like having just those 2 options. What about changing the age to purchase any firearm to be the same as the age to join the military, the age to own property , the age to get married, the age to vote and the age to purchase alcohol? Those are all adult things and if you aren't adult enough for one of them you aren't adult enough for any of them.

Response by TSgt Michael Williamson made Apr 18 at 2018 1:06 PM

TSgt Michael Williamson — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:06:24 -0400

I think it's cool, as long as we raise the right to vote back to 21, the age to drive a car, the age of consent and the age to contract.

Either you're an adult or you're not.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2018 12:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:04:06 -0400

This subject is way deeper than age, age really has no bearing on humanity as a whole. We have been killing each other since the beginning of time, humans in general are the most savage of the kingdom, and if you take one weapon away, we just seem to find another way of killing each other. The sad part for humanity in general is that there are so many root causes, we can never influence or change them all, because the process of change in itself creates another root cause. So, the best we can do as humans is to teach, educate, love and influence our children to be the best humans they can, and even then we as parents will fail at some point. The government can establish and develop all the "rules" they want, until we learn to respect each other as valuable humans, irregardless of gender, race, age, education, origin or anything else that creates separation in our society...we will continue to find ways to kill each other.

Response by Forrest Adams made Apr 21 at 2018 11:42 AM

Forrest Adams — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 11:42:06 -0400

Then 21 to vote with ID.

Response by PO1 Edward Myers made Apr 21 at 2018 1:07 PM

PO1 Edward Myers — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 13:07:16 -0400

If you can join the military at 18 and go into combat and die for this country then you sure be able to purchase a gun and alcohol

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 21 at 2018 1:35 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 13:35:39 -0400

A boiler-plate nonsolution steeped in hipocracy.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Apr 21 at 2018 2:19 PM

1SG Cj Grisham — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 14:19:18 -0400

I don't like this survey. It doesn't include a third option: lower the age to 18 to buy a handgun.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Apr 23 at 2018 8:46 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 20:46:00 -0400

Voting age, military age, firearms purchase age, and alcohol age should be consistent - Responsibility is Responsibility.
I was an Sergeant on the Korean DMZ and couldn’t buy a beer on my mid-tour leave because I wasn’t 21.But I could buy a gun and vote.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2018 8:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 08:31:40 -0400

Change anything it should be driving since that is the leading cause of deaths for teenagers.

Response by CPT Ian Stewart made Apr 25 at 2018 5:17 PM

CPT Ian Stewart — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 17:17:13 -0400

I'm probably going catch hell for this, but here goes.
I retired from the Army in 1988 and continued to live in Germany until 1996. During that time, not once did I hear of a child shooting another child nor did I hear of any children being shot in their school.
Within six months of returning to the States (Seattle) there where at least 3 different instances of children shooting children. Since then add all the school shootings we all know about.
I respect the gun-rights folks their right to bear arms, I only wish they would accommodate the right the rest of us have not to get shot.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 26 at 2018 1:20 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 13:20:44 -0400

If we are old enough to die for our country, drink alcohol, and vote at 18 then we should be allowed to purchase firearms. Maybe if our society and law enforcement did a special background check for 18-21 yr olds and cross checked the younger purchasers with mental health officials and social network watch dogs we could be safer but what do you do when a family member gives the individual a gun. All the gun laws in the country won't protect you then.

Response by LTC Frank Blouch made Apr 28 at 2018 10:30 AM

LTC Frank Blouch — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 10:30:27 -0400

Don't fall for the Siren's Song of "common sense" gun control. This is another attempt at incremental change based upon the latest crisis, but designed to infringe upon legitimate firearm ownership.
Think how a <21 long gun ban will suppress enthusiasm for hunting, target shooting and the custom of giving your daughter or son their first BB gun or .22 single shot.
Just say No.
Loach Driver

Response by SGT Keith Wise made Apr 28 at 2018 12:17 PM

SGT Keith Wise — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 12:17:14 -0400

My 2 youngest sons will be 23 in July. One joined the Ga National Guard at 17 and spent the summer between Jr and Sr years in basic at Ft Sill. The other is an active duty Marine currently in San Diego. They are both serving this country and have done so for some time now. You cannot blanket judge or restrict humans by any thing (age, race, religion, etc.). We are a republic and as such the rule of law (common law) which is based on personal responsibility, is how every situation should be considered. In Biblical terms the age of majority is 12/13. Society has dictated through the mob mentality that every one should be treated the same. People are not the same. They are the sum of where they come from and who has influenced their lives. I do trust my sons with the defense of this country because I taught them about their responsibilities. They have earned the trust that I feel. So NO, I do not think a blanket LAW restricting an inalienable right as protected by the 2nd should be infringed upon.

Response by SSgt John Hutto made May 1 at 2018 2:19 PM

SSgt John Hutto — Tue, 01 May 2018 14:19:46 -0400

leave it alone! as soon as we start bending, the left can see that they can gain ground and it sends a message that they can get us to compromise on our rights and the 2A!

Response by SGT Alen Wilkinson made May 4 at 2018 8:52 AM

SGT Alen Wilkinson — Fri, 04 May 2018 08:52:13 -0400

Total bullshit,...had my first shotgun at 11 years old,..my Dad would take me squirrel hunting,..carried guns in our trucks to school and nobody got shot,..it's the way these fukn liberals raise there kids ...none of them have any common sense anymore,..but don't punish the kids who do,..me and my daughter have already been on 3 turkey hunts together,..and she has her own shotgun

Response by SSgt Manuel Sawyer made May 4 at 2018 9:27 PM

SSgt Manuel Sawyer — Fri, 04 May 2018 21:27:12 -0400

I am ok with purchasing at 21 owning should remain at 18 parent purchases for child and teachers safety

Response by SFC Marvin Hollingsworth made May 7 at 2018 10:54 AM

SFC Marvin Hollingsworth — Mon, 07 May 2018 10:54:05 -0400

Big toe, Ret.Army; Personally I hold with the reasoning that if a man or woman wants to risk their life serving their country they should be able to do anything legally (with respect to age ).

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 8 at 2018 4:10 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 08 May 2018 04:10:23 -0400

bottom line to me on this - most of us start teaching our children about fire arms when we buy them their first daisy rifle - usually at around 11 or 12 - and the teaching never ends - so - I believe parents are the ones who should ultimately decide when their child is responsible enough to "own" a long gun. Less Government involved more parenting is a good thing.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 10:46 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 May 2018 10:46:14 -0400

Unnecessary and full of problems. Are we going to raise the enlistment age too? What about LEO's under 21? The differentiation between short/long guns is absurd too. Most of America got their first gun way younger than 18 without issue. This is a case where someone crapped in the punchbowl and ruined it for everyone.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 9:35 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 21:35:43 -0400

OK. Most of us here have been in the military at one point or another. Some of you were in when Jesus was a Corporal. So we all know that there is always that one guy that screws it up for the rest of us. So, even though it doesn't make a difference the leadership is going to make a rule that effects all of us because one knucklehead can't follow the rules. the result will be, all the law abiding 18 year olds that self volunteered to serve their country are going to get screwed. That sucks but it is what it is. You want a gun at 18- Uncle Sugar will be glad to give you one to go do his dirty work.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 2:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 02:43:49 -0400

Useless BS

Response by SSG Ryan Molton made May 20 at 2018 9:53 PM

SSG Ryan Molton — Sun, 20 May 2018 21:53:52 -0400

I don’t have any issue with it. You can’t use at 18 you can serve but can’t drink. It is what it is if you’re serving yiu get to shoot the best weapons anyway

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 11:35 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 11:35:39 -0400

It appears that most of these mass shootings committed by teens were done with weapons they did not buy them selves. Not sure what raising the age would accomplish. Someone else said that guns haven’t changed much in 60 years, so what has? It has to be people have changed. Kids are subjected to violent movies and tv shows. They play video games where killing very lifelike people is commonplace. This has to have some effect on the early wiring of the brain. Add in social media and expectations of what a “perfect” life should be and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made May 27 at 2018 9:45 AM

SGT Joshua Bressel — Sun, 27 May 2018 09:45:32 -0400

None of these shootings would've been prevented, by stricter gun laws. The vast majority have been committed with weapons, that are not affected by ANY proposed legislature. The only purpose for these laws is to further restrict the firearms rights of Americans, as every step, is a small headway for the ltra liberal left, who refuse any reasonable measure, and want all or nothing.

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made May 27 at 2018 10:01 AM

SGT Joshua Bressel — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:01:43 -0400

I think all that "old enough to go to war" stuff is bullshit. Unless you make a clause 18 WITH MILITARY ID, then it's crap. Just because you are old enough to THEORETICALLY go to war, doesn't mean you deserve any special treatment, respect, or consideration. Now...if you sign on that dotted line...THAT'S different! I think that service members SHOULD be allowed to drink, on base, at 18, with military ID. They've damn well earned the right to a beer, and it saddens me, to see young men and women die, before they are old enough, to buy a legal drink. That is sacrifice. Some snowflake oesnt get to say "I'm old enough to go to war", and get consideration from me, unless they raise their hand, and take that oath, like I did, at 18! If you want to raise ages, ok, but I think that service members should be exempted from those new restrictions!

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made May 27 at 2018 11:03 AM

Sgt Douglas Berger — Sun, 27 May 2018 11:03:44 -0400

Only my personal opinion.

Laws do not prevent crime they only create crime. If it is not a crime to have/ own a gun then there is not crime. Prostitution and gambling are crimes in most states. However it is only because there is a law that says they are crime it become a crime. Laws that are not enforceable are a waste of time, money, and resources.

I enjoyed growing up in a era where it was a freedom of choice. There are many ways and tools to harm people.

If anything ban computer games used by our youth whose brain is not fully developed. Did we have these games in the 40's and 50's? Did we have school shooting? None that I remember,

Happy Memorial Day

Response by CPT Mike Sims made May 29 at 2018 2:11 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Tue, 29 May 2018 14:11:04 -0400

If the law is established that moves the age from 18 to 21 in order to be able to purchase a rifle or shotgun, then add to the law that waives the age requirement for any young man or woman who has enlisted in the military or contracts as an ROTC or service academy Cadet / Midshipman and has completed basic training or the first year of service / contract... including National Guard and Reserve troops. If you are responsible enough to defend this nation, then you should be allowed to purchase and own a rifle or shotgun.

Response by 1LT Otis R. made Jun 3 at 2018 7:29 AM

1LT Otis R. — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 07:29:23 -0400

I am opposed unless we also change the voting age and enlistment age to 21 as well. Since that is unreasonable because we are legally adults at 18.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Jun 12 at 2018 5:46 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 05:46:28 -0400

My vote would be drop all restrictions including handguns to 18. If 18 is the point we consider someone an adult, then that’s when they should be treated like one, in all aspects. There’s no need, in my opinion to further burden parents into their child’s 20’s.

Response by SGT Andrew Brooks made Jun 22 at 2018 11:45 PM

SGT Andrew Brooks — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 23:45:38 -0400

every time there is another incident of someone young and a gun, politicos start yapping about raising the age? I can't think of ANY incidents where it would have mattered... they had the guns illegally anyway!

Response by Lt Col Jim Bemis made Jun 23 at 2018 8:53 AM

Lt Col Jim Bemis — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:53:59 -0400

The right to vote at 18 is in the Constitution now. While I tend to agree that ownership of long guns at 18 still makes some sense, perhaps there should be some regulation around that, like a number of states do for driving. The rule was established at a time when many children were raised how to handle firearms, and spent considerable time with their parents and grandparents hunting for game. While still true for some, this is not as prevalent today. Perhaps some requirement for gun safety education, and \or some period of time operating a long gun in the presence of adults before authorizing ownership at 18. AND no AR-15s, AK-47s, etc.; just regular rifles or shotguns.

Response by Lt Col Jim Bemis made Jun 23 at 2018 8:55 AM

Lt Col Jim Bemis — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:55:40 -0400

By the way, I do not think anyone can own stocks until age 25. Do you want to protest that?

Response by SSgt Bob Mobbs made Jun 25 at 2018 5:51 PM

SSgt Bob Mobbs — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 17:51:45 -0400

Things have changed greatly since I was a younger man. I received my first weapon, a 16 gauge shotgun, on my 13th birthday. I received a .22 rifle about 6 months later. Where I lived I was able to walk into the local (only) store in town and purchase ammo for either gun. My age was never an issue. Whether you're 16 or 65 if you want a gun you can get one. And, as with other age legislated activities we have found that setting an age limit provides no discernible deterrent.

Response by SSgt Hal Kiah made Jun 25 at 2018 11:39 PM

SSgt Hal Kiah — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 23:39:16 -0400

Pretty damned stupid idea is what it is.in my younger age, it was almost a right of passage even to go hunting. With, or without an adult. And on top of that, most of our parents back then Taught us how and when to use a gun, and what it was intended for. Plus, if you're old enough to enlist on the service, you're taught yer again how to use one, and when. Raisenthenage?? Hell no, raise the intelligence level of todays parents first, then do the same with todays youth. To me, it seems like the youth of the 60s and early 70s (hippies that were against the Vietnam war) have finally taken over their kids minds and filled them so full of goop, that far too many of todays youth have No Idea what reality today is.
Raise the age... darned foolish idea. TEACH discipline, Morals, and Respect first. Maybe after that has been learned, things might improve

Response by 1SG Charles Rivenburgh made Jun 26 at 2018 1:39 PM

1SG Charles Rivenburgh — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:39:02 -0400

As everything is set at 18 yrs old instead of raising everything else why don't we lower the drinking age? They are already getting alcohol one way or the other. The 21 age limit is as foolish as was Prohibition.

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Jun 26 at 2018 8:58 PM

MAJ Glenn Lasater — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:58:00 -0400

I believe that raising the age to keep and bear arms is ridiculous. What issue are we attempting to address? What are the positive effects we expect to result?

It's important to realize that there are tremendous differences between people raised and living in urban areas and those raised and living in rural America. Kids living in most rural areas of the country are driving, hunting, and working long before most city kids. The are normally trained in the use and care of firearms from the time they can hold one. It would be a mistake to bar their access to firearms and impossible to enforce such a law.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2018 10:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:45:08 -0400

Raising the age to 21 to purchase long guns … or all guns … is fine with me … as long as the age to join our military or a gun-toting law enforcement organization is raised as well. Likewise the age to drive, the age of consent, the age one can marry without parental permission, the age one can purchase tobacco products, and the age at which one is emancipated. In other words, as I've expressed in prior threads at RP and elsewhere, this smorgasbord of ages at which various things are allowed or accepted is a bunch of feel-good crap IMV. If one is old enough to serve in the military, one is old enough to drink, smoke, and do all those other things that society in its collective wisdom doesn't think one should be able to do until one is 21.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2018 2:16 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:16:52 -0400

Fuck no. Everyone has the right to defend themselves. I know moms who are only 19, yet they are not allowed to carry because they are "too young"
Yet I serve next to 19 year olds scared of there pistol on watch....

Response by Charles Graul made Jul 2 at 2018 11:54 AM

Charles Graul — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:54:24 -0400

As a member in my mid-50s, maybe I am getting old and jaded. But Here is my thought. I AGREE with every one of you that said that - 'if you are of age to join the military, you are old enough to buy a weapon.' But here is a take as millennials start to take over the workplace and the buying force - The maturity level of 21 and younger has decreased in the last couple of decades. I blame the parents (and mostly in my own generation) for reading too many books on how to raise your kids, without actually raising them with values and discipline we had. We as a generation created this problem of kids not understanding consequences or knowing how to show respect for others. Where I grew up understanding weapons and respect for them, and people - that is lost today. The newest generation sees life and death in a video game - and respect to others in a FAR different way that what I understood. For that reason - I think the age SHOULD be raised, if only to offset the idiots that we have created. And if that takes raising the age to join, then so be it ... WE caused this problem as a generation,, so FIX IT with some quality advise ... ((Just my thoughts))

Response by CW4 Eric Clayton made Jul 8 at 2018 6:39 PM

CW4 Eric Clayton — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 18:39:02 -0400

Different era different generation. Yeah you can fight and die for your country at 18 but are you really mature to handle weapons on your own at that age? There’s a reason police departments have a 21 year old age requirement. That being said 21 for all weapons.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made Jul 9 at 2018 12:28 PM

SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:28:40 -0400

O.K. for the bazillion-th time, guns don't kill people, stupid people with guns kill people. As far as the age limit, that has no relevance. People who are 16 can still get booze if they are motivated. Most of the killings that happened in these school shootings were kids shooting other kids. Some may have purchased the guns but others used a legally owned gun of a parent. Hold parents responsible for their children's actions until the age of 18, and for the love of GOD if they commit a capital offense "86 their asses." Prison rehabilitation ended WAAYYYY back when. All they get now is a Phd (Prison high-school diploma.) They come out worse than when they went in. Stop selling lethal bullets except to licensed hunters, then register the ammo (laser etched below the press line so they are tamper proof. You can have all the guns in the world , but they are useless without ammo.....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 3:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 03:34:33 -0400

If you can vote and are legally considered an adult why should you not also have your constitutionally protected right to defend yourself and your loved ones?

I also think President Trump was using one of his common negotiating tactics, throwing things out there to see what the response is! He used that with DACA offering more than the Democrats had originally asked for as long funding for the border wall came with it. Of course they rejected it which proved they didn't actually want to fix the issue!

Response by Capt Adam Saxe made Jul 12 at 2018 4:48 PM

Capt Adam Saxe — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:48:38 -0400

Umm, President Trump suggested this? I don't think so. I think you may have heard him making some type of the cuff remark. I know for a fact it is not the policy of the current administration to raise the age at which a person can buy firearms from 18 to 21. My personal opinion on guns may be unpopular among military/ex-military/retired military guys (I support an Israeli style system which I can explain in further detail), but I respect 100 per cent how the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has ruled on the 2nd Amendment. It was about five years ago, I think.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 12 at 2018 6:42 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:42:18 -0400

You can be drafted or go fight a war voluntarily at 18. That's it. If they raise the enlistment age to 21 then we can re-address the topic.

Response by SSgt Robert Atkinson made Jul 13 at 2018 8:52 AM

SSgt Robert Atkinson — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 08:52:02 -0400

Hey, my grandfather gave me my first .22 rifle at 10 years old. The following weekend my uncle taught me, gun safety, then how to clean, and then how to shoot! I bought my second rifle at 16, at a hardware store! If an individual is mature enough to have a weapon Okay, regardless of age, but an immature 30 year old no!

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Jul 15 at 2018 12:30 PM

SFC Michael Peterson — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 12:30:08 -0400

No, make it 25 for all guns, alcohol, and voting UNLESS you're active duty military, a veteran who served an entire enlistment and received an honorable discharge, or a first responder. Then, you're legal for everything that has an age limit. But, if you're a politician, you shouldn't be allowed to do any of it.

Response by SFC Joh Williams made Jul 15 at 2018 11:50 PM

SFC Joh Williams — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 23:50:38 -0400

I was of the group, where we could drink at 18. 18 your an adult, the rights and responsibilities go with it when you turn 18.

Response by SGT Richard Anderson made Jul 18 at 2018 9:26 PM

SGT Richard Anderson — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 21:26:12 -0400

If the individual agrees to a background check to include their history as a minor then keep it at 16 but from what we have seen from some of the recent school shootings, these kids had some problems that would have prevented an adult from purchasing. The others obtained the weapons illegally. Under that situation, the person that owns the weapons should be looking at least being charged with negligent homicide for failing to properly secure the weapons. If the weapons are attained illegally, it will not ,alter how old the person is that has it, the law is irrelevant.

Response by SGT Richard Anderson made Jul 18 at 2018 9:42 PM

SGT Richard Anderson — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 21:42:51 -0400

A DD214 alone does not mean that the person has the mental status to be safe with a firearm. We have a lot of fellow veterans that are dealing with some demons and may have very well left the service under honorable conditions. They are easy to anger and demonstrate severe aggression when dealing with a stressful situation. I owned a firearm long before I joined the service but that was a different time. I knew and feared the consequences of doing something I should not do. When I left the Army in 1992, the change had began. Soldiers did not care if you gave them an article 15. You still had to feed them and put a roof over their head. They didn’t need money for that very reason. Need to be more careful who we allow to serve in our military.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jul 22 at 2018 10:36 AM

SGT Tim Tobin — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 10:36:01 -0400

There is a lot of inconsistency in our society. We need to not send mixed messages to our youth. Let's just agree on an age for everything

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Jul 22 at 2018 8:26 PM

PO1 Don Mac Intyre — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 20:26:09 -0400

The president cannot change, nor make a law. Pretty simple.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jul 23 at 2018 2:33 AM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 02:33:23 -0400

What constitutes a Mature Young Adult? Not necessarily their age!!! In my humble opinion, if you are old enough to sign up and die for your Country, get Married and start a Family, get a job and feed your Family, then you should be able to Bear Arms to Protect what you have as long as you meet all the qualifications!! Doc

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 29 at 2018 10:47 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 22:47:34 -0400

I WENT THOUGH A FIREARM SAFETY CLASS AT THE AGE OF 15.5 YEARS OLD IT NOT THE AGE PROBLEM IT THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD HAVE A BACK GROUND CHECK AND SEE WHAT IS MENTAL STATE IS.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by CPT Alfred Smiley made Jul 30 at 2018 7:58 PM

CPT Alfred Smiley — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 19:58:34 -0400

I'd rather see the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychiatric Association design and administer a battery of tests to determine if a person is sane enough and mature enough to possess a firearm. Age is not much of a factor one way or the other.
Would I take such a battery of tests? Absolutely. If I didn't agree with the results, I'd request a re-assessment. If I failed the reassessment, I'd live with the results.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 1 at 2018 4:56 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 16:56:42 -0400

This was my 1st medal. It was presented to me by the Washington State Army National Guard's commanding general. I was 11 years old and in the 6th grade. You can see the double rings connecting the two pieces. I was so proud I wore it to school and some of my classmates needed a closer look so they tore it off my shirt separating the two pieces in the process. After school I ran home and reinforced it with the double rings. I didn't wear it to school again and it never occurred to me to shoot the people who broke it.
If an 11 year old can reason things out without turning to violence; can't 18 year olds?

Response by SPC John Murray made Aug 2 at 2018 1:20 PM

SPC John Murray — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:20:02 -0400

18 for everything

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Aug 13 at 2018 12:30 AM

MAJ John Douglas — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 00:30:00 -0400

No way this gets changed. It would be just another freedom washed away.

Response by PFC Thomas Pendley made Aug 13 at 2018 4:51 AM

PFC Thomas Pendley — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 04:51:09 -0400

I think it’s a crap idea. I’ve been solo hunting since I was 11 years old. I’d go out with 2 bullets and my .22 and come back with a rabbit and a bullet or two bullets. Just the way I was raised.

Response by SGT Tim Jennings made Aug 15 at 2018 6:45 PM

SGT Tim Jennings — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 18:45:26 -0400

SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED

Response by SPC Joshua H. made Aug 20 at 2018 11:21 PM

SPC Joshua H. — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:21:30 -0400

No.

Just No.

Why are you going to deny a group of adults the very rights that are protected by our founding documents?

What about the 20 y/o single mom that has a PPO against her ex, and he is stalking her...she shouldn't be protected?

What about the 19 y/o trans kid, shouldn't they have the ability to defend themselves also?

In my eyes, that's exactly what you're saying. If people are under 21, they have no right to protect themselves from what ever may go bump in their night.

Oh yeah, your poll is wrong, in a lot of states can buy a pistol at 18, just not from an FFL, has to be a private sale.

Response by SSG Hugh G. Rection made Aug 21 at 2018 10:26 PM

SSG Hugh G. Rection — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 22:26:01 -0400

either 18 for all or 21 for but for god sakes, stop all the different ages! 13 age of consent in 1 state, 18 to vote, become a responsible adult 21 to drink. Come on, you are or are not! 18 for all!

Response by PO3 J.W. Nelson made Aug 23 at 2018 7:23 PM

PO3 J.W. Nelson — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:23:28 -0400

Keep it as it is....no changes needed, unless you're going to change the age the military service is available.....I believe that if you are old enough to die for you country....then you are old enough to enjoy the amenities of said country !!

Response by MSG Brad Hansen made Aug 28 at 2018 8:34 AM

MSG Brad Hansen — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 08:34:57 -0400

Sounds like we are back to the diaper rule. One guy shit and we all have to have them. Require a weapons safety class for all ages to purchase a fire arm. Teach laws and handling. Same as a hunters safety class. Let the state decide on age.

Response by SPC Keith King made Aug 31 at 2018 10:42 AM

SPC Keith King — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 10:42:44 -0400

My Dad was a gunsmith, I shot my first pistol at 4 years old, my first shotgun (a beautiful 4-10) at 7 7 and my first rifle at 10. I was a M-60 Gunner in Vietnam at 19. And you want me to wait until 21 to be able to buy a weapon????......this whole idea is absurd......if you want to know if I'm old enough to purchase or own a weapon, set up a training program to teach safety and shooting skills.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Sep 2 at 2018 9:57 PM

MAJ Hugh Blanchard — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 21:57:54 -0400

Terrible idea. You want your young people to enlist to defend the country as early as 17-18 years old, and you then tell them that they cannot own a firearm of their own for another 3-4 years? Illogical and internally contradictory.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 10:00 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 22:00:31 -0400

Maybe I missed something but has anyone stated the obvious yet? If the federal law governing the legal age to bear certain arms is changed to 21 then anyone in the military that is under 21 would not be able to carry a firearm in the performance of thier duties without violating federal law. The federal government cannot make a law and then force its own people to break it. I know purchasing and possessing are two different things maybe he just meant purchasing?

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 1:46 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 01:46:04 -0400

18-20 year olds are out living alone as well. They need firearms for the same reason. The last thing we need is restriction to knowledge and experience with safe handling of firearms. Keep them educated to keep others safe.

Response by MAJ Tex Hall made Sep 12 at 2018 10:05 PM

MAJ Tex Hall — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 22:05:27 -0400

18. If you can give your life for this country, then you should be able to drink, smoke, or own weapons.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Sep 14 at 2018 9:23 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:23:07 -0400

Limit the recruitment age to 21 the same as non military. If a civilian has to be 21 then a soldier has to be 21 to be issues a rifle.

Response by PO3 Charles Boswell made Sep 26 at 2018 1:20 PM

PO3 Charles Boswell — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:20:43 -0400

First off of an 18 year old can fight for his country then they should be able to protect themselves as well! Why must we change it? It’s not the age of a person it’s the responsibility of that person and that starts with parents. Some kids have bad or no parents but why punish all for the failing of society. Want to change then get into touch with these troubled youth and mentor, Big Brother or Sister, get involved and teach! Stop making laws they do nothing to fix the real issues!

Response by PO2 John Chalus made Sep 30 at 2018 2:09 PM

PO2 John Chalus — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 14:09:12 -0400

Eighteen is just fine.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Oct 1 at 2018 10:31 AM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:31:17 -0400

As soon as you allow children to play video games that show death and violence, they should be taught, gun safety and the power that they have.

Response by SSgt Bob MacDonald made Oct 2 at 2018 4:29 PM

SSgt Bob MacDonald — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 16:29:19 -0400

I was 19 y ears old when North Korea invaded South Korea. I was 20 years old when a C54 left Ashia, Japan and landed in Soule, Korea on January 1, 1952. We have and have previously had folks as young as 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 landing on beaches under heavy fire for years. If 18 years is old enough to storm the beach in Normandy, go to the Chosin reservoir, land on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Okinawa, etc., etc, etc. They are old enough to purchase a weapon as it now stands. Find something else to whine about.

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Oct 3 at 2018 3:36 AM

Sgt Joseph Baker — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 03:36:00 -0400

Is there any statistical data that shows persons between the ages 18 and 21 are more likely to commit murder than persons over 21? Considering that handguns are far more likely to be utilized in a crime, why change age for long guns? The bar needs to be pretty high to ask millions of law-abiding citizens to waive their right to bear arms at 18 for long guns.

Response by PFC Merwin Stapp made Oct 13 at 2018 3:54 PM

PFC Merwin Stapp — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 15:54:46 -0400

No if we can Deploy and take lives at 18 or possibly have ours taken that's a No Go !

Response by SPC Phillip Anderson made Oct 13 at 2018 6:14 PM

SPC Phillip Anderson — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 18:14:06 -0400

Changing laws will have little impact on crimes committed with guns.
Even outlawing guns in the US will not make gun-crime disappear. The companies that manufacture in the US will move overseas and keep working. Czech guns, Russian models, and Chinese knockoffs will flood our black market using the same channels drugs are being brought in.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Oct 15 at 2018 4:48 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:48:33 -0400

It’s a vile and reprehensible violation of the 2nd Amendment.

Response by Cpl Tyler Crabb made Oct 18 at 2018 7:18 PM

Cpl Tyler Crabb — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:18:33 -0400

I look at it this way, if I can sign the dotted line at 18 and use weapons for my job then I should definitely be able to purchase firearms at that age as well.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 4:49 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 16:49:00 -0400

Define "a well regulated militia..."
I'm all for education/ training, but owning any kind of gun is a RIGHT protected by the second amendment... It's no coincidence it follows the first- Free Speech. Driving is a privilege, alcohol is a privilege, cigarettes is a privilege, voting is a RIGHT for citizens. Americans MUST be very careful not to forfeit their rights because it's the current fad. Without the 2d A, all others are meaningless. Read the Declaration Independence again, paying attention to one specific part (we won't even crack open the thread of God woven throughout it)...
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

So again, I go back to the part about, Define "a well regulated militia..."
Who gets to define that? Government? Or the governed?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 8:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 08:42:33 -0400

Personally, I think it should be 18 for everything.

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Oct 21 at 2018 10:59 PM

SGT Stephen Jaffe — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 22:59:17 -0400

Realistically, the maturity level of folks from the age of 18 through about 25 is the same. Some people mature at 18 and others might not until they are in their 30s. If you are asking this question in regards to the school shootings; the age would not make a difference. The majority of the incidents occurred because law enforcement, school administrators, and parents did not live up to their responsibilities.

Response by SMSgt Patrick LaChance made Oct 23 at 2018 6:33 PM

SMSgt Patrick LaChance — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 18:33:14 -0400

False choice fallacy...

Response by LTC John Wilson made Oct 26 at 2018 11:39 PM

LTC John Wilson — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 23:39:51 -0400

I am against raising the limit to age 21. Able bodied males as early as age 17 are members of the Unorganized Militia according to “10 U.S. Code § 246 - Militia: composition and classes” which states:

“(a)
The militia of the United Statesconsists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b)The classes of the militia are—
(1)
the organized militia, which consists of the National Guardand the Naval Militia; and
(2)
the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.

And the Supreme Court in US v Miller 1939 established that members of the Unorganized Militia…”when called for service these men were expected to appear bearing arms supplied by themselves and of the kind in common [military] use at the time.

If anything we shpuld LOWER the age for ownership of long guns to age 17.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 2 at 2018 6:04 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:04:49 -0400

To raise the age for buying guns and or pistols to 21, would bring out a cry to do the same for 18 year olds in the military. Anti gunners would come out saying that if you banned gun ownership and sales to 18 hear olds who aren't in the military, you should. It's going to be a mess of epic proportions.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 2 at 2018 7:39 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:39:48 -0400

Since the days of the pilgrims, 18 year olds have been sporting armes (guns and rifles). For over two hundred years boys and men have used fire arms to hunt, defend and protect this country. Now because of a few bullied and demented boys have gone off the reservation (so to speak), some people are calling for a law to ban ownership of fire arms until the age of 21. Great! Let's give criminals a better way to make an illegal profit. Better yet include the military from issuing weapons to under 21 military men and women. Excuse me officer. Are you old enough to carry that pistol? Would be the question a person being arrested to an officer of the law. Or hold troop, you're not old enough to carry that rifle. Here use this sling shot instead, and don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes! Anti gun nuts grab your right ear with your left hand. Then grab your left ear with your right band. Now pull hard. That popping sound will be your head coming out of your ass!

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Nov 4 at 2018 11:44 AM

SCPO Lonny Randolph — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 11:44:58 -0500

If a young citizen of this Nation can sign up to go to war in our defense at the age of 18, there is no reason why they should not be able to purchase any legal firearm including pistols at that same age. Further they should be able to drink legally at that age as well as vote. I have never understood how anyone can justify the notion that an 18 year old is mature enough to volunteer to die for his nation but not mature enough to participate in the rest of those activities reserved to adults.

Response by Michael Clapp made Nov 17 at 2018 9:58 AM

Michael Clapp — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 09:58:51 -0500

Keep the age to purchase at 18. Unfortunately, kids are not as mature as they used to be....they are being led to believe that opinions are as valid as facts and that hurt feelings can leave you with PTSD and the need for meds. Unfortunately, parents do not do a very good job of raising their kids anymore....self-interest and self-gratification in many cases. Even in those single-parent households, where basic survival is at stake, the parent seems to find ways to avoid properly raising his/her child. Not much can really be done about the social decline at this point except that the honest man and woman protect themselves from the lost.....stay legally armed and safe.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 11:59 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 23:59:33 -0500

Honestly I’m just tired of all the different ages to do various things. If we are saying that 18 year olds are adults, then they need to be afforded all the rights and responsibilities of other adults.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Nov 19 at 2018 2:45 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 02:45:22 -0500

It ain't the guns. It's mentally unstable people. Quit blaming the wrench, it's the stupid mechanic that f**ks things up.

Response by LTC James Washington made Dec 30 at 2018 9:12 PM

LTC James Washington — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 21:12:32 -0500

Age of majority is 18 or less innall but one state. Alcohol- firearms and most other permissions ought to be the same. Worst thing ever in this society is massively extended adolescence.

Response by Sgt Jose Rivera made Jan 3 at 2019 2:24 PM

Sgt Jose Rivera — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:24:35 -0500

It’s still not going to stop mass shootings, all mass shooting were done by older men. Maybe take a a Safety course... but still won’t solve what ever thier goal is. Keep it at 18 and 21

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 3:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 15:29:17 -0500

I would have selected "repeal all gun laws" but it wasn't a choice.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 1:05 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:05:56 -0400

Pretty much the way I feel about the drinking age being 21. If my son or daughter can serve their country in combat, get legally married, sign contracted or the multitude of other things you can do at 18, then their right to that advantage of on of their rights under the Constitution should not be abridged by changing the age,

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 16 at 2019 12:39 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 16 May 2019 12:39:43 -0400

The president is ate up with himself. Draft dodger. Wig. Fake smile. Your wife never smiles Mr trump

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made May 21 at 2019 3:06 PM

SGT Steve McFarland — Tue, 21 May 2019 15:06:08 -0400

Why is it okay to send our kids off to get trained in sophisticated weapons systems, get shot-up overseas, but when they get back home, they can't protect themselves until they turn 21? What about young single-parents? Don't they and their children deserve self-defense?

Maybe we should be asking why we turn 16 year-old kids loose behind the wheel of a motor-vehicle when a disproportionate number of accidents are caused by this age-group. Should we also raise the driving-age to 21?

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 27 at 2020 2:43 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:43:59 -0500

If an 18 year old individual joins the military they're responsible enough to maintain and use a fully auto rifle up to "shooting combatants" - yet if a civilian is 18 years old they are way too irresponsible to own a gun yet somehow can still be trusted in how they vote?

Response by MSG William Wold made Aug 3 at 2020 6:32 PM

MSG William Wold — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:32:26 -0400

I took a hunters safety course in the 8th grade, we had a gunsmith class in high school. I came back from Vietnam 30 days after my 20th birthday. My state had a 21 drinking age. I laughed. There may be less people at 18 today that are responsible and mature Than back then, but raise the right to own a gun, why? Are they too immature? Yet “they” The same people, also want to lower the voting age to 16.

Response by MSG William Wold made Oct 26 at 2020 12:20 AM

MSG William Wold — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:20:04 -0400

There’s a whole new breed of kids. Many have not been exposed to guns, like in the past.
I grew up in a small rural town in WA state. I took a hunters safety course during class time in the 8th grade. High school offered a gunsmith class. It was nothing during hunting season to see pickups both in faculty and student parking with rifles in the back window. I graduated, went in the Army. I came home from Vietnam 30 days after my 20th birthday. The state had a 21 vote age and 21 drinking age. But drinks were already a food group. Not too long afterwards the voting was reduced to 18, but drinking is still 21. Last year the state passed a law making it illegal to own a gun under 21.

Response by SFC James Welch made Jan 11 at 2021 1:17 PM

SFC James Welch — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 13:17:29 -0500

I started shooting at 6 years old. I started hunting at 7 years. The only time I ever killed anyone was in Vietnam. However, like most of us here I will kill anyone who threatens me or my family!

Response by MSG William Wold made Apr 30 at 2021 8:59 AM

MSG William Wold — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:59:24 -0400

Yet wants to lower voting age.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Jun 15 at 2021 7:40 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:40:54 -0400

No problem...as long as you raise the voting age to 21 as well. I worry much less about an 18 yr old with a gun then I do with a vote.

Response by MSG William Wold made Sep 15 at 2021 6:12 PM

MSG William Wold — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 18:12:51 -0400

I had a hunter’s safety course in school in the 8th grade, high school had a gunsmith course and a shooting team. Yet the argument is someone isn’t mature enough. Um I came back from Vietnam to the states 30 days after my 20th birthday to a place I still couldn’t vote, nor drink, yet beer was already a food group. I laughed.