Delaware Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the minimum age to purchase a rifle or shotgun in Delaware?

1. 18 years old

2. 21 years old

3. 16 years old

4. 25 years old

The correct answer is: 18 years old

In Delaware, the minimum age to purchase a rifle or shotgun is set at 18 years old. This regulation aligns with federal laws, which specify that individuals must be at least 18 years of age to buy long guns, including rifles and shotguns. This age requirement is established to ensure that those purchasing firearms have reached a level of maturity and responsibility deemed necessary for firearm ownership and handling. The legal age for purchasing handguns, on the other hand, is 21, reflecting a difference in regulations based on the type of firearm. The choice of 18 years old is significant as it marks the age when individuals are often considered adults, capable of making informed decisions about firearm ownership while still being subject to various state regulations designed to promote safe use and ownership principles.