Indiana Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the minimum age to legally possess a handgun in Indiana without supervision?

1. 18 years old

2. 21 years old

3. 16 years old

4. 25 years old

The correct answer is: 18 years old

In Indiana, the legal framework establishes that the minimum age to possess a handgun without supervision is 18 years old. This aligns with federal regulations, where individuals under 18 are generally prohibited from possessing handguns unless under specific circumstances or under the supervision of an adult. The law aims to ensure that younger individuals, who may not yet possess the maturity or experience necessary to handle firearms responsibly, are not allowed unsupervised access to handguns. By setting the age at 18, Indiana acknowledges that this age is typically associated with increased legal responsibilities, as young adults at this age are often treated as adults in many legal contexts. While there are laws governing the possession of handguns by those younger than 18—such as requiring supervision or limiting possession to specific contexts—the age of 18 as a threshold serves to promote safety and accountability among firearm owners in the state.