09/23/2026
The Department of Justice recently stated that banning handgun and handgun ammunition sales to 18-to-20-year-olds is unconstitutional, meaning the current administration will not criminally enforce the restriction. However, because federal law has not actually been changed by Congress or officially struck down by the courts, this policy is non-binding and could be reversed by a future administration. Licensed gun dealers (FFLs) who begin selling to this age group now would still technically be violating federal law, putting them at risk of losing their licenses or facing prosecution down the road. To avoid risking their business, dealers must stay cautious and wait for official ATF guidance and legal counsel before changing their sales practices.
