That actually depends on the state.

I bought a pistol at the age of 19. Private sale. The "gunshow loophole" . Didn't break any rules or laws. I can not buy a pistol from a dealer yet, but private sale is fair game here. Heck i can CCW at 18....

It's not a gunshow loophole. The additional unconstitutional restriction is the problem.

Federal law says a dealer cannot transfer a handgun to any person under 21. An unlicensed individual can sell or give a handgun as a gift to a person who is over 18. (AR lowers are now included in this, and other rifle receivers that are not complete rifles.)

If you cash your paycheck and purchase a pistol for your girlfriend, that is a gift. If she gives you the money and says, "go buy a pistol for me, I'm too young," that is a straw purchase with serious consequences.

Our advice is to always beware of grey areas. I would be very hesitant to buy a pistol as a gift for an under-21 acquaintance. I would be more comfortable with the idea of a gift for a girlfriend in a serious relationship. I would have no worry about purchasing a pistol, as a gift, for an immediate family member (brother, sister, spouse, son or daughter). No matter what the relationship though, if someone hands you money and says, "go buy it - I can't," it is a felony.

State laws vary.

State laws do vary, and I'd advise you to talk to someone with some experience in your state. Oregon law for example, restricts those under 21 to possession for "lawful purpose", regarding handguns. Case law says that does not include home defense. That could be a felony in Oregon. They're allowed to possess them while going to or from a range, hunting, or fishing, but otherwise cannot possess them. 18yo can purchase/own/carry a rifle or shotgun however.

Ummmm I work with a lady in her early 50's that's single and smoking hot