oops on the description, meant concealed handgun license for persons 18-20 yr old's

 

considering the military has 18 yrs old's carrying a firearm, some would argue that this wouldn't be a problem. Due to the new generation of 18 yr old's I think it's definitely questionable, they don't go through training that the military does which makes them more responsible and able to handle a firearm.

 

How do you all feel about this issue?

 

It's in regards to this article

 

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/InTheNews.aspx?ID=14505

 

I don't know if you would have to go through extensive training in order to get a concealed handgun license for someone under 21 in Texas or not, but some of the 18 yr old's you see these days, lol I dunno. If this goes to the supreme court, it could be the law of the land and I don't know if you could trust an 18 yr old with a concealed gun, your not thinking clearly at that age in my opinion.

If you're old enough to vote, bleed and die for your country, all else should be a given...

I know 30 yr olds that shouldnt carry......

 

but yes.... in NJ.... we should start with 21 and older for now....

I know 30 yr olds that shouldnt carry......

 

but yes.... in NJ.... we should start with 21 and older for now....

 

I know 30 yr olds that shouldn't drink too. Maturity (unfortunately) is subjective.

I would say at least until we get out of the guys dressing in extremely tight pants, and pink jacket era.

I know 30 yr olds that shouldn't drink too. Maturity (unfortunately) is subjective.

 

Hell I know 50 year olds that shouldn't drink... We could do this all day. I have always felt if you are an adult at 18 you should be treated as one. Unfortunately most people do not raise their children to be responsible adults by the time they are 18. I blame the type of parents that have their 26 year olds living in their basements for not raising them responsibly...

At the risk of offending our younger forum members, I feel that an 18 year old person does not have the required level of maturity and or responsibility to carry a concealed weapon. I understand the fact that there are many people in their 20s that aren't mature and responsible also, but there is a certain amount of life experience that a teenager hasn't gained. Lets not forget the fact that 18 yr old kids are still in high school, and are still living in a sheltered type of life. And I will pose this question to everyone: Think back to when you were that age, and quick to shoot your mouth off, and still lived in the pack mentality with your friends, would you have really wanted to have a handgun on you, and even have had the option to make a life changing mistake? We have our entire lives to live as adults with the responsibilities of being such, so why give kids one more thing to make them grow up too quick.

At the risk of offending our younger forum members, I feel that an 18 year old person does not have the required level of maturity and or responsibility to carry a concealed weapon. I understand the fact that there are many people in their 20s that aren't mature and responsible also, but there is a certain amount of life experience that a teenager hasn't gained. Lets not forget the fact that 18 yr old kids are still in high school, and are still living in a sheltered type of life. And I will pose this question to everyone: Think back to when you were that age, and quick to shoot your mouth off, and still lived in the pack mentality with your friends, would you have really wanted to have a handgun on you, and even have had the option to make a life changing mistake? We have our entire lives to live as adults with the responsibilities of being such, so why give kids one more thing to make them grow up too quick.

 

I work with a guy, 24 yrs old, who kept a folding knife on him until 3 wks ago. He had an 'incident' with someone where he pulled the knife. he got home and realized how idiotic he had been and since has not been carrying.

I have always felt if you are an adult at 18 you should be treated as one. Unfortunately most people do not raise their children to be responsible adults by the time they are 18.

The problem is some parents expects the school to discipline the child and show them what's right or wrong. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the parents have no time or can't afford to watch the kids all the time.

When I was younger, when I did something wrong I got my a$$ whooped. I learned my lesson and didn't do it again. Now, it's "time out" or "you're grounded". Now does that really work? I don't expect parents to beat their kids bloody, but a little spanking should be ok without ever having to worry about DYFS.

Have you ever watched kids play? Sometimes you can sorta tell who's going to be an a$$hole when they grow up. I'm sure it can be done too when they're a little older. Maybe we should consider profiling these young adults to see who actually is responsible enough to handle a firearm.

 

 

Time to get off the soapbox.

At the risk of offending our younger forum members, I feel that an 18 year old person does not have the required level of maturity and or responsibility to carry a concealed weapon. I understand the fact that there are many people in their 20s that aren't mature and responsible also, but there is a certain amount of life experience that a teenager hasn't gained. Lets not forget the fact that 18 yr old kids are still in high school, and are still living in a sheltered type of life. And I will pose this question to everyone: Think back to when you were that age, and quick to shoot your mouth off, and still lived in the pack mentality with your friends, would you have really wanted to have a handgun on you, and even have had the option to make a life changing mistake? We have our entire lives to live as adults with the responsibilities of being such, so why give kids one more thing to make them grow up too quick.

 

Pretty much took the words out of my mouth. If we want to bring science into the equation, a persons brain is not fully developed until approx the age of 21-22. That is actually one of the reasons for the drinking age to be 21. Just because you can be in the military at age 18 doesn't make it a good idea. At 18 most peoples decision making processes still arent up to par. I know when I look back mine wasn't.

At the risk of offending our younger forum members, I feel that an 18 year old person does not have the required level of maturity and or responsibility to carry a concealed weapon. I understand the fact that there are many people in their 20s that aren't mature and responsible also, but there is a certain amount of life experience that a teenager hasn't gained. Lets not forget the fact that 18 yr old kids are still in high school, and are still living in a sheltered type of life. And I will pose this question to everyone: Think back to when you were that age, and quick to shoot your mouth off, and still lived in the pack mentality with your friends, would you have really wanted to have a handgun on you, and even have had the option to make a life changing mistake? We have our entire lives to live as adults with the responsibilities of being such, so why give kids one more thing to make them grow up too quick.

 

I agree 100%. I have a 22 year old son. Very talented in his chosen profession, learned to shoot and handle firearms responsibly at a young age, respects elders, etc. etc. Put him with some of his friends I don't personaly care for and forget it, I wouldn't trust him carrying a pail of water.

I was a jackass until well after my 21st birthday. No way in hell should I have had a handgun, let alone a concealed carry license, back then.

18.

 

The drinking laws here are ridiculous, to refer to them or to "science" (The US has the highest drinking age of the entire world and we are not the top of the standardized test or any other measure of intelligence) is a great way to show how you have been conditioned to regurgitate what you have learned.

 

Are some 18 year olds' questionable on if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 19 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 20 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 21 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 22 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 23 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 24 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes....Are some 50 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. That is not the point!@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT IS A RIGHT not something that should even be up for debate.

 

Maybe only people age 35 and up should be allowed, since they are the only people that can be President and are you truly an American if you cannot become President? Perhaps no rights should apply to anyone until their 35th birthday.

18.

 

The drinking laws here are ridiculous, to refer to them or to "science" (The US has the highest drinking age of the entire world and we are not the top of the standardized test or any other measure of intelligence) is a great way to show how you have been conditioned to regurgitate what you have learned.

 

Are some 18 year olds' questionable on if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 19 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 20 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 21 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 22 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 23 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. Are some 24 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes....Are some 50 year olds questionable if I would trust them on carrying a firearm, yes. That is not the point!@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT IS A RIGHT not something that should even be up for debate.

 

Maybe only people age 42 and up should be allowed, since they are the only people that can be President and are you truly an American if you cannot become President? Perhaps no rights should apply to anyone until their 42nd birthday.

 

Well your argument is reasonable, but if this does become law of the land, I think they should have classes in both the private and public schools that teach firearm safety, responsibility, and the firearms laws and penalties of that state. Teachers should be firearm instructors that are certified by the NRA.

Well your argument is reasonable, but if this does become law of the land, I think they should have classes in both the private and public schools that teach firearm safety, responsibility, and the firearms laws and penalties of that state. Teachers should be firearm instructors that are certified by the NRA.

 

I am all for firearms education. It should not be just for those that want to carry firearms. I agree everyone should have to take these courses in school. The 2nd Amendment applies to everyone. The average citizen should be educated on firearms safety. It is part of our Country's culture and by the supreme law of the land is not going away.

Increase the age of being able to drive. Increase the age of being able to drink. Increase the age of being able to smoke. Increase the age of being able to carry a gun. Increase the age of being able to make your own choices about having sex. Increases the age of thinking someone can be responsible. Increases the age of expectations that someone can be responsible. If 18 is considered an adult, then there is no reason that adults should be restricted on things that other adults have. All that a higher age limit does is make peoples expectations of what makes someone responsible skewed to an abstract age limit. God bless those states that don't have an age limit to conceal carry.

 

Honestly though, it doesn't matter what age you make it. There will be people of all and any ages that are responsible, and that are irresponsible. The biggest problem is the American culture. And that certainly isn't likely to change any time soon.

 

 

 

Maybe only people age 42 and up should be allowed, since they are the only people that can be President and are you truly an American if you cannot become President? Perhaps no rights should apply to anyone until their 42nd birthday.

 

 

It is actually 35, but the point is taken.

Increase the age of being able to drive. Increase the age of being able to drink. Increase the age of being able to smoke. Increase the age of being able to carry a gun. Increase the age of being able to make your own choices about having sex. Increases the age of thinking someone can be responsible. Increases the age of expectations that someone can be responsible. If 18 is considered an adult, then there is no reason that adults should be restricted on things that other adults have. All that a higher age limit does is make peoples expectations of what makes someone responsible skewed to an abstract age limit. God bless those states that don't have an age limit to conceal carry.

 

Honestly though, it doesn't matter what age you make it. There will be people of all and any ages that are responsible, and that are irresponsible. The biggest problem is the American culture. And that certainly isn't likely to change any time soon.

 

 

 

 

It is actually 35, but the point is taken.

 

damn my posting after a few Just glad someone caught it honestly.

A person reaching the point of maturity, as Dan pointed out, is purely subjective. I understand, especially after reading the following, that a precedence has to be laid out for the sake of the rule of law. With that said, I think it is fine at 21 based on the rising social factors of society. Whether or not an 18 year old has reached the level of physical and mental maturity to make rational decisions can be debated; but the social situations many 18yo find themselves in are not conducive to making a rational decision-- especially when adding firearms into said mix.

This argument includes so many factors, but when considering hormones and investing serious emotions in pretty unstable situations (college, relationships, finding a niche in social circles, boozing underage, etc)... and then the fact that, in at least portions like our state and some other major urban areas, where firearms are becoming more and more of an enigma to younger generations (in the negative perspective).

While a 21yo might not be in any better of a situation, there is the chance that with the extra time, the individual might have found more stable ground and have the experiences to make more rational decisions.

I don't trust people under 21 driving let alone carrying a gun. Not that all of them wouldn't be mature enough, but most haven't leveled out emotionally and may not react logically. I know I wouldn't have.

I don't trust people under 21 driving let alone carrying a gun. Not that all of them wouldn't be mature enough, but most haven't leveled out emotionally and may not react logically. I know I wouldn't have.

 

The biggest factor in young people being poorer drivers is inexperience. I don't trust people over 70 driving, as statistically they are involved in the most accidents per distance driven, yet you don't see arguments on banning them from driving, or carrying guns. The more restrictions you put on people, the less people feel accountable for actions, the worse people act. If only Americans weren't generally rude, abrasive and self centered, amongst other things........

My $.02

 

I think if there has to be an age, then 21 is much better than 18.

 

Most 18 year old now a days has the behavior attitudes of a 15 year old. Not a scientific study but talking with people I work with who have college age kids. If you ask a High School senior what he wants to do with his life, the answer is "go to college". When you ask "No after college" you get a blank stare.

 

There is a huge mental awakening when you reach an age when you realize mommy and daddy aren't gonna take care of me for the rest of my life.

 

As to military, the members of the military come to that conclusion about 10 minutes into boot camp.

If you're old enough to vote, bleed and die for your country, all else should be a given...

 

 

+1

I doubt I'll ever see eye to eye on this issue with the 21 age crowd. I just don't understand the mentality of they are immature, so we are going to continue to treat them as immature. People act how you treat them no matter the age.

 

I have taken kids as young as 6 shooting and they acted mature because they were treated as mature.

 

This just seams like a terrible circle to me. they are immature (supposedly) because we don't force responsibility on them, so the answer is that we will remove all responsibilities from them?

I doubt I'll ever see eye to eye on this issue with the 21 age crowd. I just don't understand the mentality of they are immature, so we are going to continue to treat them as immature. People act how you treat them no matter the age.

 

I have taken kids as young as 6 shooting and they acted mature because they were treated as mature.

 

This just seams like a terrible circle to me. they are immature (supposedly) because we don't force responsibility on them, so the answer is that we will remove all responsibilities from them?

 

Bingo. You said it much better then me. The more things and responsibilities you take away, the less responsible people think the have to be. As terrible as that is, and how it shouldn't be that way, it is. It really is a downward spiral. This isn't just an issue with firearms, as it is with a whole buttload of things.

 

I have taken kids as young as 6 shooting and they acted mature because they were treated as mature.

Keep in mind the fact that they are with YOU shooting (an adult). Kids have a tendency to act differently when with their friends not being supervised by an adult, not all kids, but most seem to succumb to peer pressure.

You can be a fully certified LEO at 18 in this state, and at one time, before they put the 21 year age restriction on handgun permits, you could carry an off Duty weapon the day you graduated, and were certified.

Im gonna chime in on this, i'm 24 and fully agree with the 18yr old statement, if you can die for your country then i dont seen how anyone can deprive you of anything age related. However, saying that i have to say that most 18yr olds barely know thing meaning of responsibility and Maturity. When i was 18 the last thing i was thinking about was having a pistol on my hip, and it would seems teens these days feel as if there invincible. Personally im fine with anyone having a permit, as long as they don't hand them out like drivers licenses. Maybe have a 21age limit, where the permit process includes other like state standards, and for 21 and under they need to complete a REAL course + the 21 standards that would include classes that test moral judgment, responsibility and character, hell.. make it a once a week course for 12 months and charge 80 bucks a session, that would not only bring in money to pay for the courses, and this is a long shot, but maybe put the rest towards something productive for the state.

 

#1 reason i am becoming a teacher is becuase im a true believer that if you want to get anything done right, you do it through education. Education helps people make decision based on facts, where as laws aonly pursuade people not to do something because it's illegal.