Mississippi Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is required for someone to legally purchase a handgun in Mississippi?

1. Passing a firearms safety course

2. Obtaining a special permit from the local sheriff

3. Being at least 21 years old and not a convicted felon

4. Membership in a state-approved gun club

The correct answer is: Being at least 21 years old and not a convicted felon

In Mississippi, one of the key legal requirements for purchasing a handgun is that the buyer must be at least 21 years old and not currently a convicted felon. This regulation is in place to help ensure that individuals who purchase firearms have reached a legal age of adulthood, thereby promoting responsible ownership. Additionally, the restriction on convicted felons is aimed at preventing individuals with a history of serious criminal behavior from acquiring firearms, thus contributing to public safety. Other options may reflect common misconceptions or additional requirements found in different jurisdictions, but they do not pertain to the basic eligibility criteria for handgun purchases in Mississippi. For instance, while taking a firearms safety course can be beneficial for responsible ownership, it is not a legal requirement for purchasing a handgun in the state. Similarly, while local permits or gun club memberships may be necessary in other regions or specific situations, they are not standard requirements for all handgun purchases in Mississippi.