[Jeff Higgins]

Age restrictions vary state by state and by firearms type, but I believe 21 years of age is pretty universal for handgun ownership. The age at which one can purchase ammo varies as well, not just by state, but by ammo type. Many states restrict the purchase of "handgun" ammo to those over 21.

Of course there really are no clear delineations, with many rifles firing "handgun" ammo. This started way back in the late 1800's, by the way, with the Winchester .44 WCF being available in their 1873 lever gun and in Colt's Peacemaker revolver. But, of course, lawmakers have nary a clue...

My sons have both owned .22 rifles since their sixth birthdays, and centerfire hunting rifles since their 12th. Times have changed, but I was buying .22 ammo at my local Ernst Hardware when I was ten. Something changed, though, and by the time I was 12 or 13, I needed a note from my parents. Then it got classified as "handgun ammo" and I had to pass a background check to buy .22 ammo. That has since been rescinded, and we no longer require a background check for every box of "handgun" ammo.

The point is, this is all over the map, varying a good deal state by state. And not a god damned bit of it will ever keep guys like young Mr. Gray from acquiring a handgun and the ammo for it. These efforts have proven to be entirely misplaced. My neighborhood was awash with guns and ammo and not a single one of us ever considered shooting anyone.