It is unlawful to sell, loan, or gift a firearm to a minor. An exception to this rule exists if the transferor is not required to obtain a dealer’s license under § 39-17-1316, and the firearm was loaned or given to a minor for the purposes of: (1) hunting, (2) trapping, (3) fishing, (4) camping, (5) sport shooting, or (6) any other lawful sporting activity.
A parent who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allows a juvenile to own or carry a handgun may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
Except as provided by § 39-17-1319, it is an offense for a juvenile to knowingly possess a handgun. The exceptions under this section apply if the juvenile is: (A) attending a hunters’ or firearms safety course; (B) engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established, lawful range; (C) engaging in an organized competition involving the use of the firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by a tax exempt organized group; (D) hunting or trapping pursuant to a valid license; (E) accompanied by the juvenile’s parent or guardian and is being instructed by the adult or guardian in the use of the handgun; (F) on real property which is under the control of an adult and has the permission of that adult and the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian to possess a handgun; (G) traveling to or from any activity described in subdivision (d)(1) with an unloaded gun; or (H) at the juvenile’s residence and with the permission of the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian, possesses a handgun and is justified in using physical force or deadly force.
