Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

The NRA has filed suit against the federal law that prohibits 18 to 20 year olds from purchasing handguns from FFL dealers.

NRA CHALLENGES CONSTITUTIONALITY OF FEDERAL HANDGUN BAN FOR LAW ABIDING 18-20 YEAR OLDS


Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Fairfax, Va. -- The NRA is challenging federal laws that prohibit law-abiding Americans eighteen through twenty years of age from legally purchasing a handgun through a federally licensed firearm dealer. The case was filed Tuesday evening in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas Lubbock Division. James D'Cruz of Lubbock, TX is the plaintiff in this case.

"In Heller and McDonald, the U.S. Supreme Court clearly stated that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms for all law-abiding Americans," said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action. "That right is not limited only to Americans twenty-one years of age and older. Indeed, throughout our nation's history, adults beginning at age eighteen have served in the military and fought for this country with honor. But while the Supreme Court has consistently made clear that the federal government cannot ban or unduly restrict sales of items protected by the Constitution, the federal government continues to prohibit these adults from purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers, which represent the largest and most accessible means of purchasing handguns."

The suit asserts: "At eighteen years of age, law-abiding citizens in this country are considered adults for almost all purposes and certainly for the purposes of the exercise of fundamental constitutional rights. Indeed, at eighteen, citizens are eligible (and male citizens could be conscripted) to serve in the military-to fight and die by arms for the country. Yet, Section 922(b)(1) prohibits law-abiding adults in this age group from lawfully purchasing -- from the most prevalent and readily available source -- what the Supreme Court has called "the quintessential self-defense weapon" and "the most popular weapon chosen by Americans for self-defense in the home."

The plaintiff, Mr. D'Cruz, is well-trained in the proper handling and use of firearms, including handguns. His initial training was with his grandfather, a World War II veteran, who wanted his grandchildren to understand the proper and safe techniques for use and storage of firearms. Mr. D'Cruz received further training from his father and as a member of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. During his junior and senior years of high school, Mr. D'Cruz was a member of the JROTC's marksmanship team, and as member of that team has competed in regional and national marksmanship competitions. Mr. D'Cruz received numerous awards, including a first place medal for marksmanship, in a regional competition. Mr. D'Cruz also received a Foreign Legion unit award for marksmanship.

The case is D'Cruz v. BATFE

The NRA is making it's way back into my good graces. I lost a little faith when the Disclose act went down.

That should grab the attention of a bunch of newly registered voters

Next to go should be the federal law prohibiting purchase of handguns across state lines. How silly.

Chasbo00 wrote:It's about time the NRA did something like this -- glad to see it!

No kidding. Old enough and responsible enough to serve their country and possess all kinds of neat bang sticks in service, but not old enough to possess a shortarm for carry otherwise. Does not compute. At the very least, I'd like to see enlisted or honorably discharged men and women exempted. Sort of off topic, I'd like to see the 21 and older drinking law removed for those that serve, as well. Old enough to fight and die for your country? Well, then I think you're old enough to be able to enjoy a frosty one. Just sayin...

A 17 year old can join the Service with parental permission, get handed a rifle, and then go get shot at...so why shouldnt 18-20 year olds be able to buy a HG? Young enough to die for Uncle but not old enough to buy a HG...

The NRA might have a bit of trouble with this as a 18-20 year old may posses, but just can't purchase from an FFL.

So their rights are not being denied... but I'd like to see the restriction of buying from an FFL removed.