New Mexico Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun in New Mexico without supervision?

1. 18 years old

2. 21 years old

3. 16 years old

4. 25 years old

The correct answer is: 21 years old

The correct minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun in New Mexico without supervision is 21 years old. In New Mexico, the law requires individuals to be 21 or older to carry a handgun. This regulation is in place to help ensure that individuals are mature enough to handle firearms responsibly and to comply with both state and federal laws regarding firearm possession and use. Other ages such as 16, 18, or 25 do not align with New Mexico’s established laws surrounding handgun possession. For instance, while 18 is the legal age for many other activities and for obtaining a firearms permit, the specific legal age for unsupervised handgun possession is set at 21. This framework is critical to understanding responsible gun ownership within New Mexico's legal context.