What is the minimum age to openly carry a firearm?

• A. 16 years old
• B. 18 years old
• C. 21 years old
• D. 25 years old

Answer: (B)

Open carry rules are set by state law and depend on the type of firearm, but a common baseline is that eighteen is the minimum age to possess a firearm. In many places you must be at least eighteen to legally possess firearms, and if open carry is allowed for certain firearms (typically rifles or shotguns, and in some places handguns under specific conditions), you’ll be restricted by that age threshold. Because handgun rules are more often stricter—many states require twenty-one to carry a handgun openly or to purchase one—the general exam answer that uses eighteen reflects the broad, initial age floor for firearm possession. Of course, there are states with higher minimums, permitting or prohibiting open carry in various ways, so always check the specific jurisdiction.