The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit just delivered a major win for Second Amendment supporters, striking down the federal ban on handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds.

That’s right—the same people who can vote, join the military, and be tried as adults are now confirmed to have the right to buy a handgun. Imagine that!

The court didn’t just toss out the ban on a whim. They applied the Supreme Court’s Bruen standard, which requires gun laws to be deeply rooted in American history and tradition. And guess what? At the time of the Founding, 18-year-olds were considered part of the militia, and they had the right to keep and bear arms. So this modern-age restriction? Unconstitutional.

The ruling follows similar trends across the country, where courts are recognizing that age-based gun bans don’t hold up under historical scrutiny. If the Founders trusted 18-year-olds with muskets to defend the nation, today’s young adults should be trusted with modern handguns for self-defense.

The federal government tried to justify the ban by arguing that young adults are more impulsive and prone to crime. That’s the same tired talking point gun control advocates always throw out when they’re losing an argument.

But the court wasn’t buying it. They pointed out that rights aren’t doled out based on arbitrary assumptions about maturity. If 18-year-olds are mature enough to fight for their country, they’re mature enough to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

This ruling doesn’t just affect 18- to 20-year-olds—it strengthens the Second Amendment for everyone. It sets a precedent that gun rights don’t disappear based on arbitrary government restrictions. This is a huge deal, especially when gun control advocates are constantly trying to chip away at our rights one group at a time.

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And let’s not forget—young gun owners are a growing demographic. With over 26 million new gun owners since 2020, a significant number of them are young adults who refuse to be disarmed. The Fifth Circuit just reinforced their right to legally purchase the tools they need to protect themselves.

While this ruling is a big win, it’s not the final word just yet. The case has been sent back to a lower court, and the federal government may still appeal.

For now, NSSF advises firearm dealers in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi to hold off on selling handguns to those under 21 until a final decision is made.

Stay tuned for updates as this unfolds.

The Fifth Circuit’s decision is another nail in the coffin for age-based gun control. The 2A applies to all law-abiding Americans, not just those who have reached a government-approved birthday.

As courts continue striking down unconstitutional gun laws, one thing is clear: the tide is turning, and gun rights are winning.

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