DOJ says it may not criminally enforce the dealer handgun age ban for law-abiding 18-20 adults. Window, not permanent win. Help us through November.

Short version.

September 17, OLC. September 18, DOJ announced it. DOJ says it may not criminally enforce the federal handgun age ban against dealers who sell handguns to otherwise law-abiding adults ages 18 to 20.

Congress didn’t repeal it. SCOTUS didn’t kill it nationwide. Courts aren’t bound by OLC. A future AG can reverse. One circuit struck this as applied, another upheld it, and SCOTUS left that split standing when it denied cert in McCoy on June 30, 2026. States can still keep their own shop-door rules, so federal non-enforcement isn’t every counter opening.

Gaiser’s point in one breath: if you can vote, do jury duty, get drafted, and face adult penalties, DOJ shouldn’t treat you like a kid at the handgun counter. Fine. Still a window.

Windows close. November is when politicians will try to slam this one.

We’re holding the line through November. If you can chip in, do it. If you can’t, at least don’t buy the victory lap.

Chip in to hold the line

For Tennessee,

Chris Dorr
Executive Director
Tennessee Gun Owners

P.S. Celebrate for a minute. Then fund the hold-the-line work, because the statute is still breathing.