I say gifting because an 18 YO cannot buy a handgun on his own. If you choose to make him earn it, fine. You can't make him do anything, but you can guide him in the ways of safe and responsible carry.
...It is legal for them to buy a handgun in a private private party transaction.
This is in no way an opinion of your 18 Year old.
I think the biggest difference in the past 25 years would be having an 18 year old now that is responsible enough.
I've seen lots of young adults walking around the mall and such that I really hope do not carry. I would see no problem with a honest, respectful and responsible 18 Y.O. carrying, though it may be a good idea to discuss with them how to handle a police encounter while they are carrying. Not being LEO I'm not sure but I could see an officer being a little more nervous about a younger adult having a gun on them.
When I was younger, I wasn't quite mature enough to start carrying. I didn't know it, but my older brother and my dad recognized it. They made me read this book, In The Gravest Extreme—The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection, and it was instrumental in me gaining the maturity necessary to responsibly carry a gun.
I recommend it to all those who are beginning, or thinking about beginning, to carry a gun in public for the purpose of the protection of themselves and others.
Slight correction. An 18 yr old can buy a handgun on his own in IN. Just not from a FFL. Well not from a FFL's dealer stock. It is legal for them to buy a handgun in a private private party transaction.
Some of those you are unsure of are already packing, they just don't worry about things like licenses, law or legally obtaining a firearm.
INGO has its own participation trophy(coin) now?That is the Indiana Special Snowflake Gun Owners coin.
I totally agree with vamptepes, its not about age, its about mindset
...How old was David when he took up arms against Goliath?(I really don't know, I am actually asking)
I have raised my boys, as I was raised, to enjoy the shooting sports and the outdoors... They have been shooting since they were old enough to hold a gun and have been taught, re-taught, and taught again about gun safety, personal defense, etc... I made a promise to each of my boys that as they turned 18, I would pay the $$$ for them to get their permit and I would buy their first gun... 2 down, 1 to go... I feel that the 2 boys of mine who are now 18 and 19, are more safe every single day because they carry a gun... I also think that that sense of responsibility at such a young age, has helped them gain the responsibility necessary in other parts of their lives... I realize that every case is different and every kid is different, but, I truly believe, with all of my heart and soul, that a child is a true product of their raising... I realize there are a few exceptions out there... But, I think that this is the truest statement I can make on this subject...