Considering a handgun.

[drbroccoli]

I turn 18 soon and I've been considering buying a gun.
I'm impressed with the Sig P226. The 357 model.
What do you guys think?

[Enkidu]

You have to be 21 to purchase a handgun in the States. Where do you live?

Get a Glock. You can get in .357 sig if you want. A .40 cal Glock (the 21 is the compact, I think) you can buy a .357 barrel, thus you've got that extra functionality if you don't like / don't want to pay for .357 sig ammo.

Really, if you want to shoot often, get a 9mm for your first gun. The ammo is cheap.

[Beyond]

And buy it at a gun show. No sense in getting tracked or waiting for a background check. I don't agree with the government knowing what guns I own.

[drbroccoli]

I live in Colorado. Last time I checked, 18 year olds can buy handguns.

[Bohrium]

IIRC, the federal gun control act says 21. I've never heard of an exception to this.

How about pawn shops?

[Beyond]

No, there are no exceptions. 21 to buy a hand gun, 18 for all other guns. Period.