Gun range age requirements are one of the most common questions ranges field — from parents, from new shooters, and from their own staff at the counter. The rules come from a mix of federal law, state law, and the range's own policy, and getting them onto your waiver protects everyone.

Not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change. Confirm your state's law and set your own range policy with counsel.

The federal floor

Federal law sets minimum ages to purchase firearms — generally 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns from a licensed dealer (18 U.S.C. § 922). But shooting at a supervised range is a different question, largely left to states and to the range.

Gun range age requirements vary by state

Most ranges allow minors to shoot under direct adult or guardian supervision, but the specifics differ:

  • Some states set explicit minimum ages or supervision ratios.
  • Many ranges set their own floor (often 8–12 for supervised .22 rimfire, 18/21 for unsupervised handgun rental).
  • A guardian typically must be present and sign for anyone under 18.

Because there's no single national rule, your waiver should encode your policy and capture guardian consent when a minor shoots.

What your waiver should capture

  • Date of birth + a computed age gate so under-age signers are flagged automatically.
  • Guardian name, ID, and signature when the shooter is a minor.
  • Your stated minimum age as an acknowledged range rule.

Range Waiver's age-gate and guardian blocks handle exactly this — the form collects guardian consent only when the signer's DOB shows a minor, and blocks submission otherwise.

Getting started