My son just turned 18. What are the laws for him regarding handguns? I know he can not buy one from a FFL dealer until 21 but I think he can possess one and even buy one from an individual at 18? If this is true can he carry it as well with the constitutional carry that recently passed?

18 or over if military

21 or over everyone else to carry is what I remember

Posses...

"In short- Yes.

There is NO State Law age requirement for a person to own or buy a handgun in Texas . If they are Under 18 they may buy from a stranger with written parental consent, or may receive from a relative with mere parental consent. The parent is responsible for the firearm as described by Texas Penal Code 46.13 for anyone under 17.

At 18 a person is a legal adult. They can buy a handgun if they are not an illegal alien, not a felon, a domestic violence misdemeanants, not a user of marijuana or illegal drugs, not an otherwise “Prohibited Person” under Title 18, US Code , Section 922, are a resident of Texas, and meet the other usual Federal requirements. State requirements are similar.

They can legally buy and own and possess a handgun - they are a legal adult and beholden to no one including their parents- they just cannot buy the handgun from an FFL Dealer because of the Federal Law requirement of age 21.

By state law, they can quite legally buy from a private party selling from their collection ; Uncle Fred can give them one as well.

Once again-short Answer is yes."

I wa unaware of this. Thanks for the info.

Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun;

(2) at the time of the offense:

(A) is younger than 21 years of age; or

(B) has been convicted of an offense under Section 22.01(a)(1), 22.05, 22.07, or 42.01(a)(7) or (8) committed in the five-year period preceding the date the instant offense was committed; and

(3) is not:

(A) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or

(B) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control.

(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which:

(1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is 21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and the handgun is carried in a holster; or

(2) the person is:

(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic or boating; or

(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.46.htm

Minimum Age for Possession of Handguns
Subject to limited exceptions, federal law prohibits the possession (unlawful for a person to sell, deliver or otherwise transfer to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile) of a handgun or handgun ammunition by any person under the age of 18 [18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(2)].

Exceptions [18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(3)]:

Temporary transfer and possession of handguns and handgun ammunition for specified activities, including employment, ranching, farming, target practice and hunting, provided the juvenile is in possession of prior written consent of the juvenile’s parent or guardian who is not prohibited by federal, state or local law from possessing a firearm;
A juvenile who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who possesses or is armed with a handgun in the line of duty;
A transfer by inheritance of title (but not possession) of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile; or
The possession of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile taken in defense of the juvenile or other persons against an intruder into the residence of the juvenile or a residence in which the juvenile is an invited guest.

Real answer is NO!

Federal laws trump state law.

Minimum Age for Possession of Handguns
Subject to limited exceptions, federal law prohibits the possession (unlawful for a person to sell, deliver or otherwise transfer to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile) of a handgun or handgun ammunition by any person under the age of 18 [18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(2)].

Exceptions [18 U.S.C. § 922(x)(3)]:

Temporary transfer and possession of handguns and handgun ammunition for specified activities, including employment, ranching, farming, target practice and hunting, provided the juvenile is in possession of prior written consent of the juvenile’s parent or guardian who is not prohibited by federal, state or local law from possessing a firearm;
A juvenile who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who possesses or is armed with a handgun in the line of duty;
A transfer by inheritance of title (but not possession) of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile; or
The possession of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile taken in defense of the juvenile or other persons against an intruder into the residence of the juvenile or a residence in which the juvenile is an invited guest.

Some more reading"

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/programs/ceasefire/brochures-and-talking-points/federal-firearms-laws#:~:text=B.%2018%20USC%20%C2%A7%20922%20%28x%29%20%282%29.%20A,%28b%29.%20Punishable%20by%20up%20to%205%20years%20imprisonment.