To possess and use any firearms and ammunition, Rhode Island citizens must be at least 18 years of age, unless:

• In the presence of a parent, guardian or other supervising adult at at any regular and recognized camp or rifle range;¹
• The minor is engaged in hunting under the supervision of a parent, guardian or qualified adult; or
• The minor is in reserve officer training, target shooting or parade activities.²

A person must also be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun³ or a long gun.⁴ The state also prohibits selling a firearm to any individual under age 21.⁵

Rhode Island also generally prohibits any person from selling ammunition to any person unless such person is 21 years of age or older and, after December 31, 2022, holds a valid handgun safety certificate or Rhode Island hunter education course card.⁶ The state also prohibits transferring, giving, conveying or causing to be sold, transferred, given or conveyed, any firearm or ammunition to any person under age 18, when the person knows or has reason to know that the recipient is under age 18.⁷

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1. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-33(a).[↩]
2. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-32, 11-47-33.[↩]
3. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-35(a)(1).[↩]
4. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-35.2.[↩]
5. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-37.[↩]
6. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-64.[↩]
7. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-31.[↩]