West Virginia Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the age requirement for open carry of a firearm in West Virginia?

1. 18 years old

2. 21 years old

3. 16 years old

4. There is no age requirement

The correct answer is: 18 years old

In West Virginia, the legal age to openly carry a firearm is indeed 18 years old. This aligns with the state's recognition of the rights of individuals who are considered adults at this age to manage and bear arms. The law is reflective of the rights granted by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. Other age-related options presented don't align with West Virginia’s firearm regulations or the general age of majority in the context of firearm ownership and carry. The 21-year-old threshold is often applicable to certain regulated activities like purchasing handguns from a licensed dealer but does not apply to open carry laws. Therefore, the correct understanding is that an individual who is at least 18 years old is permitted to openly carry a firearm in West Virginia.