What is the name of the law that requires a handgun buyer to be 21 or older?

When was this law passed? Was there ever a time in America's history when an 18 year old could purchase a gun?

In the 1980's. The Brady Bill. It stems from the shooting of Ronald Reagan.

i wasn't aware that that was a law. but i guess i know now.

and yes, at one point in history people were allowed to by guns without age restrictions.

It's called "the Liberals sticking their nose in where it does not belong law".

Check your State laws