Like the title says, I live in Texas, can I buy a gun from a face-to-face transaction legally since I am 18 and not 21...or does federal law, stating that you must be 21 to buy handguns period, say that I can't?  I am very comfused because I looked up Texas state law that doesn't say no, it says you can't buy a handgun from an FFL, not a private dealer.  BUT, nationally it is much more vague.  So, whats the deal guys?  The atf scares me and I don't want to do anything illegal.  

Federal law deals with purchasing from a FFL.

There is NO such thing as a privated dealer. If they are dealing in firearms, they need a FFL.

As for ownership, 18 is the norm, but states vary.

Now, a private party purchase is what you are talking about. It is legal here, but I don't know TX law. Call a local PD, state, or ask in the Texas forum under "Hometown".