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Pennsylvania Gun Laws – What You Need to Know
|Last Updated on: 10th October 2023, 07:41 pm
Pennsylvania Gun Laws – What You Need to Know
Living in Pennsylvania, you probably have questions about the state’s gun laws. It can be confusing trying to keep up with all the legal mumbo-jumbo. This article will break it down into simple terms so you know your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner.
Getting a License to Carry
In Pennsylvania, you need a license to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle. This is called a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). To get an LTCF, you must:
- Be 21 years old
- Apply through the sheriff’s office in the county you live in
- Pass a background check
- Pay the application fee (around $20)
The license is valid for 5 years. Philadelphia has slightly different rules so check with the police department if you live there.
You don’t need a license to open carry in PA, except in Philadelphia where you need a license for open or concealed carry. Long guns like rifles and shotguns don’t require a license to carry in a vehicle.
Buying and Selling Guns
There is no gun registration in PA. But there are laws about buying, selling, and transferring guns that you need to follow.
Buying from a Dealer
When buying a gun from a licensed dealer, you must pass a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS).
- Handguns: $2 fee for the background check
- Long guns: $2 for the check plus a $3 tax per gun
Private sales between individuals work differently.
Private Sales
For private sales of handguns, the buyer must still pass a background check through a dealer and pay the fees.
For private sales of long guns, no background check is required by state law. But many experts recommend voluntarily going through a dealer to be safe.
Self Defense Laws
Pennsylvania has strong self-defense laws backed by the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground.
- You have no duty to retreat from threats, even in public places
- You can use deadly force if you reasonably fear death/serious injury
- The Castle Doctrine gives you legal protection in your home, vehicle, and place of work
If you use a gun for self-defense, report the incident to police right away. Get a lawyer to protect your rights. Self-defense cases can be complicated but the law is on your side in PA.
Transporting Guns in Vehicles
You need an LTCF to transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Long guns do not require a license for transport.
The firearm must be stored in a secure location like a locked case, glovebox, or trunk. Keep ammo separate from the gun.
Places Off Limits Even With a License
Even with an LTCF, there are places you still can’t carry in Pennsylvania:
- Court facilities
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Federal buildings
- Mental health facilities
And private property owners can ban guns on their premises too.
Out of State Gun Laws
If you want to travel out of state with guns, check each state’s reciprocity laws. Many states will honor a PA carry license but not all.
Transport guns unloaded and locked away. Use common sense and stay legal.
Summary of PA Gun Laws
Here are some key takeaways about gun laws in Pennsylvania:
- Need a license for concealed carry
- No license required for open carry
- Background checks required for all handgun sales
- No registration of firearms
- Strong self-defense and stand your ground laws
- Exercise caution when transporting guns in vehicles
- Check other states’ reciprocity laws
That covers the basics of what you need to know. Remember to practice gun safety at all times and be a responsible owner. Safety training is never a bad idea either. With the right knowledge, we can protect our rights while keeping our communities safe.
The gun laws are always changing so stay updated. Consult an attorney if you have any legal questions. And support groups like the NRA that fight to protect our 2nd Amendment freedoms in Pennsylvania.