Pennsylvania Gun Laws in Plain English
In Pennsylvania, you can generally own and carry most firearms freely, but you must follow strict rules for handguns. You need a permit to carry a handgun concealed or in your car, and you must use a dealer for any private handgun sale. While you can openly carry without a permit in most of the state, you need a license to do so in Philadelphia. There are no limits on magazine size or the type of rifle you can own.
Critical: Pennsylvania Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1Philadelphia is a 'City of the First Class' where Open Carry requires a license (18 Pa.C.S. § 6108).
- #2Private sales of handguns MUST go through an FFL or Sheriff; failure is a crime (18 Pa.C.S. § 6111).
- #3Transfers to siblings (brothers/sisters) are NOT exempt from background checks; only spouse/parent/child/grandparent are exempt.
- #4The State Police 'Record of Sale' for handguns is permanent, acting as a de facto registry for transfers.
- #5Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) (18 Pa.C.S. § 6106).
- #6Without an LTCF, vehicle transport must be unloaded, ammo separate, and DIRECT to/from a range or shop.
- #7A 'Sportsman's Firearm Permit' is for hunting/fishing only and is NOT a valid concealed carry permit.
- #8During a declared State of Emergency, open carry is prohibited without a license (18 Pa.C.S. § 6107).
- #9Involuntary mental health commitment (302) results in a lifetime state prohibition on ownership.
- #10Possession on school property has a 'lawful purpose' defense (§ 912), but using it usually requires getting arrested first.
- #11Medical Marijuana card holders are federally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
- #12Snowmobiles and ATVs are considered vehicles; loaded carry requires an LTCF (and sometimes conflicts with Game Code).
- #13PA does not recognize all other state permits; check reciprocity carefully before visiting.
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.