ESSENTIAL GUN LAWS FOR PENNSYLVANIA GUN OWNERS

author by John Pike on Jan. 07, 2025

Government State and Local Civil & Human Rights  Civil Rights 

Summary: Owning a gun in Pennsylvania, like throughout the United States, is both a constitutional right and a significant responsibility. Gun owners must adhere to state and federal laws to retain this right.

Eligibility to Own a Firearm in Pennsylvania

According to 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6110.1, you must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a firearm in Pennsylvania. Exceptions may apply if you are under the supervision of a responsible adult. While most residents of the state are eligible to own a gun, there are some important considerations:

No general license or registration is required for firearm ownership.

Permits or licenses may be necessary for specific activities, such as carrying or transporting a firearm.

Circumstances That Can Lead to Losing Gun Ownership Rights

Pennsylvania law, under 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6105, restricts certain individuals from owning firearms. This includes:

Individuals convicted of three or more DUI offenses.

Those involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.

Anyone subject to an active protective order related to abuse.

Individuals convicted of severe crimes, such as kidnapping, murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, rape, or possession of prohibited weapons.

These restrictions apply to convictions at the state, federal, or out-of-state level. Gun owners who lose their right to possess firearms have 60 days to sell or transfer their guns. Some conditions allow for the restoration of firearm rights, depending on the circumstances.

Buying or Selling Firearms in Pennsylvania

Per 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6111, Pennsylvania regulates gun sales and transfers through specific procedures:

A criminal background check using the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) is mandatory for all firearm purchases.

A valid photo ID is required for the background check.

Private handgun sales must occur through a licensed firearm dealer, except when the transfer is between:

Spouses

Parents

Grandparents

For sales or transfers involving individuals from out of state, licensed dealers must facilitate the transaction.

Concealed Carry, Transportation, and Usage Laws

Carrying a concealed firearm or transporting one in a vehicle requires a permit under 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6109. Exceptions include carrying a firearm within your home or private business premises.

Applicants for concealed carry permits must be at least 21 years old.

A sportsman’s firearm permit is required to carry a gun while hunting, fishing, or trapping, as outlined in 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6106(c).

If you plan to travel with your firearm, ensure you understand the reciprocity agreements with other states, as not all states recognize Pennsylvania’s permits.

Self-Defense Laws and Firearms

Pennsylvania's 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 505 outlines the conditions for using a firearm in self-defense:

You must legally own the firearm and not be engaged in criminal activity.

You must have the legal right to be at the location.

You must reasonably believe you are in immediate danger of serious injury, death, rape, or kidnapping.

The attacker must possess a deadly weapon.

Under these circumstances, using deadly force may be justifiable under Pennsylvania law.

Understanding and adhering to these laws ensures responsible gun ownership while protecting your rights in Pennsylvania.

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