Q&A for How to Transfer Gun Ownership in Pennsylvania

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  • Question
    How do I sell and mail a firearm?
    Francisco Pham
    Firearms Instructor
    Francisco Pham is a Firearms Instructor and the owner of Apex Pistol Training based in Maryland. Francisco has over 16 years of professional experience in competition shooting and firearms training. He is a highly skilled NRA-recommended firearm instructor and is an expert on firearm safety, usage, and maintenance.
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    To sell and mail a firearm, you need to determine its type first, whether it's a handgun or a long gun. If it's a handgun, you'll have to involve a Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL) in the transfer process. Find a licensed FFL dealer and bring the handgun to them, ensuring you have all the required documentation. Complete the necessary paperwork for the transfer, including background checks and ATF Form 4473. The selling FFL dealer will then ship the handgun to the buyer's chosen FFL dealer in their state, with both parties typically paying transfer fees, usually around $50 or less. For long gun sales, check your state's laws, as they may allow direct shipment to the buyer. Package the long gun securely if allowed and ship it via a reputable carrier, ensuring compliance with all regulations. Whether selling a handgun or a long gun, always adhere to federal, state, and local laws to avoid legal complications. If buying from a licensed dealer, the firearm will be shipped to another licensed dealer for transfer to the buyer, following the same process.
  • Question
    How can I transfer a gun in Pennsylvania?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Start by making sure you're eligible to make the transfer. All hand guns, which includes revolvers and pistols, require a background check, but long guns, which are guns like rifles and shot guns, can be sold or given away directly. There are 38 crimes that cause someone to lose the right to own guns including aggravated assault, murder, rape, stalking, and unlawful restraint, so never buy or sell a gun to someone who can't own it. Additionally, don't buy or sell a gun to someone under 18. If you're immediately related to the person, which means they're your spouse, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent, you can simply give or sell the gun directly to them. However, if you knowingly give the gun to a family member who is legally ineligible to own guns, you could still be charged with a felony.
  • Question
    Can you give a gun to a family member in PA?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can simply give a gun to an immediate family member in PA. That includes spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents. However, if you're distantly related you have to transfer the gun through a dealership. So if they're your cousin, aunt, uncle, or unmarried partner, you've got to go to a dealership in order to properly complete the transfer. However, even if you're immediately related, if your relative committed a crime that prevents them from owning a gun, you can't give one to them. If you do, you could be charged with a felony.
  • Question
    Can my dad buy me a handgun?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    According to Federal Law, you can't buy a handgun if you're under 21 years old. However, you can be gifted a handgun if you're under 21. But, you need to be careful that you don't do what's called a "straw purchase" which means you give your did money to buy a gun for you, which is technically illegal. Instead, your dad can buy the handgun and give it to you as a gift. Check with your local laws about whether or not you're allowed to have a handgun to be sure before your dad buys one, though.
  • Question
    I lost my gun registration form. How can I obtain another copy?
    Jx4
    Community Answer
    Check with your state police department, as they will most likely be in charge of gun registration.
  • Question
    Can you give a gun to a sibling family member in PA? The tips above don't mention siblings.
    Jannysmith
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can simply give a gun to an immediate family member in PA. That includes spouses, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents. However, if you're more distantly related, you have to transfer the gun through a dealership.
  • Question
    Can I gift a handgun to my sister and sell or give her fiancé a rifle without paperwork?
    Ahmadali123
    Community Answer
    In Pennsylvania, gifting a firearm generally requires background checks and paperwork. For handguns, you need to go through a licensed dealer for the transfer. Rifles also need to be transferred legally, though the requirements might be slightly less stringent. It's best to consult a local firearms dealer or legal expert to ensure you're following all the necessary procedures.
  • Question
    Do I need to complete transfer forms and perform a buyer background check for a 12-gauge shotgun?
    shiza sheikh
    Community Answer
    If you're buying from a licensed dealer in the U.S., a background check and transfer forms are required. Private sales within the same state may not require them, but some states have stricter laws, so it's important to check local regulations.
  • Question
    My father-in-law gave me a .38 pistol before he passed away, and I would like to give it to his grandson. Do we need to register the weapon? He lived in New Jersey, and we live in Pennsylvania.
    shiza sheikh
    Community Answer
    In Pennsylvania, private firearm transfers of handguns (including a .38 pistol) must go through a licensed firearms dealer or the county sheriff’s office for a background check, except for transfers between spouses, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren. Since your father-in-law was in New Jersey, interstate firearm transfers must go through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in Pennsylvania. You cannot transfer the handgun directly to your grandson without going through an FFL. Check with a local FFL dealer or attorney to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
  • Question
    How do I legally give a gun I own in Pennsylvania to my grandson who lives in Virginia?
    shiza sheikh
    Community Answer
    To legally transfer a firearm from Pennsylvania to your grandson in Virginia, you must use a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Virginia. You can take the firearm to an FFL in Pennsylvania for shipment or ship it directly to a Virginia FFL. Your grandson will need to complete a background check and necessary paperwork at the FFL in Virginia before receiving the firearm. Ensure compliance with Virginia firearm laws, as interstate transfers require an FFL under federal law.
  • Question
    What are the rules for gifting firearms from brother to brother in Pennsylvania?
    Community Answer
    In Pennsylvania, gifting a handgun to your brother requires a background check through a licensed dealer or sheriff’s office. Long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, can be gifted privately without a background check. Ensure your brother is legally allowed to own a firearm.
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