How to Buy Firearms in Pennsylvania

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Whether you're buying for protection, hunting, or target practice, there are a few steps to take to buy firearms legally and safely. Start at step one to learn how to purchase a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania.

Steps

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  1. [1]
    • You must be at least 18 to purchase a firearm. [2] While you can own a handgun under 21 firearm dealers are prohibited from selling to anyone under 21.
    • You can't buy a gun if you've been convicted of a violent crime.
    • You can't buy a gun if you have been declared mentally ill by the court.
    • You can't buy a gun if you are a fugitive from justice.
    • You can't buy a gun if you are a drug addict or alcoholic. This includes marijuana and if you have a medical marijuana card you are prohibited from buying or owning firearms. [3]
    • You can't buy a gun if you have been convicted of three separate DUI charges within a five-year period.
    • You can't buy a gun if you are the subject for an active protection from abuse order (PFA).
  2. All gun sales need to take place at a federal firearms dealer or at the county sheriff's office, even if someone is just transferring the gun to you ,you are buying private, or you're buying it online. [4]
    • The only exceptions to this are transfers between spouses, parents/children, active members of law enforcement, and grandparents/grandchildren. [5]
    • Long guns and antique firearms also do not need a federal dealer or a background check. However, you will likely get a background check if you buy from a federal dealer.
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  3. Most shops will let you touch and hold the gun before you purchase them. Feel free to ask the employees for advice or refer to the following articles.
    • Choose a handgun. A handgun is good for home/self defense and hidden carry. They come in many varieties.
    • Choose a rifle. Also good for defense or hunting. Not very good concealed carry though.
    • Choose a shotgun. Also good for defense or hunting. Not very good concealed carry though.
    • Choose a firearm for self defense.
  4. You will need a valid state ID from Pennsylvania.
  5. These are basic forms where you will need to fill out all your personal information including full name, date of birth, current address, place of birth (just city and state or country), phone number, email, social security number or UPIN, height and weight, sex, ethnicity and race. The form will also ask you a series of yes or no eligibility questions to ensure you are eligible. These questions are typically if you've ever been convicted of a felony or are in court for a felony, if you've used drugs or alcohol excessively, if you have a PFA against you, if you're a fugitive from justice, if you've ever denounced your citizenship, etc.
    • Your information will be run through Pennsylvania Instant Check (PIC) and will tell the clerk instantly if you can purchase the gun or if they need to call state police for further information. If you pass the check and everything goes well you can walk out with your firearm that day.
  6. The standard fee is $20 for handguns and $25 for long guns.
  7. While you're at the store you might want to pick up some basics at least:
    • Ammunition (Range ammo and ammo for hunting or personal defense)
    • Cleaning kit/supplies
    • Accessories (lasers, sights, grips, flashlights, holster, etc)
    • Safe/case
    • Locking mechanism
  8. If you do not already, consider taking a class or researching how to properly use and discharge the firearm. This is not required but recommended for safety.
  9. You'll want to go to a range (or another place you can safely test fire the weapon) at some point to ensure the gun is working properly.
  10. This can get a bit tricky. The law in PA is currently silent on the matter of open carry. Therefore it is defacto legal to do so, except in Philadelphia where it is illegal to carry unless you have a license. [6] You are not allowed to carry it in a vehicle or concealed in any way unless you have a permit for concealed carry. It is a felony to carry a concealed weapon or carry a loaded weapon in your car without a license. It is also illegal to have a loaded long gun in your car. You can carry concealed without a permit: [7]
    • At your home or place of business
    • If you are carrying the gun between homes, businesses, range, etc. The gun must be unloaded and the ammo stored in a separate container.
  11. When not in use the gun should be stored and locked away from curious children and/or robbers. It should be unloaded and locked in an approved firearm safe. This is not required by law but recommended for safety. Strongly consider doing these extra steps. Never underestimate a child's curiosity or will to get into things they shouldn't.
    • You can also apply for a sportman's firearm permit. Which allows you to carry a gun while hunting, fishing, fur bearing, or training dogs. It is not a permit to carry a concealed weapon other than when you're partaking in these sports. You have to be 18 or older to apply for this and you must have a license for the sport. (Hunting license, fishing license, etc) [8]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a background check for shotguns and rifles?
    Stephen
    Top Answerer
    If you purchase a long gun from a federally licensed dealer, then yes, there is a background check. Although, if you are purchasing a long gun in a private sale or transferring a long gun privately, then you do not need a background check.
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  • Question
    How do you transport your gun while going to shooting range?
    Stephen
    Top Answerer
    Do you have a valid license to carry a concealed firearm? If you do, then you can carry it in the vehicle or on your person. If you do not have a license, then place the unloaded weapon in a secure container. And place the ammunition in a separate place or container. Note that it is a felony to carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle unless you have a license. It is also illegal to carry a loaded long gun, rifle or shotgun in your vehicle, whether you have a license or not.
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  • Question
    Can an Ohio resident buy a shotgun in Pennsylvania?
    Viggo Hush
    Community Answer
    Federal law allows the purchase of long guns, including shotguns, by out-of-state residents. However, the sale must comply with the laws of both the seller's state and the buyer's state. In Pennsylvania, private sales of long guns are generally legal.
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      Tips

      • You are not permitted to open carry or concealed carry (without a license) in the city of Philadelphia. [9]
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      • Always practice proper gun safety. Remember it starts with you! Always treat a gun as if it's loaded and ready to fire. Even if you have just verified that it was unloaded. Always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
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      • Strongly consider getting a safe, locking device, or other safety measures. Especially, but not only, if you have children in the home. Never underestimate a child's curiosity.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=00.&chpt=061.&sctn=005.&subsctn=000
      2. ↑ https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=61&sctn=10&subsctn=1
      3. ↑ https://www.psp.pa.gov/firearms-information/Pages/Firearms-Information.aspx
      4. ↑ https://lawcenter.giffords.org/background-checks-in-pennsylvania/
      5. ↑ https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/pennsylvania/
      6. ↑ http://www.pafoa.org/law/
      7. ↑ https://www.psp.pa.gov/firearms-information/Pages/Carrying-Firearms-in-Pennsylvania.aspx
      8. ↑ https://www.psp.pa.gov/firearms-information/Pages/Carrying-Firearms-in-Pennsylvania.aspx
      9. ↑ https://www.phila.gov/2018-03-20-gun-control-policies/
      1. http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/pennsylvania.pdf

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