FBI Gun Laws and NICs Information Center

FBI Gun Laws and NICs Information Center

Information and updates on U.S. Gun Laws, Ownership, and the FBI NICs Instant Criminal Background Check System

Pennsylvania Background Check and Gun Laws

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Subject/Law
Long guns
Handguns
Relevant Statutes
Notes
State Permit to Purchase? No No No
Firearm registration? No No No
"Assault weapon" law? No No No
Owner license required? No No No
Carry permits issued? No Yes *See note above
State Preemption of local restrictions? Yes Yes
NFA weapons restricted? Partial Partial Ban on explosive destructive devices.

In Pennsylvania a License To Carry Firearms is only required to conceal a firearm, or to carry a firearm in a motor vehicle. The law is silent on the act of openly carrying a firearm while not in a vehicle making it de-facto legal. It must be noted however that due to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6108 (Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia) a License To Carry Firearms is required to carry a firearm in any manner on the streets or public property of a "City of the first class" (Philadelphia.) Nonetheless, all Pennsylvania LTCF permits are valid in Philadelphia.