Posted: 12/26/2007 5:59:30 PM EDT
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I have been saving up some money to buy either a handgun or an ar if i cannot get one. i am only 18 so my mom would have to buy it. im not looking to carry or anything just to be able to take to the range. i posted this question a while back and i heard that i would be ok bringing the handgun gun in my car as long as it is unloaded and ammo stored somewhere else. i asked a local cop [Braddock cop] just to make sure and he told me that it was 21 no matter what. i called the state police and asked there they gave me a very quick answer which was no but it seemed like the guy didn't bother to look it up or anything. I i just want to make sure im not getting myself or anyone else into trouble. i just need to make sure that you guys are 100 percent certain that i can. again no disrespect to whoever answered me before. thanks alot guys |
Are you sure? Thought the law was you couldn't purchase a handgun in PA until you were 21, but you can own one (parent-to-child gift and similar transfers) if you are 18. |
| He might be able to legally own it, but I don't think he can take it anywhere alone until he's 21. I'd suggest a google search to find a website of PA laws. I know I've come across one before but I don't have a link for it offhand. It will be spelled out, in plain English, what you can and can't do in there. |
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This is something that is pretty fuzzy under PA law (or at least my understanding). PA Laws - Crimes and Offenses go to section 61 under Uniform Firearms Act. Good luck. PA defines firearm (under definitions § 6102) basically as a pistol and or a NFA rifle/shotgun. However in other sections Firearms is defined differently; it is basically all guns. Firearms Not to be Carried without Licenses. Note that they use the term ANY PERSON who is legally allowed to possess a firearm can transport it unloaded if they are going to a shooting range. They also define firearm as basically any gun. Now under licenses they drop the age of 21 saying that you have to be 21 to get a concealed carry permit. This is to obviously carry a LOADED firearm concealed on your person or in a vehicle. There is a whole lot more in Chapter 61 if you look close. PA basically says look at the federal law on who can and cannot possess firearms in addition to their rules and regulations. I have not seen where it says someone who is over 18 but under 21 cannot possess or even own through a gift a pistol. I too used to go to the range with my friend and his father's pistols (with his father's permission). Never thought much of it. |
yep and i belong to the pitcaren monrovile sportsman's club. and i didn't know about the ffl transfer either that would make make my mom feel alot better about letting me do it. is it the same kind of transfer as with a riffle? |
This guy spoke so you have your answer. |
This was an issue at an IDPA match I showed up at, alone, at age 20. My impression was that posession was legal at 18. The 2 lawyers the match organizer asked agreed. |
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21 yoa to buy or carry concealed (permit needed). 18 yoa to transport (unloaded) to the range, competition, etc. You can also open carry at 18 yoa, since it is not concealed and no permit or license is needed. You can also "own" a handgun at 18 yoa, but it must be a gift from a parent or grandparent. |
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The permit from the sheriff's department is a Sportman's Permit and can only be used while hunting, fishing or trapping. It allows the person to carry concealed while doing those activities ONLY......and must be carried in conjunction with a valid license (hunting, fishing or trapping) while doing those activities. No permit or license is needed for open carry in PA, except in Philly. |
To add to what Steve posted, above. The Sportsman's permit does NOT permit the carrying of a loaded handgun in a vehicle. PA Hunting & Trapping Digest, page 20 |
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Well..........its doesn't matter what the PA Digest says........but technically, according to the UFA (Uniform Firearms Act) a Sportsman's Permit is an exception to PACC 6106 requiring a license to carry concealed on your person or in a vehicle. The way the law is written it would be legal (with a SP) to carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle while going to or coming from your hunting, fishing or trapping areas; § 6106. Firearms not to be carried without a license. (a) Offense defined.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony of the third degree. As you can see, you need a license (to carry) in order to carry concealed or in your vehicle. (b) Exceptions.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to: Meaning there are situations where NOT having a license to carry allows you to carry without a license to carry. (9) Persons licensed to hunt, take furbearers or fish in this Commonwealth, if such persons are actually hunting, taking furbearers or fishing as permitted by such license, or are going to the places where they desire to hunt, take furbearers or fish or returning from such places. (10) Persons training dogs, if such persons are actually training dogs during the regular training season. Notice this "exception" includes going to or returning from places where you hunt, trap or fish. (c) Sportsman's firearm permit.-- (1) Before any exception shall be granted under paragraph (b)(9) or (10) of this section to any person 18 years of age or older licensed to hunt, trap or fish or who has been issued a permit relating to hunting dogs, such person shall, at the time of securing his hunting, furtaking or fishing license or any time after such license has been issued, secure a sportsman's firearm permit from the county treasurer. The sportsman's firearm permit shall be issued immediately and be valid throughout this Commonwealth for a period of five years from the date of issue for any legal firearm, when carried in conjunction with a valid hunting, furtaking or fishing license or permit relating to hunting dogs. The sportsman's firearm permit shall be in triplicate on a form to be furnished by the Pennsylvania State Police. The original permit shall be delivered to the person, and the first copy thereof, within seven days, shall be forwarded to the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police by the county treasurer. The second copy shall be retained by the county treasurer for a period of two years from the date of expiration. The county treasurer shall be entitled to collect a fee of not more than $6 for each such permit issued, which shall include the cost of any official form. The Pennsylvania State Police may recover from the county treasurer the cost of any such form, but may not charge more than $1 for each official permit form furnished to the county treasurer. Notice this section states before you can claim an exception to the requirement of having a license to carry for (b)(9), (10) you need a Sportman's Permit. Now where does it state that the handgun cannot be loaded (carried in your vehicle). |
I defer to you're expertise.  Good to know. |