Overview for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s State Constitution guarantees people the right to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state.
In Pennsylvania it is illegal for anyone convicted of a violent crime to own a handgun. It is also a crime to alter or remove a firearm’s serial number unless the firearm is an antique. For a firearm to be considered antique the gun must have been made in or before 1898, or a replica of a firearm made on or before 1898.
Currently Pennsylvania does not have a Firearm registration, though State police do keep track of handgun sales. More information on Pennsylvania gun laws ca be found here.
- In Philadelphia the Open Carry law does not apply. No one is allowed to carry a gun on any public property or street unless they have a LTCF. There have been altercations between citizens and police regarding open carry.
| Law | Long-guns | Handguns |
|---|---|---|
| Permit to Purchase | No | No |
| Open Carry | Yes | Yes |
| Concealed Carry | Yes | Yes |
| State Preemption of Local Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Firearm Registration | No | No |
| Owner License | No | No |
The Concealed Carry Permit
(often encompasses the open carry permit)
- Price: $20
- Valid for 5 years
- Regarding Non-residents of Pennsylvania: $20 - $24
- Non-resident permits are valid for 5 years
- An owner's license is Not Needed
- Permit to Purchase: Not Needed
- Permits to Purchase Year/Cost: Not Needed
Official Concealed Carry page for Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Pennsylvania Magazine Capacity
Pennsylvania Imitation Firearms
What is classified as an Imitation Firearm in Pennsylvania?
The following is a list of imitation firearms in Pennsylvania:
air rifles
Does Pennsylvania have a gun buy back program?
Pennsylvania does not run, or fund any gun buyback programs.
Local communities including Northampton County and Philadelphia have held gun buy back events.
Does Pennsylvania have an inheritance gun law?
Yes, Pennsylvania has an inheritance gun law.