Pennsylvania Gun Control Laws

The laws governing the possession and ability to carry or conceal firearms in Pennsylvania are not among the strictest in the nation. There are few regulations applied to the use of rifles and shotguns, most of them are directed toward their use in hunting and sport. The use of handguns requires some effort. A permit is required to carry a handgun for the use in hunting. A license is required to carry or carry the handgun concealed. These take no more than 45 days to receive after application, if granted, and appeals can be made.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Possession

• Possession of a firearm on school property is a second-degree felony.
  
• Minor in possession of a handgun is a second-degree felony
  
• Possession of an intentionally altered firearm is a first-degree misdemeanor

Requirements:

Pennsylvania Gun Purchasing Laws

Purchasing firearms in the state of Pennsylvania is a straightforward process. Rifles and shotguns require no application. One must submit to an immediate background check for a handgun; however, no permit or license is required before the purchase of a firearm. Record of handgun transfers is required to be kept by law. Afterwards the firearm does not need to be registered with any sort of government agency.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

• Sale of firearms to convicts or felons is a third degree felony
  
• The purchaser of a firearm may receive the weapon no earlier than 48 hours after the actual purchase
  
• Using false information to buy a firearm is a third degree felony

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

 Use of deadly force with firearms for self-defense varies greatly from state to state and the laws in Pennsylvania not among the lenient. It may be used only under strict circumstances. It may not be used to protect property of any kind, only one’s life or the life of a third party involved. It is against the law in Pennsylvania to use deadly force in the following situations:

• Against an arresting office, whether it is lawful or not
• The defender may retreat with total safety
• Defending one’s property

Legal Help

Gun law infractions are very dangerous. They can prevent one from legally owning a firearm again in the future. An attorney should be hired to help gain the least possible sentence for the given charge. The following crimes are easily and often committed:

• Possession of a handgun without proper licensing
• Misuse of firearms while hunting
• Unlawful transport of firearms while on a roadway