Moving from Hou. to Pitt. need gun law advise

[motorsport28]

As the title states my significant other and I are moving to Pitt., PA and before I move I would like to be familiar with the laws in PA. I currently own a revolver and p2000.

- What is their laws towards ccw?
- towards self defense?
- towards carry in a vehicle?

Any help or link would be great thanks.

 

[ilbob]

In a lot of respects PA has even better gun laws than TX. Shall issue CC permit with no training and no prints. OC is legal. Very few places where you cannot CC.

 

[motorsport28]

^^ Wow. I would have never expected that. Thanks for the info. How would you then obtain a chl in PA? Is it as simple as an online app.?

 

[NavyLCDR]

Here's the PA code:
http://members.aol.com/StatutesP2/18.Cp.61A.html

You might want to note that gifts/private sales of firearms in PA must go through an FFL.

 

[motorsport28]

Good to know. That's a bummer. Thanks.

 

[General Geoff]

^^Only handguns need to be transferred through an FFL. Long guns can be privately sold or traded without papers.


as for optaining a PA LTCF (license to carry firearms), you have to fill out a short application form and submit it to your county sheriff's office. They do their background check and presumably check your two references, then they send you your LTCF in the mail within 90 days IIRC. Cost is between $10 and $30 depending on your county, and is good for 5 years. No prints or training requirements needed.


You can carry anywhere in PA except for court houses (which are legally required to provide you with a secure area to check your firearm near the entrance), federal buildings/property, state parks (we're working on that), and possibly schools (though the law provides a defense that you were carrying for lawful purposes if you do get caught carrying in a school). Open carry anywhere except in Philadelphia or in a vehicle is legal WITHOUT any license or permit. Concealed carry (and open carry in Philadelphia) requires a LTCF or reciprocal state's CCW/CHL. It should be noted that PA recognizes EVERY other state's carry permit for purposes of carrying concealed or open in a vehicle.

There's no "stand your ground" law yet, there's a duty to retreat everywhere except within your abode.

 

[DirksterG30]

Where are you moving in Pittsburgh - city limits, or one of the suburbs?

 

[motorsport28]

^^ Unknown exactly but probably in mt. lebanon, squirrel hill, dormont; somewhere in that area.

 

[Gottahaveone]

As the title states my significant other and I are moving to Pitt., PA and before I move I would like to be familiar with the laws in PA.

As others have noted, I think you will be very happy with the social climate in Pgh. I moved there from Ga, and was extremely happy with not only how friendly and open the people were but with how unintrusive the gun laws are. Go to the Allegheny County courthouse, fill out the form and wait 90 days. Permit will appear like magic
If you aren't sure about which burb to relocate to, take a good look at the North Hills. I spent 5 years in Ross Township and never regretted the choice. 10 min's from "dahntahn" and convenient to all the shopping. Just don't get exited when people invite you to The Strip District. I got my hopes up for nothing, the name has nothing to do with exotic dancers or poles......

 

[motorsport28]

Just don't get exited when people invite you to The Strip District. I got my hopes up for nothing, the name has nothing to do with exotic dancers or poles......

Damn. lol.

Yeah my g/f's parents live in mt. lebanon (originally from TX). We are waiting to be married and plan to move in about a year.

We have flown up there a number of times over a 4 year span and fall in love with the city everytime. I love how you dont have to drive everywhere and enjoy the 'walking commercial area in squirrel hill.

Now being aware of the gun laws make it an even better place to live. (i was a little worried about that)

 

[Aguila Blanca]

It should be noted that PA recognizes EVERY other state's carry permit for purposes of carrying concealed or open in a vehicle.

Allow me to clarify that, because when I first read it I thought it said something other than what I believe you meant.

PA allows you to carry in a vehicle as long as you have a license/permit from any other state. That's only for vehicle carry. Concealed carry on your person, outside of your vehicle, requires either a PA permit or a permit from a state recognized by PA -- which is not every state.

 

[jbird714]

"PA allows you to carry in a vehicle as long as you have a license/permit from any other state. That's only for vehicle carry. Concealed carry on your person, outside of your vehicle, requires either a PA permit or a permit from a state recognized by PA -- which is not every state"

I had to reread that post myself. Pulled out my list of states that honor Alabamas' license to make sure I didn't miss one . Still it's nice that I can keep one in the vehicle. If the job allows I will be traveling in Pa much more in the near future. Love the fishing and have several friends in the Allentown and Duryea areas.

Jay

 

[SMMAssociates]

PA will issue a non-resident permit to just about anybody who asks, too. Danny Nau (Center County, or is that "Centre"?) has a web site. If you live in a state where a license is possible, though, you must have it to get the PA license. No idea how they handle CA, MA, or NY....

I used to have family in Squirrel Hill and East Pittsburgh. I don't think I'd like the hills much in the Winter, but it's otherwise nice.

Regards,