As a Pennsylvania resident looking to buy your first firearm, you will quickly learn that there are numerous laws and regulations in place that balances ease of purchase with safety. There are more controls in place to purchase a handgun than there are a rifle or shotgun in PA, mostly due to the differences between intended use and concealability.
The notable differences between handguns and long guns deal with age requirements, state and federal background checks, ways to transfer guns to others, and navigating the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. This guide will give you the basic information for first-time gun buyers, those of you looking for more knowledge about the framework of firearms laws, and hunters getting ready for the upcoming seasons. Understanding these laws will help you avoid any issues with compliance.
Since handguns are often associated with more urban self-defense and rifles being linked to hunting in the more rural areas of the state, the laws have evolved around these two ideas of public safety. The current laws at the federal level are the basic foundation of gun laws, whereas Pennsylvania has additional laws that are more focused on addressing citizen concerns within the state.
The Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act was passed in 1995 and has been amended throughout the years to keep up with current events. This act has standardized the gun buying processes across the state to prevent prohibited individuals from being able to access firearms. At DB Outfitters in Telford, PA, we are your authoritative resource to purchase a firearm while ensuring you are in full compliance of all state and federal gun laws. Every transaction will be conducted in accordance with these laws.
So, if you are planning to purchase your first handgun or a rifle for deer season, DB Outfitters is the place to find state-compliant firearms from our inventory, while being educated on the required paperwork for your federal and state background check.
Firearm Purchases in Pennsylvania
Purchasing a firearm in Pennsylvania means that you are utilizing a dual system of oversight. The federal system is operated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosive, or ATF. The state authority falls to the Pennsylvania State Police. The Pennsylvania Instant Check System is the state’s alternate check to the federal NICS background check system. The PICS system has denied access to ineligible purchasers since its inception in 1998.
Handguns are defined as pistols or revolvers with barrels under 16 inches. These types of firearms face more scrutiny because of their portability, which increases risks in concealed carry or misuse scenarios. Long guns are rifles with 16” barrels longer and shotguns with barrels 18” or more, receive comparatively lighter regulation, reflecting their common use in hunting and sport that is so common in Pennsylvania. For hunters and competitive shooters, long guns are much more common for their use in activities such as hunting, trap and skeet shooting.
First-time buyers who want to learn about firearms often start with a rifle or shotgun, as the process involves fewer hurdles. Handguns are more appealing to those who are prioritizing self-defense reasons over sporting ones. If your goal is to obtain a handgun for daily personal protection, you will need to get a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) for public carry. Pennsylvania’s “shall-issue” policy for LTCFs means qualified applicants generally receive approval, but the underlying purchase laws remain distinct.
Recent efforts in the Pennsylvania state house to expand the background check system to all private sales of firearms has not passed as of this writing. DB Outfitters stays constantly updated on all potential changes to gun laws currently being proposed in Harrisburg and will inform you about these pending changes when required.
Age Requirements for Buying Firearms in PA
Age restrictions are enforced uniformly across dealers and private sellers to protect younger individuals from accessing firearms illegally. These limits originate from federal statutes but are implemented through state mechanisms like PICS to ensure consistency.
Handguns
The age requirement for handguns in PA mandates that you must be at least 21 years old to purchase or receive one from a licensed dealer or through a private transfer. This federal threshold aims to mitigate risks associated with impulsive behavior or inexperience, as studies indicate higher misuse rates among those under 21. In Pennsylvania, this extends to all handgun transactions, requiring a PICS check that verifies your birthdate against identification like a driver’s license or passport.
There are few exceptions to these rules. Parents or guardians can transfer handguns to minors under specific conditions, such as for supervised hunting or target practice, but these must comply with juvenile possession laws. Adults aged 18-20 fall into a weird limbo of firearms laws. You cannot buy from dealers, and private sales still demand age verification via transfer processes.
This creates scenarios where an 18-year-old veteran or college student might legally own a rifle or shotgun for home protection but isn’t allowed to legally own a handgun. Enforcement involves cross-checking with databases during PICS, and falsifying age on ATF Form 4473 carries federal penalties, including fines up to $250,000 or imprisonment. DB Outfitters reinforces this by requiring multiple forms of ID and explaining alternatives, such as starting with training courses to build familiarity before reaching the legal age of 21.
Rifles and Shotguns
Conversely, the age requirement for rifles and shotguns in PA allows 18 years olds to purchase, aligning with federal regulations for long guns. This age difference facilitates entry for younger adults into the long-standing hunting traditions of Pennsylvania. The rationale for this is that because of the bulkier design of rifles and shotguns, the concern over concealment is reduced, while their role in outdoor activities like hunting that promotes safety and awareness is still prevalent. An 18-year-old can legally acquire a shotgun for duck hunting season without the age delay on firearms like handguns.
Private transferring is allowed so long as the seller confirms the age to avoid providing a firearm to an underage individual. Minors under the age of 18 can still possess rifles and shotguns for purposes like hunting or target shooting, but they are not allowed to purchase one outright. These disparities in age requirements show the policy priorities of Pennsylvania lawmakers. Under the current laws, long guns are associated with sport and hunting purposes while handguns for self-defense require more maturity.
Transfer Processes and Legal Requirements
Transferring a firearm in Pennsylvania covers all aspects such as sales, loans, gift giving, with regulations in place to ensure these firearms are traceable and those in possession are eligible to have them. The PICS system interfaces with federal databases to ensure compliance.
Buying from an FFL Dealer
Purchasing a firearm from FFL dealers like DB Outfitters means that you are using a federally licensed entity. These dealers will utilize the PICS background check system for sales of all handguns, rifles, and shotguns. After choosing your firearm, you will fill out the ATF Form 4473, the federal background check. The team at DB Outfitters will submit your completed paperwork through the PICS system, which scans federal and state records to ensure you are not a prohibited person trying to illegally buy a firearm.
Since this is an instant criminal background check, wait times are generally short, usually taking less than an hour to complete. Delays can happen though, and if denied, you can appeal that decision within 30 days of the denial. If your background check goes through, you are good to walk out the door of the dealer with your firearm that day.
Private Sales in Pennsylvania
To conduct a private sale in Pennsylvania, the rules for different firearm types will vary. Handguns require an FFL dealer or county sheriff to conduct the transaction, which includes a full background check through the PICS system. This is where the “gun show loophole” is closed in Pennsylvania, requiring a full vetting process to obtain a handgun, including a paper trail like a bill of sale to allow for traceability for law enforcement.
Rifles and shotguns, however, do not require a background check through private sales. This means that once both parties confirm their own eligibility the sale can be conducted. The flexibility with long guns allows for easier transfers like inheriting family-owned firearms or selling a known friend a rifle. In short, a handgun private sale necessitates a full background check while long guns can be done with a simple bill of sale.
Federal vs State Laws: Key Differences
Federal firearm laws under the ATF establish baselines, such as prohibiting sales to felons or drug addicts, while Pennsylvania refines them via the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. Federally, NICS handles checks for out-of-state dealings, but the PICS system includes local law enforcement databases for faster, more accurate results. When it comes to private sales, there are some differences.
There is no federal law that requires a background check, but the state of Pennsylvania mandates it for handgun sales. Pennsylvania also expands on the federal background check which includes a prohibition to purchase for Pennsylvanians with three DUI’s in five years or those with active protections orders levied by the state. And regardless of state level medical cannabis laws, federal law prohibits users from purchasing a firearm due to the federal stance on cannabis being a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Age rules align both state and federally, but state enforcement through PICS does include extended reviews for young buyers. There is no assault weapons ban federally or statewide, but local ordinances in cities like Pittsburgh may restrict magazines.
Practical Tips for First-Time Firearm Buyers
It is best to be prepared when going to purchase your first firearm in Pennsylvania. Ask yourself if you are looking for something to use for hunting or target purposes or if your needs align more with carrying a handgun for self-defense reasons. You should make a trip to a licensed firearms dealer like DB Outfitters so you can handle each of these firearms in a controlled environment.
Their highly professional staff will be able to answer all your questions when it comes to the laws, caliber options, reliable handguns for self-defense, and more. When making a budget for your purchase, keep in mind the cost for tax, additional fees, ammunition, and any other gear or accessories you will need to safely use your new firearm. Try to find the next hunter safety course or concealed handgun course available in your area. Learning how to use your new firearm is just as important as the purchase itself.
How DB Outfitters Helps Buyers Navigate Legal Requirements
DB Outfitters is your go-to shop in Telford, Pennsylvania for your next or first firearms purchase. There, you will learn how to navigate through the entire purchasing process from start to finish. Their entire team is fully versed in the current rules and regulations put forth by the Pennsylvania State Police and will ensure you are in full compliance during this process. They can facilitate private handgun purchases, conduct transfers, and have a full inventory of handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Making Safe and Legal Firearm Purchases
As a first-time buyer looking for the right handgun, rifle, or shotgun, it is your responsibility to know all the rules and regulations surrounding your purchase. You are the sole person responsible for your firearm. Luckily, the team at DB Outfitters knows the entire process and can educate you on how to remain in full compliance while making the buying process as smooth as possible for you. From age requirements to what defines a prohibited person, navigating this system can seem overwhelming at first. You will learn the process of how federal and state laws intersect in Pennsylvania, and DB Outfitters is there to be your gateway to legal firearm ownership in the Commonwealth. As a disclaimer, this guide was written to the best of our current knowledge. Laws can and do change. It is ultimately your responsibility to keep current with all laws and regulations regarding the purchasing of firearms and to verify the accuracy of this writing from official sources.