Gun Laws in Pennsylvania
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Pennsylvania's moderate score of 51 reflects the state's mixed approach to gun regulation, with shall-issue concealed carry permits and generally permissive ownership laws balanced by certain restrictions and local control provisions.
Pennsylvania Gun Laws Summary
Pennsylvania takes a balanced approach to firearms regulation, maintaining relatively permissive ownership laws while implementing certain restrictions and allowing some local control. The state generally follows federal regulations without imposing excessive additional burdens on law-abiding gun owners.
Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, managed by county sheriffs. The state requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) for concealed carry, and qualifying applicants who meet the statutory requirements will receive their permits without discretionary denial. The application process is relatively straightforward with minimal training requirements.
Unlike constitutional carry states, Pennsylvania requires a permit for concealed carry but allows open carry without a permit for most individuals who can legally possess firearms. The state has been considering constitutional carry legislation but has not yet adopted it. Pennsylvania's firearms laws are generally uniform statewide, though some local ordinances may apply in certain municipalities.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
No permits are required to purchase firearms or ammunition in Pennsylvania. Background checks are conducted for sales through federally licensed dealers (FFLs) as required by federal law, using the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) or the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Private sales between individuals require no background check for long guns, though handgun transfers between non-family members must go through an FFL or be conducted at a sheriff's office. Pennsylvania does not maintain a registry of firearm transfers, though records of handgun sales are kept by the state police.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Pennsylvania requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) for concealed carry, issued by county sheriffs to applicants aged 21 and older who meet statutory requirements. Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm, except in cities of the first class (Philadelphia) where an LTCF is required.
Open carry is generally legal without a permit, though prohibited in certain locations including courthouses, federal buildings, and school property. For concealed carry, Pennsylvania recognizes permits from states with similar or more stringent requirements. No formal training is required for an LTCF, though applicants must demonstrate good cause in some counties.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Pennsylvania has no bans on semi-automatic firearms, detachable magazines, or firearms with specific features at the state level. There are no magazine capacity restrictions. Most NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, etc.) are legal to own provided federal requirements are met. However, some local governments may have additional restrictions, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Local Laws
Pennsylvania has limited statewide preemption of firearms laws. While the state generally prohibits local governments from regulating the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, some exceptions exist. Cities of the first class (Philadelphia) and second class (Pittsburgh) have been granted certain authorities to regulate firearms, creating some variation in local laws that gun owners must navigate carefully.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Pennsylvania Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person..
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
One of the original states and the host of the 1787 Constitutional Convention where the Second Amendment was ratified, Pennsylvania has a long history with firearms.
When it comes to purchasing, owning, and carrying firearms and ammunition, Pennsylvania is substantially more permissive than many of the other states on the East Coast. With that in mind, there are several exceptions to this permissiveness, and the relatively lax state of PA’s gun laws might not remain the case in the future.
In this piece, we examine the ammunition and firearms laws in Pennsylvania. While it is not intended as legal advice, this guide is a great start for those looking to purchase, use, and carry firearms in Pennsylvania.
Most of the firearms law in the state is all in one place: Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Particularly, Chapter 61 contains the vast majority of firearms laws for the state, and thus it is the legal basis for most of this guide. Handily, Chapter 61 prohibits every locality in the state from making its own firearms laws except for Philadelphia, so once one has a good understanding of PA’s state laws and Philly’s few exceptions to them, that understanding applies in the whole state.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Pennsylvania
First, we will cover the ammo laws of PA.
Pennsylvania has fairly permissive ammunition laws. There is only one outright ammunition ban in the state, which is a statewide ban on polymer-coated, armor-piercing ammunition. Aside from that ban, most of the regulations on ammunition purchases in the state are federal and come from the ATF.
The ATF’s rules on ammunition are twofold. First, the buyer has to be at least eighteen to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition, and twenty-one to purchase handgun ammunition. Second, the buyer cannot be a prohibited person, which generally includes people who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence, or those who have been ruled as mentally incapable by a court of law/admitted into a mental health facility against their will.
So, as long as the ammunition is not of the single banned type and the buyer is old enough and not a prohibited person, purchasing ammo in PA is simple and people can have ammunition shipped to residential addresses. Buyers should be aware, however, that carriers can impose their own rules such as asking for an adult with a valid ID to be present to sign for ammunition deliveries. All things considered, PA is a relatively permissive state in terms of ammunition purchasing and ownership.
This may not be the case forever, however. There has been a bill introduced in the state House to require that all ammunition sold in the state have individual serial numbers on each round (which no manufacturer currently does) and keep a database of everyone who purchases that ammunition. While the bill is languishing in committee as of the writing of this piece, it is an example of the substantially stricter laws that might gain traction in the future in the state.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is generally permissive when it comes to purchasing firearms. As long as the person is of the age required by the ATF, no additional waiting periods are imposed by the state. What makes Pennsylvania different from some states is its differential treatment of long guns and handguns.
For long guns, the purchasing process is as permissive as allowable under federal law. Anyone over eighteen can go to a gun store, fill out Form 4473, pay for the firearm, and leave the same day assuming that the background check is clear.
Handguns are a little different: all handguns sales in the state, as per the above-linked Title 18 have to go through the state’s background check system, in addition to the federal one from Form 4473. This applies to both FFL sales and private sales: the law does enable both county sheriff's offices and FFLs to perform private-sale checks through the state system. The state also maintains a record of these handgun sales, meaning it is a registry of sorts. The differential treatment of handgun sales makes it a fair bit less permissive in terms of the purchasing of firearms within the state.
Generally speaking, open carry is legal in the state. With that said, folks who are engaging in hunting are encouraged by the state to apply for its Sportsmans’ Firearms Permit, which gives permit holders an exception from the state’s prohibition on carrying a loaded firearm inside of a vehicle, but not on the owner’s person.
While open carry is legal without any kind of permit in the state, concealed carry is not. In PA, county sheriffs handle the concealed carry permitting process, which requires a small fee and a background check, and the state is shall-issue.
There is one exception to this, however: Philadelphia has its own version of the same process for folks who want to carry a firearm, whether open or concealed, within city limits. The process is virtually the same as the state-level permit, but is managed by the city government rather than a county government.
Even with legal open carry, transparent exceptions for hunting, and a concealed carry permitting system, PA has places where folks cannot carry firearms at all, including:
-
K-12 Schools
-
Correctional Facilities
-
Mental Health Facilities
-
Casinos
-
Court Buildings
-
VA and other Federal Buildings
These restrictions are the norm even in the most permissive states, and do not stand out.
Overall, Pennsylvania is relatively permissive when it comes to buying and owning firearms, with the exception being the de facto handgun registry and the fact that Philly can make its own rules. There are some firearms manufacturers based in the state: for instance, Kahr Arms is headquartered there.
While the state is currently friendly to firearms for the most part, this might well change in the future. The proposed ammunition law, even though it seems to have died for now in committee, is an indication of at least some political will to model the PA gun laws more along the lines of NY or CA, which would make the overall firearms landscape much more restrictive in the future.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Pennsylvania
The general sales tax rate in the state is 6%, but localities can impose up to 2% more on all goods and services.
This is one of the few states that have a separate firearms tax: an additional $3 is tacked onto the purchase of every firearm in the state. Every five years, this tax can be changed if the state police ask for more funding. This unusual tax doesn’t prevent anyone from purchasing a firearm on paper, but, especially for folks who are budget-wary, every additional fee certainly counts towards making it harder to own firearms and practice self-defense in practical terms.
More Resources:
-
The ATF maintains a list of all FFLs in every state, including PA. The list is kept well up to date: generally, gun stores are Type 1 or 2 FFLs.
-
There are a fair few public gun ranges in the state, open to those with either a range permit or a hunting license.
-
Likely due to the age of the state as well as the long history of both hunting and self-defense being considered a right, there are a ton of well-rated gun stores in the state.
The Pennsylvania Firearm Owner’s Association has a lively form that has not only hunting information, but an active section about the laws in the state, as well as tips about where to find the best ranges, gunsmiths, etc.