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muddeprived
02-19-2010, 02:12 PM
I been thinking of owning a gun. My father in law let me play with his hunting rifles and pistols and OMG i'm hooked LOL. I've never shot a gun until recently so I know absolutely nothing when it comes to owning one.

What can ya guys tell me? Need a gun permit? I hear there's one needed on a CONCEALED weapon.


personally i'm in love with the shotguns and probably will be my first pick.

pittim
02-19-2010, 02:17 PM
yeah, to carry a handgun under clothing you need a concealed carry permit.

other than that, go hold em/shoot em if you can, and buy the one that feels best for ya.

muddeprived
02-19-2010, 02:28 PM
yeah, to carry a handgun under clothing you need a concealed carry permit.

other than that, go hold em/shoot em if you can, and buy the one that feels best for ya.

Cool Cool. That makes it much easier.

pittim
02-19-2010, 02:39 PM
I'm pretty sure that a background check has to be performed for handguns, not sure about long guns. Dont own either (hell, I cant even go out and buy a handgun) but I'm pretty sure thats how it works. I'm sure others on here know more about the subject.

Roamin
02-19-2010, 02:57 PM
I think they do a background on all guns now. Also a background check for the permit to carry, and they check references. Best of luck.

tank719
02-19-2010, 03:02 PM
In Pa they run an instant background check when you fill out the purchasing paperwork. It's no big deal. Just follow the instructions. You don't need any permits for guns so long as you keep them seperate from the ammo when you transport them to or from a range (ammo in glovebox, gun in trunk or similar) and don't carry a handgun in your pocket, waistband etc. There are all kinds of guns depending on what you want to do. If you want to hunt there are laws regulating what can and can't be used. Any gun shop will be able to give you the specifics.

KUGS
02-19-2010, 03:03 PM
Go to a shootting range that rents guns and try out a couple different ones till you find something you like. And dont get to mad at the rude azz people at the sheriffs office, they under a lot of stress. With the phone calls and the long hours of 8am to 330pm minus a hour for lunch.

muddeprived
02-19-2010, 03:14 PM
I'm sure my background check will come out clean cuz I'm no troublemaker.

jim91303
02-19-2010, 03:21 PM
look for a HUNTER SAFETY CLASS in your area. weather you plan to hunt or not. it will give ya some safety tips that carry on to all firearms.

jackb1
02-19-2010, 03:35 PM
and don't carry a handgun in your pocket, waistband etc.

So would it be a bad idea to carry one in the waistband of my sweatpants while I go out to hit the clubs?

Sycotik Skier
02-19-2010, 03:39 PM
only if you don't have your concealed carry permit and it's a legal gun

Jeepin'Jones
02-19-2010, 03:50 PM
So would it be a bad idea to carry one in the waistband of my sweatpants while I go out to hit the clubs?
Only if it slips and you try to catch it, and shoot yourself in the leg. Then find out you don't have a permit for it.

Dragonslayer
02-19-2010, 03:54 PM
IF you're planning on carrying a handgun, go to the Beaver County Sherrif's Office and get a permit. Only take's about a half hour or so(depending on how busy they are that day). Once you have that you can walk out of the store with a handgun(after a quick background check). Carry permit's and background check's are NOT required for rifle's and long gun's, only handgun's.

jackb1
02-19-2010, 04:04 PM
Once you have that you can walk out of the store with a handgun(after a quick background check).

I think I know what you were saying, but to clarify for OP, you do not need to get a carry permit to get a handgun. The two have nothing to do with eachother.

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
02-19-2010, 04:11 PM
Yeah, just having a loaded one in your truck is expensive. Guess how I know haha. I have my permit now.

steveg0690
02-19-2010, 04:12 PM
look for a HUNTER SAFETY CLASS in your area. weather you plan to hunt or not. it will give ya some safety tips that carry on to all firearms.

X2...If you have little to no experience with firearms, please get some sort of education. This course is free, and will give you a basic knowledge firearms.

busij44
02-19-2010, 04:32 PM
So would it be a bad idea to carry one in the waistband of my sweatpants while I go out to hit the clubs?


You might end up going around half-cocked??

JeepSteeler
02-19-2010, 04:37 PM
Agree with the comments about firearms safety. Take a class, then if you have some more experienced friends or family have them take you out to the range a few times before you decide to purchase your own.

Open carry is legal, however if you intend to carry a handgun I would apply for a concealed carry permit. Nothing makes the Wal Mart cashiers more nervous than a .357 strapped to your leg. Also makes transportation much more simple.

skeebs
02-19-2010, 05:22 PM
Nothing makes the Wal Mart cashiers more nervous than a .357 strapped to your leg. Also makes transportation much more simple.


LOL, ya. I was followed through Sears one day by the under cover shopper "security guard", not realizing I still had my gun strapped to my hip outside my shirt. It was quite interesting, because I kept saying to myself... WTF is this guy looking at me for, why does he keep following me around? Then I went to reach for my wallet and felt my gun on my hip. OH YA, then I looked him dead in the eyes and gave him an evil smile and slight two finger wave/salute as I paid for my tools.



Edit: muddeprived, make sure you carefully research your guns before you purchase, and don't buy one without being able to shoot it before hand. Consider them an investment. You get what you pay for, cheap guns are cheap for a reason, just like most other common items.

2002wranglerX
02-19-2010, 06:34 PM
Yeah, just having a loaded one in your truck is expensive. Guess how I know haha. I have my permit now.


I thought even with a ccw you had to have it on your person, not in the glove box

notmYJ
02-19-2010, 06:37 PM
To purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) from an FFL holder (a business such as Dicks, Gander Mountain, any gun shop etc) they will run an instant background check, and have you fill out a simple form stating that you are not a felon, nor a person of unsound mind or character, etc. The background check does not apply for private sales (person to person, face to face) of long guns within the state. It makes no difference if it is a single shot 22 Cricket, or a Barrett 50BMG semi auto.

To purchase a handgun a background check is required anytime a handgun is purchased. If done by a store, a check is done instantly and again a form must be filled out that is slightly different from the one for a long gun. If it is a private sale, the transfer must be done by an FFL and include a background check on the purchaser (any retail establisment that sells guns, and most gunsmiths). There are no waiting periods in PA. The only time you will have to wait is if your background check has been flagged. Its not a big deal, as it happens frequently for similar names, the system goes down, missing info, etc.

As far as carrying a firearm...
Open carry of a firearm is legal, i.e. in a holster on your hip uncovered. A License To Carry a Firearm (LTCF) is not required to open carry unless a state of emergency has been declared, you are in a city of the first class (Currently only Philly is a city of the first class as it has a population of over 1,000,000) or you are in a vehicle. Being in a vehicle constitutes concealed according to state law.

If you wish to carry concealed or in a vehicle, including public transit, an LTCF is required. However even with an LTCF there are still a few places that are off limits. Even with an LTCF the carrying of a loaded long gun in a vehicle is not allowed. EVER.

Quoted from PAFOA...

Link: http://forum.pafoa.org/concealed-open-carry-121/7582-read-first-where-you-can-cannot-carry-weapons-state-pennsylvania.html


The purpose of a PA LTCF issued under 6109 is to provide an exemption to the prohibition of carrying concealed on or abouts one's person, or in a vehicle, under 6106. It also allows you to carry any type of firearm(long guns and handguns) during a state of emergency. The license also provides for the privilege of carrying openly or concealed on the streets in a City of the First Class(Philly).

Off-limits places in PA and what makes them off-limits:
1. Court Facilities - PA Title 18, Chapter 9, Subsection 913 (http://www.paopencarry.org/law/ss913.html)
2a.*Grounds and buildings of Elementary and Secondary schools(K-12 grades), whether the school is private or public. There is an affirmative defense for "other lawful purposes" however there is no case law determining on what that includes. To be safe, its wiser to assume it does not include our carrying "rights". - PA Title 18, Chapter 9, Subsection 912 (http://paopencarry.org/law/ss912.html)
2b. Within 1000ft of a school unless you have a license/permit issued by the state in which the school is located - US Title 18, Part I, Chapter 44, Subsection 922(q) (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/922%28q%29.html)
3. Casinos - by regulation Title 58, Part VII, Chapter 465, Subsection 465a.13 (http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/files/regulations/Final_Regulations_Chapter_465a.pdf)
4. Certain Department of State buildings - by regulation (http://www.pafoa.org/forum/concealed-open-carry-121/7582-read-first-where-you-can-cannot-carry-weapons-state-pennsylvania-page-3.html#post94326)
5. Places off-limits by Federal Law or regulation, IE: military installations(exceptions for hunting at some bases), Federal Government buildings, after the security check point in airports, federal parks and reserves,etc****.
6. Any private property where a landowner, tenant or person so authorized to maintain property has asked you to leave because you are carrying, or where the property owner or tenant has placed signs or placards denoting that guns are forbidden - Title 18, Chapter 35, Subsection 3503 (http://reference.pafoa.org/statutes/PA/18/II/C/35/3503/criminal-trespass/)
7. **Detention facilities, correctional institutes, or mental hospitals - Title 18, Chapter 51, Subsection 5122 (READ FIRST: Where you CAN and CANNOT Carry weapons in the State of Pennsylvania) (http://forum.pafoa.org/concealed-open-carry-121/7582-read-first-where-you-can-cannot-carry-weapons-state-pennsylvania-page-22.html#post653543)

If you do not see the place in question in the list above - then its NOT off-limits in Pennsylvania. Yes, you may legally carry in a bar, tavern, club, or church in PA.

Off-limits places apply just the same for open as they do concealed.

State Parks require the carrier to conceal and to be licensed.

*Colleges are not prohibited by law, however the college could levy their own infractions like expelling the person or other civil punishments.
**It is unresolved to whether this is actually off-limits to carrying lawfully, or to whether it prohibits the introduction of a weapon within such places. This is a cautionary listing, mind it at YOUR discretion.
****The Federal Parks and Reserves are legal to carry as of Feb 22, 2010, however not in the buildings on the grounds of the parks.Before you run out and buy one, please take a course. If you want a long gun first, then a hunting safety course is a good start. If you are eyeing up a handgun, then an NRA Basic Pistol class is great. With the NRA class you will get all the safety training and decent amount of range time with your gun so you will be familiar with it. After the basic classes, look into the more advanced classes, they get really fun.

Before you buy a handgun shoot as many different ones as you can get your hands on and in different calibers. Some ranges have guns to rent. Dont buy one because everyone else has one or it looks "mean" or "pretty". Buy one that YOU shoot best with in a caliber that you can handle. "A hit with a .22 beats a miss with a .45."

If you decide to carry your handgun, get a good holster and a GUN BELT. A great holster on a flimsy belt will be uncomfortable. The belt is every much as important as the holster itself. Do not skimp on either, stay away from the cheap nylon generac holsters. Get one made for your gun. You will prob end up with a few while trying to find a method of carry that works for you, but its a good idea to have options when it comes to carrying.

Thats enough info for now. If you want more info come over and poke around at http://forum.pafoa.org/. I have been a member there for a few years and there is a huge wealth of knowledge there on gun laws, rights, firearms, etc.

notmYJ
02-19-2010, 06:42 PM
I thought even with a ccw you had to have it on your person, not in the glove box

No, you are not required to keep it on your person at all times. You may keep a loaded firearm in a glovebox, however you must have an LTCF to keep it legal. There is one caveat to that. And that is if you loan your car to someone and they have no knowledge of it being in the vehicle, they would not be required to have an LTCF as they would not have prior knowledge nor intent.

jim91303
02-19-2010, 07:21 PM
when did PA allow open carry ? i been carring for 18 yrs and never found solid proof of open carry. durring hunting... yea. but hot for protection.

notmYJ
02-19-2010, 07:29 PM
when did PA allow open carry ? i been carring for 18 yrs and never found solid proof of open carry. durring hunting... yea. but hot for protection.

You will not find a law that specifically allows it. Because we are a commonwealth, if there is no law specifically barring an activity, then it is presumed to be legal. There are 2 specific State Supreme Court ruling that re-enforce this. They are Commonwealth vs. Hawkins http://reference.pafoa.org/caselaw/PA/commonwealth-v-hawkins/ and Ortiz vs. Commonwealth http://reference.pafoa.org/caselaw/PA/ortiz-v-commonwealth/ The Ortiz case is referenced in the Hawkins case relating to open carry.

It was in the 2009 MPOETC annual training for police officers, that it is indeed a lawful activity. Go to www.paopencarry.com (http://www.paopencarry.com) or http://forum.pafoa.org/open-carry-144/ Even in downtown Pittsburgh people have been doing it with out issues. It is a good idea to know the laws before you do it. The second link above has the details in one of the first stickies if your curious.

MechanicalMayham
02-19-2010, 08:29 PM
when did PA allow open carry ?

They have always allowed it.
In PA you are allowed to carry a sidearm (not a longgun or shotgun loaded) given it is in open view and visable. However, if you have a concealed permit, I do not believe you are allowed to open carry. Nor are you allowed a fixed blade knife. I never understood some of these ammendiums placed on the original law?!
You are not allowed to carry a weapon onto private property that state a ban on them. Jim Quinn, radio host, walked into Ikea in Robinson carrying a wheel gun on hip. They called the police and said he was plotting a robbery. The look on the managers face was priceless when the cop explained he was allowed. My GF, myself, Jim and his daughter all left the store. I won't shop at a place that harrasses people for exercising their rights.

Outatime
02-19-2010, 08:42 PM
Open carry is allowed in PA regardless if you have a CCW or not.

skeebs
02-19-2010, 08:44 PM
It is a good idea to know the laws before you do it.

Exactly.

notmYJ
02-19-2010, 08:46 PM
They have always allowed it.
In PA you are allowed to carry a sidearm (not a longgun or shotgun loaded) given it is in open view and visable. However, if you have a concealed permit, I do not believe you are allowed to open carry....

You most certainly are allowed to open carry if you have a License To Carry a Firearm. No where on the LTCF is the word Concealed. It is not a Concealed license, but rather a License To Carry a Firearm. Infact, if you wish to open carry in Philly or anywhere in the commonwealth DURING A DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY, you MUST posses an LTCF. The LTCF only ALLOWS you to carry concealed. It does NOT require you to carry concealed. Also, it should be noted that you MUST posses an LTCF if you wish to open carry in any vehicle. Finally, there is nothing in the laws that state you cannot open carry a rifle. Technically, its legal to open carry an AR-15, or even an NFA item such as a supressed handgun or even a full auto rifle. At a large Tea Party event last fall, there were guys open carrying AR-15's to make a statement. Much like the guy in Arizon did last summer.

(The CAPS are for emphasis, not yelling at you ;))


Open carry is allowed in PA regardless if you have a CCW or not.

Unless you get into a vehicle. Public or private. By getting into a vehicle, it is considered concealed whether it is uncovered by your clothing or not.

MechanicalMayham
02-19-2010, 08:46 PM
Call up Senator John Pippy's office in Moon at 412-262-2260 and ask for a copy of "Pennsylvania Laws Relating To Firearms" along with other State Law books offered to the public. He may not send them but may direct you to a place to find them nearer to you.
Hard to read but worth toughing it out.

MechanicalMayham
02-19-2010, 08:52 PM
NotmYJ, i figured as much. I will try to stop weeping like a little girl now.
I could never get a straight answer from the police on that.

Coinsidently, a LEO advised me to cease and desist shooting my bow in my yard once. They kept repeating that 'Discharging a FIREARM within City boundries was illegal' My bow is quick but there most certainly is not combustion happening. I argued my point, hence the repatition, and stopped until they had vacated the premises.

2002wranglerX
02-19-2010, 08:55 PM
No, you are not required to keep it on your person at all times. You may keep a loaded firearm in a glovebox, however you must have an LTCF to keep it legal. There is one caveat to that. And that is if you loan your car to someone and they have no knowledge of it being in the vehicle, they would not be required to have an LTCF as they would not have prior knowledge nor intent.



Huh, allegheny co. Sherriffs office told us different...

Outatime
02-19-2010, 09:03 PM
Huh, allegheny co. Sherriffs office told us different...

There are MANY misinformed LEO's out there. NotmYJ's info is straight from the book.
Edit - sorry Dave I misspelled your handle. Fixed.

notmYJ
02-19-2010, 09:10 PM
Huh, allegheny co. Sherriffs office told us different...

Yeah, and the montgomery county sheriff is known for telling people that open carry is not legal. Other sheriffs depts are know for just asking people to leave their firearms in the cars instead of checking them when entering the court house.

Never get legal advice from anyone in law enforcement. They will (most of the time) give their interpretation of the laws, or how they think it should be, not what the law actually is. Now, I'm not a lawyer but I have spent countless hours reading and re reading the laws, case laws, training manuals, peoples experiences as well as my own. That being said, I am giving this info for free so take it for what its worth. If you want hard info, you will have to pay for it from a lawyer who knows the gun laws of this state. I can give a reference if you need one. ;)

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
02-19-2010, 09:38 PM
I thought even with a ccw you had to have it on your person, not in the glove box

I didn't have a permit at the time.

2002wranglerX
02-19-2010, 11:28 PM
i actually need to go renew my ccw...

HauLeY
02-19-2010, 11:49 PM
Anyone new using a pistol should start with a revolver. Don’t make the mistake of buying a semi-auto. Semi-auto pistol are more dangerous (in the hands of a newbee) and a lot harder to maintain. Can not stress enough on training and safety.

jim91303
02-20-2010, 01:29 AM
i read some where in carry laws .... that you can carry any fire arm under a 28'' length barrel.

notmYJ
02-20-2010, 11:53 AM
Anyone new using a pistol should start with a revolver. Don’t make the mistake of buying a semi-auto. Semi-auto pistol are more dangerous (in the hands of a newbee) and a lot harder to maintain. Can not stress enough on training and safety.

That used to be the old way of thinking. There are way to too many factors involved to make a blanket statement like that and to even say one gun is more dangerous than the other shows some ignorance on your part.

With the point and shoot capability of some semi autos, i.e. Glock, XD, M&P, etc. With no external safeties, and stupid high reliability records, more rounds, and MUCH lower trigger pull weights, I cant seem to find a reason NOT to recommend a semi to anyone that has two hands and the capacity to push 10lbs with their whole hand. There are people with your mind set that have sold revolvers to new gun owners, and never considered that the old lady who bought the gun doesnt have the strength in her finger to pull a long hard double action trigger or the thumb strength to pull the hammer back for single action.

There are benefits to both, and reasons for going with one or the other. There is nothing wrong with a newbee buying a semi first. My first gun was a Walther P99. It never went off when I didnt want it to, I knew how to strip it, reassemble, and maintain it before I left the gun shop with it. It was the first hand gun I ever owned or handled.

skeebs
02-20-2010, 12:07 PM
Anyone new using a pistol should start with a revolver. Don’t make the mistake of buying a semi-auto. Semi-auto pistol are more dangerous (in the hands of a newbee) and a lot harder to maintain. Can not stress enough on training and safety.


I was going to say something, but Dave beat me to it. Very well put Dave.

As long as you have proper learning and understanding of your firearm, there is no "mistake" involved.

EddyB
02-20-2010, 06:47 PM
The reason I would recomend a revolver over a semi-auto has nothing to do with safety. Rather it is about what to do if and when the semi malfunctions. With the revolver another pull of the trigger usually does the trick.

I will shoot bullseye with my .22 target pistol dirty often so that it will stovepipe and malfunction so I can practice clearing jams. A lot of people don't do this type of thing, let alone shoot on a regular basis. It is for these reasons that I recomend revolver to novices.


In regards to finding a good fit for your first gun, you should shoot as many different makes and models as you can. Find one that fits you and practice, practice, practice.

Bill
02-20-2010, 07:08 PM
Truly, the type of gun (revolver vs. semi automatic vs whatever) really doesn't matter. It is all about the learning experience and basically learning the basics. A class / course, though not mandatory, is one of the best ideas going. Take a course, learn the basics and then take all that knowledge into consideration before you even consider making a purchase. Once you own the firearm the best thing you can do to improve your shooting is to practice good gun handling techiniques. There are tons of manipulations and dry-fire drills you can do that will make you a more proficient and safer shooter (and they don't cost a dime, no ammo involved.)

notmYJ
02-20-2010, 08:55 PM
Truly, the type of gun (revolver vs. semi automatic vs whatever) really doesn't matter. It is all about the learning experience and basically learning the basics. A class / course, though not mandatory, is one of the best ideas going. Take a course, learn the basics and then take all that knowledge into consideration before you even consider making a purchase. Once you own the firearm the best thing you can do to improve your shooting is to practice good gun handling techniques. There are tons of manipulations and dry-fire drills you can do that will make you a more proficient and safer shooter (and they don't cost a dime, no ammo involved.)

100% in agreement. The great thing about handling techniques is that they can be done at home on the couch, they cost nothing, and will improve your skills. Even just field stripping and reassembling the firearm will help make you a better shooter. General familiarization goes a long way.

HauLeY
02-21-2010, 04:00 PM
Love the pile on mentality. I own, shoot, and maintain both. To just assume some ones ignorance is a leap. I don’t claim to be an expert in anyway. I do know what I have witnessed in the hands of someone inexperienced. Without saying you need to know how a weapon works before you handle it. Please note that I didn’t take the chance to pile on when the first comment stated how he “played” with guns. I'm starting to get the picture on these forums.

muddeprived
02-21-2010, 04:17 PM
Thanks for the great info here. It's helped alot in understanding the concept of owning a gun.

My father in law is a former military sniper, long time hunter, and a security agent for the gov't. He has tons of firearm training, some 20+ years. I asked him to put me through the paces so he'll show me what's what.

I'm thinking of a small hangun to start out, maybe a 22 cuz I've shot that one before with great results. It's a baby gun but a good starter.

HauLeY
02-21-2010, 05:35 PM
sounds like you're on the right track....good for you to understand that it is a responsibilty that needs some thought

mithuth
02-21-2010, 10:34 PM
NotmyYJ, you are very knowledgable, and all of your answers thus far have reflected what my own would be. Bravo to you for KNOWING our commonwealth's laws and having the patience to answer all the questions posed here.

For those that wish to know more about, and ask questions about our PA fire arms laws, check out the PA firearms owner's association:
www.pafoa.org (http://www.pafoa.org)

Sleeper
03-07-2010, 02:39 PM
Just open carry like i do.......

BigDukeSix
03-07-2010, 03:46 PM
I dare you to walk down any street in PGH open carry.

Or with your shotgun billybob style on your shoulder with a straw hat and overalls.

EddyB
03-07-2010, 05:31 PM
I dare you to walk down any street in PGH open carry.

.

People do it everyday.

Sleeper
03-08-2010, 06:26 PM
I dare you to walk down any street in PGH open carry.

Or with your shotgun billybob style on your shoulder with a straw hat and overalls.Um ya, you have never seen anybody open carry i take it? Alot of it is how you present yourself, if your wearing all black and head shaved then people might just stare and LEO's will be called. I have talked with LEO's before when OC'ing. Now they might have their personal preferences about it but PA your allowed. It's tried and true....

xeccllc
03-08-2010, 11:32 PM
i open carry a lot, some places i conceal just because i would rather avoid having to explain myself to the po po when the jack arses call them cause they see some guy with a gun, (had to do that a couple times,) for the most part its open view and not a whole lot of people get worked up over it

notmYJ
03-09-2010, 03:04 PM
I also open carry sometimes. I have while in southside and never had a prob. If anyone does wish to open carry, be sure you ONLY go on foot. As I stated before, If you get on a bus, trolley, your car, any car, a cab, etc, you will have to have an LTCF as being in a vehicle of any type is considered "Concealed" under Uniform Firearms Act.

The open carry movement, state wide is gaining alot of traction and more and more people are doing it. I have no quelms about it, I like seeing people do it, I like doing it as its way more comfortable to carry. Since annual MPOETC training in 2009 (annual training for police officers) had specifically stated that open carry is legal, and what actions an officer may legally take, the possibility of a wrongful arrest, or even harrasment by an officer has gone down tremedously. There a few guys I know that Open carry all day every day all over the city. From Squirrel Hill, East Libert, South Side, and Market Square. They get some looks, but rarely get stopped by the police.

I would recommend anyone who decides to do it, should be very well versed in the UFA and know everything they can and cannot do and have a lawyers number on them. Its rare that you will need it, but better to prepared than not.

Again, as mentioned above, check out www.pafoa.com or paopencarry.com if you want to know more about it.

notmYJ
03-09-2010, 04:02 PM
NotmyYJ, you are very knowledgable, and all of your answers thus far have reflected what my own would be. Bravo to you for KNOWING our commonwealth's laws and having the patience to answer all the questions posed here.

For those that wish to know more about, and ask questions about our PA fire arms laws, check out the PA firearms owner's association:
www.pafoa.org (http://www.pafoa.org)

Thank you, I do my best to be knowledgeable when it comes to the UFA. Crossing the wrong line when it comes to firearms could cost me my right to own them, my life time salary, or even my life or the lives of others. Carrying a firearm is a huge responsibility that I don't lightly so I do my best follow the laws without letting anyone step on my rights. Be it a criminal, police officer, local, state, or fed government or even another citizen. To ensure this, I must be well versed in the laws and rights.
Just wish I had more time for more training.....

cityslicker
03-09-2010, 04:19 PM
**** the uniform firearms act!!

notmYJ
03-09-2010, 04:43 PM
Our UFA really isn't that bad in comparison to most other states. It could use a few tweaks like the stand your ground law, or the castle doctrine, but it does a lot to protect us as gun owners too.

State premption, is a huge protection that prevents every little locality from making their own laws on possesion, purchase, and the transfer of firearms.

The fact it makes this a shall issue state is also equally important. It even allows for a proccess to apeal an LTCF denial. I have even helped some people on this board appeal and have their carry rights restored.

A lot of people think Texas has some of the most lax gun laws, but PA is less restrictive in mose cases.

Sure, I would like to see the 2nd amendment restored to the way our founders had intended but untill then, the UFA is an alli in our fight to keep our gun rights.

cityslicker
03-09-2010, 05:55 PM
I'm not going to get into my personal beef with that shit on an open forum. but this sums it up.. they can say what I can and can't do all they want, but that don't mean shit to me. I don't give a rats ass about any damn Law. The government can go **** itself.

tow hook
03-09-2010, 11:16 PM
Thanks for the great info here. It's helped alot in understanding the concept of owning a gun.

My father in law is a former military sniper, long time hunter, and a security agent for the gov't. He has tons of firearm training, some 20+ years. I asked him to put me through the paces so he'll show me what's what.

I'm thinking of a small hangun to start out, maybe a 22 cuz I've shot that one before with great results. It's a baby gun but a good starter.

not 100% sure we you are, but i just took some classes from todd @ a&s.. http://www.indoorpistolrange.com/news_events.htm they have a indoor range, and rentals.... the place is worth looking at and spending some time there. it's a 2 hour drive for me but worth it.. pistols anr rifles are different...

be safe. and happy carrying

xeccllc
03-09-2010, 11:25 PM
I also open carry sometimes. I have while in southside and never had a prob. If anyone does wish to open carry, be sure you ONLY go on foot. As I stated before, If you get on a bus, trolley, your car, any car, a cab, etc, you will have to have an LTCF as being in a vehicle of any type is considered "Concealed" under Uniform Firearms Act.

The open carry movement, state wide is gaining alot of traction and more and more people are doing it. I have no quelms about it, I like seeing people do it, I like doing it as its way more comfortable to carry. Since annual MPOETC training in 2009 (annual training for police officers) had specifically stated that open carry is legal, and what actions an officer may legally take, the possibility of a wrongful arrest, or even harrasment by an officer has gone down tremedously. There a few guys I know that Open carry all day every day all over the city. From Squirrel Hill, East Libert, South Side, and Market Square. They get some looks, but rarely get stopped by the police.

I would recommend anyone who decides to do it, should be very well versed in the UFA and know everything they can and cannot do and have a lawyers number on them. Its rare that you will need it, but better to prepared than not.

Again, as mentioned above, check out www.pafoa.com (http://www.pafoa.com) or paopencarry.com if you want to know more about it.
pretty much sums it up, but i would say best thing to do is get your carry permit, that way whether your concealed or open, your covered

BigDukeSix
03-10-2010, 02:45 PM
I have never seen anyone open carry in the city with the exception of business owners.

I think I would pick that up.

Regardless of what teh law states, people get a little freaked out when they see it. Like walkng around with your pekker out.

Recently a friend of mine had his stuff barely peek out ounder his coat, concealed carry, in a wallmart. You'dve thought he was robbing the place. He was there with his family and he's LE.