Is the AR-15 legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.

Does Pennsylvania require a permit to buy a firearm?

No. Pennsylvania does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.

Can I conceal carry in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania open carry: Yes (LTCF required in Philadelphia). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Does Pennsylvania require background checks for private sales?

Yes (handguns only). Background-check requirements in Pennsylvania extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Pennsylvania Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Mag Capacity Limit

Permit to Purchase

Firearm Registration

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Yes (LTCF required in Philadelphia)

Red Flag Law

Background Check (Private)

Yes (handguns only)

NFA Weapons

Unrestricted

State Preemption

Yes

Key Notes

All handgun buyers undergo state PICS check. Private handgun transfers must go through FFL or sheriff. LTCF required to carry in vehicles.

•Yes (handguns only) Background Check Private — All private handgun transfers must go through a licensed dealer (FFL) or the county sheriff for a background check. Long gun private sales do not require one.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — Pennsylvania must issue a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) to qualified applicants. No training requirement.
•Yes (LTCF required in Philadelphia) Open Carry — Open carry is legal without a permit statewide except in Philadelphia, where a License to Carry Firearms is required. An LTCF is also needed to open carry during declared states of emergency.
•Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•State PICS Check — Pennsylvania uses its own Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) instead of relying solely on the federal NICS system for all dealer sales.
•LTCF Required in Vehicles — A License to Carry Firearms is required to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle, even if not concealed.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Pennsylvania Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Pennsylvania does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Pennsylvania.

NFA Items Permitted

Pennsylvania allows ownership of NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Pennsylvania extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes (handguns only)). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

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Pennsylvania Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Pennsylvania?: Yes. Pennsylvania does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Pennsylvania?: Pennsylvania has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Pennsylvania require a permit to buy a firearm?: No. Pennsylvania does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Pennsylvania?: Pennsylvania concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Pennsylvania?: Pennsylvania open carry: Yes (LTCF required in Philadelphia). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Pennsylvania?: Yes. Pennsylvania allows suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Pennsylvania require background checks for private sales?: Yes (handguns only). Background-check requirements in Pennsylvania extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Pennsylvania firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.