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Pennsylvania

PA
moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Shall Issue
Open Carry
Yes (LTCF required in Philadelphia)
Red Flag Law
No
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 with the federal tax stamp.
  • •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 January 15, 2026

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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.