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

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 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

How Pennsylvania Law Affects Your AR-15 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 federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

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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