Pennsylvania Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Pennsylvania Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Pennsylvania gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Pennsylvania can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Pennsylvania State Constitution

The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

Pennsylvania Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 21: Right to bear arms.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper.

Pennsylvania Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 2: Political powers.

The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble together for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances or other proper purposes by petition, address or remonstrance.

Pennsylvania Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 20: Right of petition.

Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Pennsylvania Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Pennsylvania Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania (Source: Pennsylvania State Police)
Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Reciprocity (Source: Office of Attorney General Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting in Pennsylvania (Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission)
Pennsylvania Seasons and Bag Limits (Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission)
Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses and Permits (Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission)
Pennsylvania Outdoor Shop Online Licensing System (Source: The Outdoor Shop - Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission)
Pennsylvania Hunter Education (Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission)

Pennsylvania Shooting Ranges

Pennsylvania Public Shooting Ranges (Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Pennsylvania Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Pennsylvania NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Pennsylvania NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Pennsylvania "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Pennsylvania State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Firearms Owners Against Crime
Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
Pennsylvania Gun Rights
Concerned Gun Owners of Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Safari Club International Pittsburgh Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Pennsylvania Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Pennsylvania Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Pennsylvania NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Pennsylvania Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Pennsylvania Gun Shows and FFLs

Pennsylvania Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Pennsylvania Gun Shows (Source: GunShowTrader.com)
Pennsylvania FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Pennsylvania's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Pennsylvania Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Pennsylvania Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Pennsylvania Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Pennsylvania State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Pennsylvania State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Pennsylvania Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Pennsylvania Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Pennsylvania State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Pennsylvania State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Pennsylvania (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo