pistonring8 1 Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Does anybody know if it is legal to carry a handgun in plain sight in Pennsylvania? I posted a thread in the handgun forum about this (the full story) but I thought I might get more answers here. It seems like every website has a different answer about this. And my state laws dont seem to be accesable. Unless ofcourse I wanted to pay $200 for the "copywrited" book of PA laws, regs and statuates. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Nope, unless you are transporting to you vehicle, hunting or shooting (I think shooting a BG would fall into that). You would be charged with "brandishing a firearm" if you carried openly. To your vehicle means like from your car to a dwelling or range or the reverse. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pistonring8 1 Posted January 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 (edited) From the "educateusa" website on PA gunlaws. "Pennsylvania has a preemption act which prevents localities from regulating the carry, possession and purchase of firearms. While open carry of a firearm on foot is permissible in rural areas, travelers should be aware that first class cities such as Philadelphia have special regulations passed by the legislature which only affect them. For example, open carry of any firearm is prohibited in the public areas of the city. Travelers to gun shows should be mindful of this regulation." <<<edit>>> From a web blog cut and pasted unknown origin. Topic was about the Philadelphia Inquirer running a story on Virginia's open carry regs. "Virginia - like 36 other states, including Pennsylvania - has a law that requires local courts to issue permits to all nonfelons who want to carry concealed handguns. But the state requires no permit to visibly carry a handgun." The list goes on and on. But there is no ACTUAL reg. or written word "offically" to back it up that I have been able to find. Edited January 22, 2005 by pistonring8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Seems to contradict itself. Localities amy not pass regulations, but Phili and Pittsburg both did. I wonder if the laws have ever been challenged in court. I am sure the ACLU will ignore this infringment. I may write to the Attorny Genreal and ask for clarification, but Since Rendell hates handguns I am betting the reply will be as contradictory as the laws. I guess it is worth a try. I will include quotes in my letter from the place you mentioned, packing.org and a few others to see if I can get a real reply. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Do you have a link to the educate usa website? I cannot seem to find it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pistonring8 1 Posted January 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 http://www.ravnwood.com/archives/003480.shtml http://www.notpurfect.com/main/concealed.html http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/pennsylvania I am still looking for the "educateusa" link that I found on a Yahoo search. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I wrote the AG in Harrisburg, if I don't get an answer I will go visit them (since my company owns the building they are in). Knowing Fast Eddie Rendell it will be a few weeks before they reply, if ever. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pistonring8 1 Posted January 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 Thanks, see if you can get something in writing. I cant wait to hear the answer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
REDDOG 0 Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 That could be a good thing, or not so good in 5:00pm traffic jams, might find myself some stupid cell phone talking soccer mom(PAM) for not getting out of the fastlane. And to top it off going 45mph in a 70 mph zone!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Smiley_Guy 2 Posted January 23, 2005 Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 From packing.org: (a) Offense defined.--Any person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony of the third degree. the law: http://members.aol.com/StatutesP7/18PA6106.html I have to assume that "about his person" means "carrying a firearm." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pistonring8 1 Posted January 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2005 And I would have to assume that "concealed on or about your person" means not in plain sight. This is my point. The other open carry states are worded the same exact way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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