Navigating Pennsylvania’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in Pennsylvania. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Pennsylvania
Summary: Pennsylvania has permissive gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no bans on assault weapons or magazines, no waiting periods or red flag laws, and only partial background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
69% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania currently has no state-level ban on assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not impose magazine capacity limits at the state level. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has no specific state laws regulating ghost guns (unserialized firearms). Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Pennsylvania
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not mandate a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) in place. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Pennsylvania
Requirement Level: None (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Pennsylvania does not mandate specific firearm storage requirements at the state level.
Background Checks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires background checks for some firearm sales, such as handgun transfers or sales at gun shows. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Pennsylvania
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Pennsylvania, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have specific state-level bans on particular types of firearms beyond federal law. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania v. Hicks (2018): Concealed carry enforcement
- State v. Lehman (2016): Firearm possession laws
- Pennsylvania v. McKown (2020): Second Amendment challenge
- Culp v. Pennsylvania (ongoing): Carry restrictions (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on Pennsylvania’s Gun Laws
From a Second Amendment standpoint, Husky Armory finds Pennsylvania’s gun laws, rated at 69/100, offer a mixed landscape for gun owners. While Pennsylvania has permissive gun laws, with shall-issue concealed carry, no bans on assault weapons or magazines, no waiting periods or red flag laws, and only partial background checks—the presence of certain restrictions, like waiting periods or background checks, can still impede the full realization of those freedoms. We advocate for a careful balance, but believe Pennsylvania could take further steps to align more closely with the unalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Reducing bureaucratic hurdles, such as easing carry permit processes or eliminating unnecessary delays, would better honor the Second Amendment’s intent. Pennsylvania has the potential to become a leader in protecting gun rights, but it must resist the creeping influence of anti-gun policies that often masquerade as public safety measures. True safety comes from empowering citizens, not disarming them.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
