Montgomery Parks and Trails

[XRAY Joe]

A few weeks ago I saw a "No Firearms" rule on the Schuylkill river trail in Montgomery County. Here is a copy of my email to the director.


Hello,

I use the bike trails in Montgomery County (Perk and Schuylkill trails) and I noticed there is a "No Firearms" rule. I have a LTCF from the state of PA. I do carry a firearm concealed while I ride my bike on the trails. According to the PA Uniform Firearms act I am allowed to. Am I correct or should I not carry a firearm while trail riding or on Montgomery Park property? Let me know as I do not want to get arrested for something I overlooked.


§ 6120. Limitation on the regulation of firearms and
ammunition.
(a) General rule.--No county, municipality or township may
in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession,
transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition
components when carried or transported for purposes not
prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.

Thank you,

Here is the reply

We have forwarded your e-mail to our Solicitors Office for review . We will be back inn touch.

Ron Ahlbrandt
Director

Here is the final reply

I have met with our Solicitor on this matter. By having a LTCF from the state of PA, state law preempts our rule on this matter.

Ron Ahlbrandt

Director


It looks like Firearms are OK no matter what the sign says. However I did not inquire about OC as I don't OC. I do not know if they will change the signs but he did acknowlege that state law preempts their rule. It is a baby step but a start.

[Siobhra]

I think (key word "think") that some evil pols put in gun laws like this to try to attack gun owners and some do so to put on show of trying to protect.

But in a lot of case's they are for other reasons. Some people with new toys can't wait to play with them. And a big empty park becomes an invite to them. Here in Spring Mount there is no law against the discharging of firearms. The act of firing the gun is OK. Of course I can be held to answer if I am doing so in an unsafe manner. But in the park there are some spots with high earth embankments that could be safe to target shoot. Or at least be argued that it is safe.
This law outlawing guns could be to put a stop to things like that.

[headcase]

Originally Posted by Siobhra

I think (key word "think") that some evil pols put in gun laws like this to try to attack gun owners and some do so to put on show of trying to protect.

But in a lot of case's they are for other reasons. Some people with new toys can't wait to play with them. And a big empty park becomes an invite to them. Here in Spring Mount there is no law against the discharging of firearms. The act of firing the gun is OK. Of course I can be held to answer if I am doing so in an unsafe manner. But in the park there are some spots with high earth embankments that could be safe to target shoot. Or at least be argued that it is safe.
This law outlawing guns could be to put a stop to things like that.

What their intent was makes no difference. The state legislature has ruled that it makes the rules regarding lawful ownership, possession,
transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition
components. When carried or transported for purposes not
prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth, there is nothing a county, municipality or township may say or do to legally prohibit your doing so. They may certainly regulate the discharge of such things, as that is not prohibited by any statute I am aware of and IANAL.

Twice in the same week, I find myself about to do something I would not have believed a week ago, but............. good job X-ray *gulp*

[XRAY Joe]

Well thank you Headcase. Also.........."gulp"

[ihunt49]

They could just post "No discharge of firearms" and cover the target shooting aspect.

[policemedic]

Originally Posted by Siobhra

I think (key word "think") that some evil pols put in gun laws like this to try to attack gun owners and some do so to put on show of trying to protect.

Point of order-
The regulation posted on the sign wasn't a law.