Carrying in Philadelphia City.

[MEDIC3446]

I have a question:

I am taking a trip down to Philadelphia to visit the Franklin Institute. I currently have my license to carry in the state. Am I able to carry it the city without a problem, I thought for some reason there was different laws in the city.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
-John

[danp]

Originally Posted by MEDIC3446

I have a question:

I am taking a trip down to Philadelphia to visit the Franklin Institute. I currently have my license to carry in the state. Am I able to carry it the city without a problem, I thought for some reason there was different laws in the city.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
-John

You're good to go. Thanks to our strong state pre-emption statute quoted below all firearm laws are uniform across the state. A permit issued in one county is valid in all counties.

§ 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.
(a.1) No right of action.--

1. No political subdivision may bring or maintain an action at law or in equity against any firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or dealer for damages, abatement, injunctive relief or any other relief or remedy resulting from or relating to either the lawful design or manufacture of firearms or ammunition or the lawful marketing or sale of firearms or ammunition to the public.
2. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a political subdivision from bringing or maintaining an action against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by the political subdivision.

[KeithPA]

When I was at the range last week there was an older guy I talked to for a little bit. I guess years ago, many years I must assume, the LTCF wasn't good in Philly. I found that interesting, if true. He was old and could have been crazy, but that provision wouldn't be surprising.

[dgg9]

I would add two cautions:

1. While there is GUN law state-wide pre-emption, there is not KNIFE law pre-emption. Apparently there is some city statute where the police can confiscate carried knives. Thus, if you carry a knife, keep it well hidden.

2. Philly PD are anti-gun by policy, and the the local citizenry and visitors in tourist-area Center City are (present company excluded, of course) typically gripless urban ninnies, who will have a fit if they see a gun. So make sure not to let the gun be visible, ever. You really don't want PPD drawing down on you -- as an ostensibly "armed felon" -- in some public place. Don't be casual about printing or flashing.

[1911shooter]

At one time you could not carry in Philthadelphia unless you had a permit by the chief of police in the city, but thankfully they push the preemtion laws and got it changed... just be careful cause the hippie liberal red diaper doper babies down their will call the cops if they even think you are carrying... and the cops are very anti gun and its not just deparment policy that cause's it. i used to live in Frankford and i'm glad i moved when i was a kid.... i go back to visit some relatives and its a shame what has happened to that city......

[Siobhra]

My biggest pet peeve about the city is the Constitution Center is run by the city. No guns allowed. And they teach in the center that the 2ed Amendment does not have anything to do with the rights of people. It is totally about the government's right to have an army.

[SSGF109]

PA is vague about all its laws, especially its guns laws. I think its to covers the states ass.

[RoyJackson]

Originally Posted by DeltaII5

When I was at the range last week there was an older guy I talked to for a little bit. I guess years ago, many years I must assume, the LTCF wasn't good in Philly. I found that interesting, if true. He was old and could have been crazy, but that provision wouldn't be surprising.

At one time, you had to have a license issued by the Philly COP. That's why the state pre-emption laws came about.

BTW, DeltaII5, your post was quite offensive...

[yelruh55]

Originally Posted by dgg9

...While there is GUN law state-wide pre-emption, there is not KNIFE law pre-emption. Apparently there is some city statute where the police can confiscate carried knives. Thus, if you carry a knife, keep it well hidden...

Can anyone reference this law, and what the penalty is? I've never heard of this... I always carry a compact folding knife clipped to my pocket.

Of course, I was raised a Boy Scout... My knife is a TOOL, not a weapon, not a toy.

[Steve in PA]

Some places have a length on the blade, not neccessarily a "total knife ban".

There is no PA law in regards to knives, other than they cannot be spring activated (switch blades, etc).