How to register handgun in Pennsylvania

[senior citizen]

Mr brother recently past away. Just before he died, he told me to take his firearms. He had several hand guns. I know I don't have to register the rifles. How do I transfer the handguns in my name? I don't know if they were registered in my brother's name or not. My brother did not have a will.

[Steve in PA]

You will need power of attorney and/or a copy of the death certificate. You can then take them to any FFL dealer and have them transfered into your name.

[exceltoexcel]

I don't believe you need to do anything, I think the law states that transfer of ownership from immediate family members is not nessaccary. However you have to legally be allowed to own a gun. I'm hoping someone has the doe near by and will post it, i'll look for it and post it if I find it. I'm sure its on the board somewhere.

100% positive that you...
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER A HANDGUN IN THIS STATE!

You might however have to have the transfer of guns coincide with a background check!

[exceltoexcel]

I was wrong!


(c) Duty of other persons.—Any person who is not a licensed importer, manufacturer or dealer and who desires to sell or transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person shall do so only upon the place of business of a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer or county sheriff’s office, the latter of whom shall follow the procedure set forth in this section as if he were the seller of the firearm. The provisions of this section shall not apply to transfers between spouses or to transfers between a parent and child or to transfers between grandparent and grandchild.

As you can see it doesn't have a provision for brother to brother. You'll have to call a local gun shop and have them set up the transfer.

You'll need to make sure the gun is unloaded and in a secure wrapping and take it down to you gun shop. Should be minimal cost for the background check, $15 or so, don't sell to gun to them, Unless you can't legally own a gun.

They'll give you less money than what it is worth.

Also, it sounds like you didn't do the transfer process in the correct amount of time, i would just say that i just got them.

I doubt you'd get into any real trouble, especially if you can legally own the firearm, but to be on the safe side, don't incriminate yourself.

[senior citizen]

Thank-you!

[exceltoexcel]

You are welcome, sir

Anytime!


Please call the shop first and see what their procedure is and what you have to do before just stopping by.

Also, if you haven't shot or its been a while, brush up on your firearm safety and operation.

Take a course or at least have the guy run you through the rules and operation of your new gun.

Many places have senior discount programs.

Sorry for your loss....

Oh yeah, join us for a shoot sometime.

We'd love to have you.