Why does PA ask for a reason for LTCF

[str8shooter]

The LTCF application asks for a reason I'm applying for a LTCF. Does anyone know why this question is there? If I check the box for self defense, and I'm carrying a sidearm under a big coat through the woods while hunting, am I carrying a concealed weapon illegally? Can I check more than one answer?

I guess one could argue there might be a need to know if someone has a ccw as part of their job, but in a state where I can only be denied the LTCF for the reasons stated on the application, why should it matter whether I want it for hunting, collecting, target shooting or self-defense? Is there some loop-hole where I could be denied or the LTCF wouldn't be valid if I check the wrong answer?

[billamj]

Originally Posted by str8shooter

The LTCF application asks for a reason I'm applying for a LTCF. Does anyone know why this question is there? If I check the box for self defense, and I'm carrying a sidearm under a big coat through the woods while hunting, am I carrying a concealed weapon illegally? Can I check more than one answer?

I guess one could argue there might be a need to know if someone has a ccw as part of their job, but in a state where I can only be denied the LTCF for the reasons stated on the application, why should it matter whether I want it for hunting, collecting, target shooting or self-defense? Is there some loop-hole where I could be denied or the LTCF wouldn't be valid if I check the wrong answer?

Probably a holdover from the days when you needed a verifiable reason to get an LTCF. Either that or someone's idea of a validation for the amount they charge us. I would definitely recomend that you only check one box. IIRC there was a statement to the affect that checking more than one box invalidated the form when I applied.

[KeithPA]

Don't know the exact reason. It's like that on a ATF Form 4 I have.

(Name), have reasonable necessity to posses the machinegun, short barreled rifle, short barreled shotgun, or destructive device described on this application for the following reason(s): Personal firearms collection
That kinda gave me a chuckle when I read it. I looked at my dealer and he said it was legit. Thats what your supposed to write in there.

Probably just looked at federal forms and decided to word it like that. It's a shall issue state so it's fairly pointless to have it. I don't even remember what the other options were. Mine is self defense; not sure why they would even have other choices besides that.

[Emptymag]

Mine says:

6. REASON TO CARRY
Protection


This permit was renewed in Aug of 2005, so I don't recall if I "checked off" more than one reason.
I DO know that my previous permit stated PROTECTION/SPORT on it.

str8shooter,
I was thinking like you the first time I applied for a permit.
There should be a "write in" answer so you could write "because I can."
There's no reason to be denied based on your answer to that question.
You don't need a REASON in to obtain a permit in PA. This is a "shall issue" state. If nothing in the background check prevents you from obtaining one, it shall be issued.

[phillyd2]

The reason is simple. They are F'ing with you. The State read "The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned" and as a goof they are questioning you.

You guys really have no sense of humor

[axmdr40]

I'm pretty sure I checked the box that said "To blow motherf#$kers away"

I mean, isn't that the only reason anyone would ever want to own such a nasty invention?

[MarcS]

Check other and write NOYFB.

[dmg1969]

I simply checked Self Defense on mine and it was fine. Hell, my references were never even contacted. And no...checking self defense on your application and taking your gun target shooting is not illegal. If so...I'm in deep doo-doo.

Dave G.

[BUCKMARK]

It's just another common sense question like

Are you a habitual drunkard?

Do you do illegal drugs?


Just tell em' your a pro bass fisherman and you need protection from pirates.

[str8shooter]

Thanks for all the answers, suggestions and laughs. There actually is an "Other" box, where I can write in my own answer, and many of the answers suggested are definitely more appropriate than the state's canned answers, (particularly "because I can", which is exactly why I'm getting a LTCF!).

However, to avoid getting my name on some agency's list of people to watch out for, I think I'll just check the "defense" box and move on. Gotta love those other questions too, Like question 33, Was I ever charged for having illegal cosmetics?