Quote:
Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot
Being that the firearm need not be "registered" to you in order to possess or carry said firearm, I think this boils down to a very simply to the below:
If a firearm is in your possession, and you have a valid LTCF, then you are good to go.
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That's oversimplifying. It's not at all uncommon for cops to go on fishing expeditions with guns, even without any probable cause to suspect any crimes. That's why I recommend that when you are stopped for speeding or for a sobriety check, and you are asked "do you have any illegal drugs or guns?", you evade the question.
Some cops have a routine for guns. They ask if you have one; then they ask to see it; then they walk away with it "to run the serial number to see if it's stolen"; then somehow it has to go back to the station, but you can pick it up tomorrow; then you're told their policy is never to return firearms without a court order. Not all cops, but the ones that my clients come to me about.
If John Smith is in possession of Joe Blow's handgun, it's likely that this will be perceived as a red flag by your average cop, even (or especially) if Joe Blow is in the car, too. Cops frequently run the serial number in the registry-that-isn't-a-registry, they frequently get a specific result on the last FFL transfer of that gun, and they expect that person to still be the owner.
It's ALWAYS better to have your own LTCF, than to rely on the "loan" or "spouse" provisions, and it's better in PA to have a PA LTCF than an out-of-state permit.