Open carry of a rifle

[Jup06]

Is it legal to walk down a sidewalk with a rifle slung on your shoulder(pointing upwards) in PA? Growing up, I was told it was legal. Now, I'm not sure based on PA's definition of a "firearm". I don't plan on doing this, so please don't go off on tangents.

The reason I ask this is because of all of this quarreling over open carry of pistols which is getting old. We may have a "right" to openly carry a handgun(except philly) but we have no "right" to own a handgun, only a privilege, much like a drivers license.

[KeithPA]

yep....

§ 6106.1. Carrying loaded weapons other than firearms.
(a) General rule.--Except as provided in Title 34 (relating
to game), no person shall carry a loaded pistol, revolver,
shotgun or rifle, other than a firearm as defined in section
6102 (relating to definitions), in any vehicle. The provisions
of this section shall not apply to persons excepted from the
requirement of a license to carry firearms under section
6106(b)(1), (2), (5) or (6) (relating to firearms not to be
carried without a license) nor shall the provisions of this
section be construed to permit persons to carry firearms in a
vehicle where such conduct is prohibited by section 6106.
(b) Penalty.--A person who violates the provisions of this
section commits a summary offense.
(Dec. 7, 1989, P.L.607, No.68, eff. 60 days; June 13, 1995, 1st
Sp.Sess., P.L.1024, No.17, eff. 120 days)

§ 6108. Carrying firearms on public streets or public property
in Philadelphia.
No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time
upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of
the first class unless:
(1) such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or
(2) such person is exempt from licensing under section
6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried
without a license).

Just no car or public streets of philly

[Jup06]

So how come no one is exercising their rights and walking into Homo Depot with a rifle across their back? I'm sure they'd be asked to leave and the cops might/might not be called based on where you are. But they're rights...right?

[RocketFoot]

I think the problem is that business's can post "rules" about weapons on their property...just like in the old west, saloon's would have a sign that said you must check all firearms at the bar. On a public sidewalk, you should have no problems!

[XD45]

i remember a few years back, maybe not that long this guy took a pellat gun to one of the restaurants downtown to shoot rats, they had a huge manhunt for him after they couldnt find him half of downtown pgh was shutdown all because someone called and said there was a sniper or someshit in pgh.... i'd like to see someone do it just to see how the cops handle it, i bet you have helicopters swarming over your head.

[RocketFoot]

I remember that, he was hunting pigeons with an air rifle and onlookers thought he was a sniper.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Jup06

...We may have a "right" to openly carry a handgun(except philly) but we have no "right" to own a handgun, only a privilege, much like a drivers license.

Exactly what are you basing this statement on?

[Jup06]

Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot

Exactly what are you basing this statement on?

The "privilege" of owning a firearm . I'm basing this on the PSP saying it's okay for so and so to have a firearm. Remember, rights are guaranteed to all. Privileges are not. Nobody has a "right" to own a firearm in this state.

[axmdr40]

HELLO!!

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, and prohibits Congress from infringement of "the right of the people to keep and bear arms."


PA Constitution:

Right to Bear Arms
Section 21.
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Jup06

The "privilege" of owning a firearm . I'm basing this on the PSP saying it's okay for so and so to have a firearm. Remember, rights are guaranteed to all. Privileges are not. Nobody has a "right" to own a firearm in this state.

You were set up Sorry!

Everyone in the commonwealth has the right to own firearms. The exception is those whom have had their rights curtailed by either commission of certain crimes or suitable (per the courts) mental deficiency.

Ref:
Pennsylvania Constitution
Article 1; Section 21

Right to Bear Arms
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html

The "right" is there. What the PSP does is another matter. Is it unconstitutional? Maybe, but that does not mean the "right" does not exist as you claim.