Quick PA Pistol Law Question

[Hoootie]

I am 95% sure I already know the answer, but I think its better to be safe than sorry. If a relative gives you their old pistol as a gift, do you need to have it transferred at a licensed gun dealer, or register it in any way? I know that generally there is no requirement to register your firearms in PA, but a wasn't sure if this only applies when purchasing from a licensed dealer.

[Aran]

Mother father grandfather grandmother.

If they're any of the above, no. Anyone else, yes.

[knight0334]

Transfers between spouses, parent and child, grandparent and grandchild are exempt from the requirement of needing to be transfered at a dealer or sheriff. ...no paperwork necessary.

All other relatives or other persons transfers are required to have the State Police "firearm" transfer form filled out and a background check completed.

[Hokkmike]

So, what constitutes a "transfer" between spouse? Do you just say, "Here , the weapon is now yours."?

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by Hokkmike

So, what constitutes a "transfer" between spouse? Do you just say, "Here , the weapon is now yours."?

That would work..

A change in ownership.. Possession itself could be construed to be a transfer too.

As long as there is a common agreement between two spouses, the handgun could be borrowed, traded, given back and forth between spouses. Nothing has to be said or done other than the receiving party take possession of it. Same goes with transfers between parent and child and grandparent and grandchild. So long as both parties are in agreement, and it isn't a theft - it would be legal to loan, trade, borrow, sell, give or whatever back and forth between those family members whenever they felt like it. PA treats handgun transfers between close relation like most other states treat any private transfer - free and clear of paperwork, which is the way it should be.

Most properties in a marriage are communal - co-owned. (we all know though that whats her's is her's and whats your's is her's).

[Hoootie]

Ok, the situation is that my dad's brother wants to give him a gun. So they have to get some kind of form from the state police and fill it out?

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Hoootie

Ok, the situation is that my dad's brother wants to give him a gun. So they have to get some kind of form from the state police and fill it out?

Brother to brother.

If it is a handgun they need to do the transfer at a FFL dealer.

long gun - no

ref: §6111. Sale or transfer of firearms.