Legal Definition of a pistol in PA

**Mikee1973** · February 1st, 2011, 01:24 PM

Question from a non-PA resident.

I am a Michigan resident with a CPL (Concealed Pistol License). Michigan has a funky definition of pistol that if a firearm has at least a 16" barrel and an OAL length between 26-30 inches it needs to be registered as a pistol. This actually a good thing if someone would like to have a Sig556 folder or similar, where it will need to be registered as a pistol. With a CPL one can carry this weapon in the car with a magazine in and a round in the chamber without any issues. Some people like calling these "truck guns"

Would PA also classify a Sig556 folder, AK side/undefolders as pistols or rifles?

Just wondering if i should be placing them in transport mode when i go to/through PA.

Thanks!

**phillykev** · February 1st, 2011, 01:44 PM

"Firearm." Any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable.

http://reference.pafoa.org/statutes/...2/definitions/