Maximum pistol barrel length

**Bruce_W** · June 8th, 2011, 02:22 PM

Is there a PA law for a maximum pistol barrel length ?

**GunLawyer001** · June 8th, 2011, 02:36 PM

Yes.

"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.

If your pistol has a 16" barrel, it's no longer a "firearm" for some purposes. It's not unlawful to possess or carry on your person, but it's now unlawful to transport in a vehicle while loaded:

§ 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.

**lemko** · June 10th, 2011, 10:33 AM

I guess the Joker's revolver would not then be considered a firearm?

**knight0334** · June 10th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by lemko

I guess the Joker's revolver would not then be considered a firearm?

Not to PA law, except for prohibited persons and a couple other subsections.

It'd be a "firearm" to the GCA68 under federal law though - but that pretty much only matters to commercial/interstate transfers and prohibited persons.

As for PA law, it'd have the same legal position as a full length rifle or shotgun.

**Chazman321** · June 10th, 2011, 11:19 AM

Next purchase: .500 S&W Mag. revolver cane... lol

-Chaz

**Bruce_W** · June 10th, 2011, 02:40 PM

Would it be legal to hunt with ?

**knight0334** · June 10th, 2011, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce_W

Would it be legal to hunt with ?

So long as it is manually operated.. IE: a revolver, single shot, double barrel, etc.

For small game you are limited to .23caliber. During some overlapping seasons it must be .22 rimfire or less. Groundhog are exempt from the caliber limit, so you can shoot them with a .50BMG if you want.

For large game like deer and bear - it just has to be centerfire.