Inherited Firearms

[Rugby8Man]

I have inherited my Fathers firearms since his passing. I somewhat understand the rules on inheriting firearms, but this is where it gets tricky/confuses me.

The 3 hand guns are registered in my Fathers name in the state of Washington.
Being that I am a Pennsylvania resident, do the inheritance rules still apply?
Do I need to have these hand guns transfered and registered in my name?

I am the executor of my Fathers estate, and I have the paperwork along with death certificate etc.

Short of asking the State Police, not sure who else to ask...

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Hawk]

Just to be clear. Were the guns, while they were in possession of your father, in Washington or PA? I assume you are handling this estate according to Washington State Laws?

[knight0334]

The State of Washington doesn't have a registration, neither does Pennsylvania.

Also, Washington State doesn't regulate private transfers. So, its likely they don't regulate transfers via inheritance either. And since Federal and PA laws allow for interstate and intrastate transfers of handguns via bequest(a will) or intestate successsion(family inheritance) - there is absolutely nothing you need to do.

And if your dad was a PA resident, he could have just given them to you when he was alive.


Enjoy your guns, take time to think of your dad when you use them.

[Rugby8Man]

Thank you very much for the information!

Like I said, short of speaking with the PSP or Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, I have heard varying information on what the regulations, or laws were, concerning this issue so I wasnt sure.

And my Dad was a resident of Washington State, not Pennsylvania, so that’s why I thought there may have been an issue with the inheritance.

My next step then will be to apply for my LTCF.

And trust me, I’m proud of and appreciate my Father’s collection.

Thank you again!

[PaBimmerGuy]

Like I said, short of speaking with the PSP or Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office,

never ask cops for legal advice. most of them think that we have a registry in pennsylvania.

what knight said is accurate. the gun control act of 1968 allow for bequests to be transferred interstate without paperwork if the involved states permit it.

so pack them up and bring them home.

[Rugby8Man]

Yea, as you can see, this is all new to me. I did not own or possess any firearms of my own prior to this.

[spblademaker]

never ask cops for legal advice. most of them think that we have a registry in pennsylvania.

The God's honest truth!!