Background Checks

[Sunshineandrainbows]

Hi folks, new member here. Thank you all for allowing me to join your community here. My question concerns background checks in PA. I was window shopping the other day. I found out that even with a CCW permit, PA REQUIRES a check for every firearm purchase. Does this include shotguns and rifles? Or is it just handguns? My other question is how long is a background check valid? Could I have one done on me, then come back a few days later to make a purchase? Thank you all in advance. Please feel free to PM me if you prefer.

[Armor Snail]

It is an instant check. When you purchase.
A check is not required for face to face transactions between two PA residents in regards to long arms.
Every purchase from a shop or stand at a show will require a check.
Normally it would take less than 5 minutes. Lately they(PICS) have been overwhelmed with requests so don't expect a speedy transaction.

[fats429]

back ground checks must be done when you take possession of the gun. you need 1 per transaction if you buy 1 or 10 at a time . they are required for every transaction. if you buy a gun in the morning that takes a background check if you decided that after noon you wanted a nother gun that would take a nother background check.

[Sunshineandrainbows]

It is an instant check. When you purchase.
A check is not required for face to face transactions between two PA residents in regards to long arms.
Every purchase from a shop or stand at a show will require a check.
Normally it would take less than 5 minutes. Lately they(PICS) have been overwhelmed with requests so don't expect a speedy transaction.

Wow! Outstanding answers! Thank you! Was looking at a mossberg 12 gauge with a pistol grip. Didn't catch the model number. Primarily doing some home defense research. Thanks again!

[Sunshineandrainbows]

Thanks Fats!

[NathanB]

now the question. Why are you worried about the check?

[stainless]

AND if your name is Sunshineandrainbows do you drive a Unicorn to work???

[1delta10tango]

I purchased a sidearm just this past Saturday. From the time I walked in the door, figured out what I wanted, paperwork, and out the door, it was approximately 1/2 an hour.

[nitro570]

Same here^^^^^.

[Sunshineandrainbows]

now the question. Why are you worried about the check?

I'm not "WORRIED" about a background check. I just thought it better to ask here then to ask at the gun shops. A lot of the people I've encountered at these shops don't seem to be too excited to talk to novices such as myself.

I only ride the unicorn when it isn't raining. My screen name is actually a sort of play on words...referring to the state of our Union, heavy on the sarcasm. Again, thanks for the replies folks. I have other questions but I'll save them for another time.