Father to son transfer (handgun)

[chris198]

I'm currently eighteen and I was wondering how the process of receiving a handgun from my father would go, any paperwork *threw FFL maybe*/background check? Certain identification required? I don't have a drivers license yet, but I have a hunters permit/license, drivers permit, PA voters card (republican ftw), some mail to prove where I reside, and my SSN/Birth Certificate.





There has been other posts that are (somewhat) related, but not in the details that I'm searching for.

[00gt1]

i could be completely out of the ball park here, but from what i understand, you can't legally own a handgun untill you're 21 in PA. You can "own" one (shoot at the range with parents, ect.) but not register one under your name and or buy one.

[chris198]

i could be completely out of the ball park here, but from what i understand, you can't legally own a handgun untill you're 21 in PA. You can "own" one (shoot at the range with parents, ect.) but not register one under your name and or buy one.

I'm pretty sure it was, if the gun is handgun is handed down to you from a parent/grand parent it is legally yours, but I don't know the process to receive it. (21 TO BUY THE HANDGUN and AMMO, 18 to OWN IT) I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. I also remember reading a 18yr can take a HANDGUN thats been given to them (by a parent / or a present), and drive alone to a firing range and practice.

Can anyone confirm or deny this and if I'm correct tell me about the process of transfer.

[JayBell]

you must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a dealer, however, you must be at least 18 to receive one from a direct family member, such as mother/father etc, without having to transfer thru a dealer (FFL)

under 18 is generally unlawful to transfer a handgun to, without written permission from the parent or guardian, and only for a lawful purpose.

receiving a handgun from a non family member would not be lawful,as the dealer would not be able to transfer it to you, as private sales on handguns must go thru a dealer so the PICS check can be performed.


rifles and shotguns are ok to buy from a dealer at 18.

[chris198]

you must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a dealer, however, you must be at least 18 to receive one from a direct family member, such as mother/father etc, without having to transfer thru a dealer (FFL)

under 18 is generally unlawful to transfer a handgun to, without written permission from the parent or guardian, and only for a lawful purpose.

receiving a handgun from a non family member would not be lawful,as the dealer would not be able to transfer it to you, as private sales on handguns must go thru a dealer so the PICS check can be performed.


rifles and shotguns are ok to buy from a dealer at 18.

So your basically saying there really is no process for me to receive the handgun from a parent? (I'd like some prof of ownership though, guess thats not possible eh?) I just don't understand how its so simple, it feels like it can't be right, but it is though. Thought things would more strict for handguns. /shrug

[JayBell]

the process is they hand it to you.
if you want proof of ownership, hve them print out and sign a document, like a receipt, that states this is a gift, and from whom.
no biggie.

the only real way there would be a problem is if you are a prohibited person, and cannot legally own a gun at all.

[wmriz]

from what i read the law is ONLY between a husband and wife all others must have a transfer

[knight0334]

from what i read the law is ONLY between a husband and wife all others must have a transfer

These are the legal paperless transfers, so long as the receiving person is of lawful age, and has no other prohibiting offenses:

1. Spouse to spouse
2. Parent to child
3. Child to parent
4. grandparent to grandchild
5. Grandchild to grandparent