Records to keep after purchasing firearm?

**Nelson** · February 16th, 2009, 02:26 PM

After I purchase a pistol, I get the bill of sale and a copy of the PA application/record of sale. Do I need to keep the copy of both? For how long? I ended up giving one of my pistols to my dad as a gift, should I give him a copy of anything?

Thanks!

**HiredGoon** · February 16th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Some people don't keep the PA record of sale figuring (I guess) that they own it and no proof is needed. However, others like me, keep all related paperwork. No legal requirement to keep it...just personal preference.

As far as giving the paperwork to your dad, there is no requirement to do paperwork on handgun transfers between father and son (and between certain other family members), if both live in PA, so again, personal preference.

**Xringshooter** · February 16th, 2009, 04:17 PM

I keep all paperwork that concerns any guns I buy (or transfer from the business) - just in case. If giving one to your dad, give him all the paperwork and he can decide if he wants to keep it or not. If you don't keep the PSP paperwork, don't worry, the PSP probably has it somewhere and the dealer that you bought it from (or did the transfer) will also have a copy. There is no law/regulation that you keep any of the paperwork, even any warranty paperwork (there are laws that cover that).