Do we have to report stolen guns in PA>?

[jcabin]

Do we have to report stolen guns in PA>?
handguns, rifles, shotguns, my biceps?

And if indeed we do need to report a stolen gun, to whom must we make the report to and within what time frame?

thanks!

[imperialism2024]

Yes and no.

State law says no, and preemption should mean that that's the final answer.

Unfortunately, some municipalities believe that the law does not apply to them, and have enacted lost/stolen gun ordinances... reporting guidelines vary by jurisdiction.

Granted, those laws are against the law, so I'd say that there is no legal requirement anywhere in PA to report lost/stolen guns... though be prepared to fight a court battle over it.

[HiredGoon]

If your gun was stolen...why wouldn't you want to report it? I guess some places are saying they'll (illegally) revoke your LTCF if you do...but other than that concern, why not?

[Xringshooter]

Do you have to, no, not necessarily, there's nothing that says that you have to report any theft of your personal property. If you do report it you would report it to the law enforcement agency that serves your location. No difference than if you had anything stolen from you. If you have insurance you have to report it if you want your insurance to cover the loss.

[LisaA]

Although it is not required, I would report the theft of my gun(s). I would consider the possibility if the stolen gun were used in a crime. The gun would be traced to you. What do you do when that happens?

[Searcher67]

Upon moving to PA and getting everything unpacked I noticed a pistol missing..I spent two weeks tearing everything apart trying to find the gun..Not only did I report it missing to police in Pa, but I did so in Md as well since I did not know where it was missing/stolen from..We had help moving!
It was my suspicion that my sis-inlaw's BF, whom I just didn't like had something to do with it. He was the only one that had access to the gun other than myself.

So, to answer the OP question. I WOULD report my gun stolen as soon as I realize its missing. If its stolen and used in a crime, wouldn't you want a police report saying that is was stolen PRIOR to the crime? You have to cover your a$$ as best you can...

I didn't report it to my ins. co. since the gun value was less than my deductable.

[duane1]

If there is a chance I could get my stolen firearm back. Hell yes I would report it. Just the same if someone stole my vehicle.

[Pa. Patriot]

Just to point out that reporting a gun stolen will NOT prevent it from being used in a crime.
Not sure why people make this assumption.

[camper]

Just to point out that reporting a gun stolen will NOT prevent it from being used in a crime.
Not sure why people make this assumption.

I don't think that's the case, but if that gun ends up at the head of another person right before the trigger is pulled, when the police come to investigate you at that point it certainly would look better on you to say "No, I reported that gun stolen years ago, here's the report." vs "Oh yeah, that gun was stolen years ago. No, I didn't tell anyone. Of course I had nothing to do with the murder, I didn't even have the gun at the time! I didn't tell anyone that it was stolen, because it was none of your friggin business. No, I most certainly did not sell it to a convicted felon, it was stolen. Whattaya mean you're taking me in for questioning???"

Seriously, I don't get why you wouldn't report it stolen. If its used in a crime you probably will get a ride to your local PD, but at least you won't look quite so suspicious as if you just kept your mouth shut about it.

camper

[Pa. Patriot]

I don't think that's the case, but if that gun ends up at the head of another person right before the trigger is pulled, when the police come to investigate you at that point it certainly would look better on you to say "No, I reported that gun stolen years ago, here's the report." vs "Oh yeah, that gun was stolen years ago. No, I didn't tell anyone. Of course I had nothing to do with the murder, I didn't even have the gun at the time! I didn't tell anyone that it was stolen, because it was none of your friggin business. No, I most certainly did not sell it to a convicted felon, it was stolen. Whattaya mean you're taking me in for questioning???"

Seriously, I don't get why you wouldn't report it stolen. If its used in a crime you probably will get a ride to your local PD, but at least you won't look quite so suspicious as if you just kept your mouth shut about it.

camper

I didn't say not to report it. I said exactly what I said. Reporting a gun stolen will not prevent it from being used in a crime.