Question and thoughts on PA Preemption laws.

[run silent run deep]

Many cities, towns, borough's, and townships have enacted ordinance or laws that prohibit the discharging of a firearm within their jurisdictions as a crime. Is this a preemption violation, if not why not. Your thoughts.

[ChamberedRound]

Many cities, towns, borough's, and townships have enacted ordinance or laws that prohibit the discharging of a firearm within their jurisdictions as a crime. Is this a preemption violation, if not why not. Your thoughts.

Discharge ordinances are not a preemption violation, as the UFA only covers possession, transfer and transport of firearms. It does not cover use, such as discharge.

I personally don't like discharge ordinances, as they cut against the SPIRIT of the UFA even though they are not in violation of it. Furthermore, in towns where such ordinances exist, it's likely very difficult or outright illegal to target shoot on private property, operate a gun club, etc. without some type of exception or exemption.

One minor consolation is that most ordinances like this do provide an exception for a discharge when using force to justifiably defend one's life or the life of others.

[run silent run deep]

Thanks, that covered my point. I have plenty of room to set up a range on my property. I have to overcome the town ordinance.