Long rifle or a handgun?

**SHTF** · September 9th, 2012, 01:02 PM

Sig Sauer P522 and P556.

Please help to understand termin pistol. Are these considered rifles or handguns?
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProdu...at-pistol.aspx

**knight0334** · September 9th, 2012, 01:05 PM

It is a pistol.

A pistol is a gun that is meant to be fired with one hand.

A long gun usually has a shoulder stock, which is meant to be fired from the, ...well, shoulder.

**SHTF** · September 9th, 2012, 01:22 PM

So all the handgun laws are apply when you buying it and transport/carry it. Right?

As a disclaimer, this is a completely hypothetical questions and in no way reflects a request for information on illegal actions. I take pride in following the letter of the law. I do not at this time own any pistol of any type.

**RHGregory3** · September 9th, 2012, 02:37 PM

It's a pistol. Putting a vertical foregrip or shoulder stock on it makes it an SBR which you will need a class 3 stamp for.

The plus is, while you cant carry a loaded rifle with your LTCF - I know a lot of guys who carry a P556 in the trunk ready to go - the plus of it being a "pistol"

**knight0334** · September 9th, 2012, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by SHTF

So all the handgun laws are apply when you buying it and transport/carry it. Right?

As a disclaimer, this is a completely hypothetical questions and in no way reflects a request for information on illegal actions. I take pride in following the letter of the law. I do not at this time own any pistol of any type.

Yes. It meets the definition of a "firearm".

In Pennsylvania a LTCF is needed to transport in a vehicle, or carry concealed on or about one's person a "firearm" outside of one's home, except to/from a very few limited places. A "firearm" is defined as a pistol or revolver with a barrel less than 15", or a rifle with a barrel less than 16", or a shotgun with a barrel less than 18", or a rifle or shotgun with an overall length less than 26".

No license is needed to openly carry a "firearm" on foot. Except in Philly or during a declared state of emergency. No license is needed to carry a long gun openly or concealed, except in Philly or during a declared state of emergency.

For private transfers a "firearm" must be properly transferred through a FFL or sheriff - except between spouses, parent/child, grandparent/grandchild.

Antique type guns like blackpowder and guns made before 1898 are not "firearms", except when carrying concealed when they meet the "firearm" dimensions.

For prohibited persons - a "firearm" means any type of gun within PA, including antique guns.

**knight0334** · September 9th, 2012, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by RHGregory3

It's a pistol. Putting a vertical foregrip or shoulder stock on it makes it an SBR which you will need a class 3 stamp for.

The plus is, while you cant carry a loaded rifle with your LTCF - I know a lot of guys who carry a P556 in the trunk ready to go - the plus of it being a "pistol"

Putting a vertical foregrip on a handgun makes it into an AOW, which is on the same legal level as a SBR.