What handguns are legal to carry hunting?

[03scf250]

My father in law asked me today if I ever carried my Glock when I hunted, since he knows any other time its by my side. I never even thought of doing that because when I deer hunt I carry my scoped 357 with me. I didn't know how to answer him when he asked if it would be legal for me to do so. I have my ltcf for 20+ years and never thought about it since my first handgun was my 357 and have carried it hunting ever since. My question is would it even be legal to carry a semi auto pistol with you in the woods?

[Pa. Patriot]

Since 2007 it is legal to carry a handgun that is otherwise not legal to hunt with for the season IF you have an LTCF. Obviously you can not use the non-hunting-authorized sidearm except for self defense.

A link to the PGC regulation change is posted in one of the many other threads on this topic.

[03scf250]

Thank you for the fast response. Like I said I wasn't sure and before I give bad info I knew someone here would have the answer.

[tsafa]

Now I'm confused again. I read in one of the other posts that you only need a LTC in order to have gun while you are in a car in most of PA. I was told any PA resident can carry open or concealed otherwise in public. If that is the case, it should apply to gamelands. So which is it?

[fingers80002]

Now I'm confused again. I read in one of the other posts that you only need a LTC in order to have gun while you are in a car in most of PA. I was told any PA resident can carry open or concealed otherwise in public. If that is the case, it should apply to gamelands. So which is it?

???????????
You have alot of different regs going on here......

[Justin]

Now I'm confused again. I read in one of the other posts that you only need a LTC in order to have gun while you are in a car in most of PA. I was told any PA resident can carry open or concealed otherwise in public. If that is the case, it should apply to gamelands. So which is it?

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure where to start, so I suppose I'll start at the beginning.

you only need a LTC in order to have gun while you are in a car in most of PA.

No, you only need to have an LTCF to have a LOADED FIREARM in your vehicle, or to have an unloaded one when you are traveling outside of the home/range/gunsmith/place of business limitations.

I was told any PA resident can carry open or concealed otherwise in public

Not quite sure what you are saying, but If I am translating correctly - No, there are a lot of limitations. Only a resident with a valid LTCF can carry concealed. And as far as open carry, only a resident 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by law from owning firearms, may carry openly.

If that is the case, it should apply to gamelands. So which is it?

That is not the case.

Also, when you engage in hunting, you are under an entirely new set of regulations (Pennsylvania game & wildlife code) so this adds a new dimension to what you may be thinking.

[KrptcMschfMkr128]

Not quite sure what you are saying, but If I am translating correctly - No, there are a lot of limitations. Only a resident with a valid LTCF can carry concealed. And as far as open carry, only a resident 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by law from owning firearms, may carry openly.

I thought you had to be 21 to carry a handgun, open or concealed.

[fingers80002]

I thought you had to be 21 to carry a handgun, open or concealed.

Nope, 18.......for OC.

[KrptcMschfMkr128]

Well that makes sense... Cuz you gotta be 21 to buy the gun... Y'know?

No, you only need to have an LTCF to have a LOADED FIREARM in your vehicle, or to have an unloaded one when you are traveling outside of the home/range/gunsmith/place of business limitations.

^^^bolded part is slightly confusing, too.

[unloved]

Well that makes sense... Cuz you gotta be 21 to buy the gun... Y'know?

You have to be 21 to buy the gun from a FFL. At 18, you can buy a handgun from a private party, and transfer it through a Sheriff.