What to do?

[rickafd]

I just joined the PAFOA and i hope to learn alot more than I already know.

My reason for joining was I have a question regarding a colt 1911 45ACP.

My father-in-law gave me the .45 that was given to him by his father who received it from his brother, just days before Pearl Harbor. He was told, "you might need this".

Cutting to the chase, my question is what do I have to do to register this gun in my name?

There is no paperwork that came with the pistol.

As of this time I do not have any intentions of seeking a concealed weapons permit.

What is my best coarse of action?

[IronSight]

There is no firearms registration in Pennsylvania.

Just curious, but what made you think there was?

Edit: take note of gnbrotz's post below

[YBNORMAL]

Start here:http://www.pafoa.org/law



I'll try to dig up the statues in a second so I can be sure I don't tell you something that is wrong.

Edit: On registration in PA-

18 Pa.C.S. § 6111.4: Registration of firearms
Notwithstanding any section of this chapter to the contrary, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow any government or law enforcement agency or any agent thereof to create, maintain or operate any registry of firearm ownership within this Commonwealth. For the purposes of this section only, the term "firearm" shall include any weapon that is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.

IANAL

I thought there was some exemption on transfering at an ffl when gifted from certain family members but my grasp on this is not strong and I dont want to give you bad advice. Fingers advice would probably give you the most piece of mind though.

[fingers80002]

Go to an FFL , and do a Pistol Transfer.......

[gnbrotz]

Certain transfers are exempt from the usual required paperwork. Father-in-law to son-in-law is not one of them, but parents/children/spouse are, so if for example your FIL gave it to his daughter, who in turn gave it to her husband (you), that would be perfectly legal and no paperwork would need to be done.