Permit To Carry Question

ShotInTheDark · 04-12-2008, 11:17 PM

Hi guys. I just purchased a Smith and Wesson 686. It will be used primarily at the range and some other members gave great advice, helping me with the decision that I made.

Here in PA, when going to and from the range, you do not need a permit, as long as the firearm and ammo are in separate areas (and I believe they request the gun to be locked). I'm going to obtain a carry permit anyway though, just to avoid any misunderstandings. The range I use does not have a sign in and I couldn't prove I was there.

My question is, once I have the permit, can I:
a) transport it without separating it?
b) carry any handgun, or is it registered to a specific one?
c) carry multiple handguns in case I get another and 2 of us go to the range?

I know these are probably silly questions for you guys, but I'm a noob

Thanks for your help.

just_a_car · 04-13-2008, 08:15 AM

PA has a very active forum (third to VA {1st} and WA {2nd}) over on the opencarry.org forums. This, of course, means that open carry of a loaded firearm is legal in that state, but I would suggest heading over there and reading up on a bunch of threads, joining up, and asking some questions: Pennsylvania - Stories From The States - OpenCarry.org - Discussion Forum

I don't check or post to that forum, but you can find me over on the WA forum on a daily basis; same username.

ShotInTheDark · 04-13-2008, 10:49 AM

Thank you.

Long Shanks · 04-13-2008, 10:53 AM

I have a 686 7-shot with 4" barrel. I love it, hope you feel the same way about yours.

TXplt · 04-13-2008, 12:14 PM

You can carry as many as you like to the range; the only stipulation is that they are unloaded. Registration of any kind isn't required (although when purchasing, there's a kind of "de-facto" registration, unfortunately, in PA. Not really registration, but not really not either). PA actually has pretty good CCW and firearms laws in general. The permit process for residents (other than in Allegheny County having to make 2 trips to the courthouse--not really even that painful, but you'd think they could mail you the permit) is inexpensive and painless as well.

Here's a link to the PA AG website which has some useful info. If you go to the "Carrying firearms in PA -- frequently asked questions" by the state police link on the page, it'll verify this info and give you some more.

Crime: Protecting Pennsylvania Against Crime - Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Cheers, and enjoy shooting ! Some state game lands have some pretty nice free ranges with them as well (there's one in Wexford).

Also, for non-residents, if you have a permit from your state of residence, the Centre Co. Sheriff will issue a PA permit for $26. Outstanding customer service and it took mine about 3 weeks mailbox to mailbox. You can go to their website for more info.

ShotInTheDark · 04-13-2008, 12:44 PM

Thanks again

04-12-2008, 11:17 PM	#1
ShotInTheDark Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 28	Permit To Carry Question Hi guys. I just purchased a Smith and Wesson 686. It will be used primarily at the range and some other members gave great advice, helping me with the decision that I made. Here in PA, when going to and from the range, you do not need a permit, as long as the firearm and ammo are in separate areas (and I believe they request the gun to be locked). I'm going to obtain a carry permit anyway though, just to avoid any misunderstandings. The range I use does not have a sign in and I couldn't prove I was there. My question is, once I have the permit, can I: a) transport it without separating it? b) carry any handgun, or is it registered to a specific one? c) carry multiple handguns in case I get another and 2 of us go to the range? I know these are probably silly questions for you guys, but I'm a noob Thanks for your help.

04-13-2008, 08:15 AM	#2
just_a_car Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3,522	PA has a very active forum (third to VA {1st} and WA {2nd}) over on the opencarry.org forums. This, of course, means that open carry of a loaded firearm is legal in that state, but I would suggest heading over there and reading up on a bunch of threads, joining up, and asking some questions: Pennsylvania - Stories From The States - OpenCarry.org - Discussion Forum I don't check or post to that forum, but you can find me over on the WA forum on a daily basis; same username. __________________

04-13-2008, 12:14 PM	#5
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,834 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	You can carry as many as you like to the range; the only stipulation is that they are unloaded. Registration of any kind isn't required (although when purchasing, there's a kind of "de-facto" registration, unfortunately, in PA. Not really registration, but not really not either). PA actually has pretty good CCW and firearms laws in general. The permit process for residents (other than in Allegheny County having to make 2 trips to the courthouse--not really even that painful, but you'd think they could mail you the permit) is inexpensive and painless as well. Here's a link to the PA AG website which has some useful info. If you go to the "Carrying firearms in PA -- frequently asked questions" by the state police link on the page, it'll verify this info and give you some more. Crime: Protecting Pennsylvania Against Crime - Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Cheers, and enjoy shooting ! Some state game lands have some pretty nice free ranges with them as well (there's one in Wexford). Also, for non-residents, if you have a permit from your state of residence, the Centre Co. Sheriff will issue a PA permit for $26. Outstanding customer service and it took mine about 3 weeks mailbox to mailbox. You can go to their website for more info. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas Last edited by TXplt; 04-13-2008 at 12:17 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

04-13-2008, 10:49 AM	#3
ShotInTheDark Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 28	Thank you.

04-13-2008, 10:53 AM	#4
Long Shanks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 141	I have a 686 7-shot with 4" barrel. I love it, hope you feel the same way about yours.

04-13-2008, 12:44 PM	#6
ShotInTheDark Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 28	Thanks again