Before You Buy A Gun Or Apply For A License

          WARNING: If you think there is any reason why you might be prohibited from possessing firearms, such as an old conviction or a possible involuntary mental health commitment, do not attempt to purchase a firearm or apply for a license to carry a concealed firearm. Get advice from an attorney in order to be sure of your legal status before you try to buy a firearm or apply for a license.

   If you are a prohibited person and you attempt to purchase a firearm or apply for a license, you will probably be prosecuted for a felony.

Be sure that you understand the forms that you will have to complete.

Make sure that you complete the forms correctly.

The Pennsylvania State Police has dramatically stepped up prosecutions for making incorrect statements on firearms purchase forms and license applications and now seems to prosecuting all PICS denials.

The Pennsylvania State Police are charging people with violations of Crimes Code Section 4904, Unsworn falsification to authorities (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904), a misdemeanor of the second degree, and Crimes Code Section 6111(g)(4), Making a material false written statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6111(g)(4), a felony of the third degree.

If you have any doubts about your legal status, consult with an attorney before you complete one of the following forms:

The Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form (the 4473 form)
Click here to view the 4473 form.

The Pennsylvania State Police Application/Record of Sale Form (SP 4-113)
Click here to view the Application/Record of Sale, Form and National Instant Check information

The Application For A Pennsylvania License To Carry Firearms Form
Click here to view the application for a license form.

Once again, do not not try to buy a gun or apply for a carry license unless you are sure that it is not illegal for you to possess a firearm or obtain a license. Carefully read Sections 6105 and 6109 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act

You do not have to have been convicted of a felony in order to be prohibited from buying a gun or getting a license for concealed carry.

If you have been convicted of a crime, what is important in determining whether you are firearms prohibited is the possible maximum sentence of imprisonment, NOT the sentence actually imposed by the court.

If you are unsure about your legal situation, get advice from an attorney in order to be sure of your legal status before you try to buy a firearm or apply for a license.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The material found on this web site is for informational purposes only.
It is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be complete or up to date.
It is not a substitute for obtaining the services of an attorney.

This website is maintained by:

J. Michael McCormick
Attorney at Law
314 Center Avenue
PO Box 64
Verona, PA 15147
412-828-8490
jmm@jmichaelmccormick.com