Concealed Carry in Pennsylvania: How Many Guns Can You Carry?
As a resident of Pennsylvania, you may be wondering how many guns you can legally carry concealed. The answer lies in the state’s firearms laws and regulations. In this article, we’ll break down the requirements and restrictions for concealed carry in Pennsylvania, so you can stay informed and compliant.
What is Concealed Carry?
Before we dive into the specifics of Pennsylvania’s laws, let’s define what concealed carry means. Concealed carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm, typically a handgun, on one’s person in a concealed manner. This means that the firearm is not visible to the public and is typically carried in a holster, purse, or other concealed container.
Pennsylvania’s Concealed Carry Laws
Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state, meaning that the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will issue a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to eligible applicants. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Complete a firearms safety course
- Not have any felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions
- Not have any outstanding warrants or restraining orders
- Not be under indictment for a felony or misdemeanor
How Many Guns Can You Carry?
Now, let’s get to the question at hand: how many guns can you carry in Pennsylvania? The answer is simple: one. According to Pennsylvania law, a concealed carry license holder is only allowed to carry one firearm at a time.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to the one-gun rule. For example:
- Law enforcement officers: Law enforcement officers are exempt from the one-gun rule and can carry multiple firearms.
- Security guards: Security guards who are licensed to carry firearms may be allowed to carry multiple firearms, depending on their employer’s policies and local laws.
- Military personnel: Active duty military personnel may be allowed to carry multiple firearms, depending on their branch of service and local laws.
Carrying Multiple Firearms in a Vehicle
While you can only carry one firearm on your person, you can carry multiple firearms in a vehicle. However, you must:
- Keep the firearms in a locked container or compartment
- Not have any loaded firearms in the vehicle
- Not have any easily accessible firearms in the vehicle
Table: Pennsylvania’s Concealed Carry Laws
| Law | Description |
|---|---|
| Shall-issue state | The Pennsylvania State Police will issue a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to eligible applicants |
| Eligibility requirements | Be at least 21 years old, be a Pennsylvania resident, complete a firearms safety course, and meet certain criminal background checks |
| One-gun rule | Concealed carry license holders are only allowed to carry one firearm at a time |
| Exceptions | Law enforcement officers, security guards, and military personnel may be allowed to carry multiple firearms |
| Carrying multiple firearms in a vehicle | Firearms must be kept in a locked container or compartment, and not loaded or easily accessible |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pennsylvania law allows concealed carry license holders to carry one firearm at a time. While there are some exceptions to the rule, such as law enforcement officers and security guards, it’s important to note that carrying multiple firearms in a vehicle is allowed, as long as they are stored safely and securely.
Remember to always follow Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and regulations, and to stay informed about any changes to the laws. By doing so, you can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
