ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - We're taking an in-depth look at the gun control debate. In the first part of this series we looked at the local and national tragedies that got people talking about gun control again, and the president's call for tougher gun control laws. Since then, gun sales and permit requests are up, in part two of the series we look at the permit process.
If you want to carry a gun in Cambria County, you come to Sheriff Bob Kolar's office. Permit requests in his office have quadrupled in recent months.
To get a permit you need to bring a driver's license, 20 dollars, and references, then you fill out form. It asks about criminal history, any crime with punishment of more than a year in jail and you can't get a permit. The form also asks about drug use, drinking habits, and mental health.
Then it's up to the State Police. They run a background check and make the determination. If you get denied, you can appeal to the state.
There's a similar call to Harrisburg when you buy a gun. Pioneer Gun Shop owner Bob Buchanan's seen more customers in his Altoona store. He recently had a record crowd. Most customers were looking for guns for home protection. To buy a rifle you have to be at least 18, to buy a handgun you need to be 21, and for a fully automatic weapon, there's a special form and $200 fee. Then the state performs a more intense background check.
If home protection is all you want, you don't need a permit. If the gun stays in your home you don't need a permit to defend yourself or your home. You also don't need a permit to buy a gun. You only need a Pennsylvania permit for "concealed carry" purposes. Since Pennsylvania is an "open carry" state you can walk around with a gun displayed, but if someone sees your gun, gets upset, and calls police you could be charged with disorderly conduct.
If you want to carry a gun in Cambria County, you come to Sheriff Bob Kolar's office. Permit requests in his office have quadrupled in recent months.
To get a permit you need to bring a driver's license, 20 dollars, and references, then you fill out form. It asks about criminal history, any crime with punishment of more than a year in jail and you can't get a permit. The form also asks about drug use, drinking habits, and mental health.
Then it's up to the State Police. They run a background check and make the determination. If you get denied, you can appeal to the state.
There's a similar call to Harrisburg when you buy a gun. Pioneer Gun Shop owner Bob Buchanan's seen more customers in his Altoona store. He recently had a record crowd. Most customers were looking for guns for home protection. To buy a rifle you have to be at least 18, to buy a handgun you need to be 21, and for a fully automatic weapon, there's a special form and $200 fee. Then the state performs a more intense background check.
If home protection is all you want, you don't need a permit. If the gun stays in your home you don't need a permit to defend yourself or your home. You also don't need a permit to buy a gun. You only need a Pennsylvania permit for "concealed carry" purposes. Since Pennsylvania is an "open carry" state you can walk around with a gun displayed, but if someone sees your gun, gets upset, and calls police you could be charged with disorderly conduct.
Comments
First, Pennsylvania does NOT have a permit...It is a LICENSE, similiar to a drivers LICENSE (you can drive up to a certain wieght of vehicle under a "class C" license), in that it (The Penna License to Carry Firearms) legallizes one to carry a loaded, fully servicable handgun in certain conditions/ areas that one who does not possess said LICENSE can not carry. NO, you can not be charged with Disorderly Conduct for the mere carrying of a handgun.
Matthew M.
February 14, 2013 at 6:54 pm
First, Pennsylvania does NOT have a permit...It is a LICENSE, similiar to a drivers LICENSE, in that it legallizes one to carry a loaded, fully servicable handgun in certain conditions/ areas that one who does not possess said LICENSE can not carry. NO, you can not be charged with Disorderly Conduct for the mere carrying of a handgun.
Matthew M.
February 14, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Yes Pennsylvania is an Open Carry state. And more and more people are carrying openly now, for protection. How long does it take the police to respond to an incident? Wisconsin Sherrif encouraged people to get Carry Permits due to the long response times of his officers. I am not promoting vigilantism. I want to be able to protect my family and myself. Maybe this is what is needed. to reduce the crime rates.
Gary G.
February 13, 2013 at 12:47 am
