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Concealed Carry & Self Defense All aspects of Concealed and Open Carry, Home and Self Defense.


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Old 02-06-2016, 11:49 PM
ConfusedGirl ConfusedGirl is offline
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Please don't laugh, or be mean, looking for serious guidance. I can shoot a gun, comfortable with them in my hands. And now I feel i need to own one. I have NO IDEA what forms i need to find and fill out, fees i need to pay, licenses i must have, etc etc. If anyone can tell me the exact steps i need to take, or at least the first couple, I would really appreciate it! I live in PA..

Last edited by ConfusedGirl; 02-06-2016 at 11:57 PM.
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Old 02-06-2016, 11:55 PM
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It is different in every state and country. Where do you live?
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Old 02-06-2016, 11:56 PM
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What man is not happy to help a confused girl?

It can be different in different states. Go to a reliable gun dealer near you and he will be able to guide you through the process. If you buy from a gun shop they will know how to handle the transaction. If you buy from an individual you need to know your state's laws.

Some states it is very easy and in some states it is very, very complicated and involved.
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Old 02-06-2016, 11:57 PM
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It might help to tell us what state you live in as there are different hoops to jump through depending on where you live.

Wow three responses at almost the same time!!
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Old 02-06-2016, 11:59 PM
ConfusedGirl ConfusedGirl is offline
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It is different in every state and country. Where do you live?
I live in Pennsylvania
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:01 AM
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Yea sorry, forgot to say i live in PA!
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:07 AM
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If you have no prior law problems. Are not or was an addict and never had a mental problem. Are of age. You don't have any legal restraints, then you should be good. Just go to your local gun shop and he will show you how to go about doing the little paperwork to purchase a gun.
It takes only a couple minutes to fill out the forms. I am not sure about PA but I am guessing it is about the same there. I don't know if they have any waiting period to be approved or not.

Last edited by gman51; 02-07-2016 at 12:09 AM.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:17 AM
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Ok. So i can just walk into a gun shop and purchase a gun, just like that? Ontop of paying for the gun, are there fees for this paperwork I will fill out? This paperwork is to get a license to PURCHASE a gun, or to OWN one? (I'm sorry, I don't even know if there is a difference/ seperate licenses required, for buying one and owning one
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:21 AM
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Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

A quick internet search does not reveal a particularly burdensome legislative requirement. Seems private sales have a registration requirement. Seems to be a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. So ownership and concealed carry seem "normal". Any local gun store ought to be able to set you up. I'm sure a forum member from PA will be along shortly to help further.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:24 AM
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Oare there fees for this paperwork I will fill out? This paperwork is to get a license to PURCHASE a gun, or to OWN one?
The fee is to run a background check, to make sure your an eligible buyer. Here in South Carolina, I only pay a fee for background checks, if transferring a gun from another retailer.

Last edited by bigwheelzip; 02-07-2016 at 12:31 AM.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:30 AM
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Lol! Thank you! I'm sure my questions paint a picture of me as a ditsy blonde, but i can assure that i am NOT an idiot. However.... this is all foreign to me. 75% of your sentences in your post might as well have been in Japanese! Lol! I did some searching on Google as well, but like i said... this is just all foreign to me unfortunately, and I'm not confident that I'm understands the lingo. Ya know? However, this is not for fun, or sport, its for protection, so it's necessary I know exactly what's what. i thank you for your help and I will head to a store and ask them where i start in this process! Thanks again

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Old 02-07-2016, 12:46 AM
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this is not for fun, or sport, its for protection, so it's necessary I know exactly what's what.
This sounds ominous. Please get some background in your right of self-defense. Here in SC, a concealed-carry class is all day long, and most of it is spent covering legal issues.

Don't worry about the questions you have sounding dumb. Just ask.

Good luck.
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Old 02-07-2016, 01:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by finesse_r View Post
What man is not happy to help a confused girl?

It can be different in different states. Go to a reliable gun dealer near you and he will be able to guide you through the process. If you buy from a gun shop they will know how to handle the transaction. If you buy from an individual you need to know your state's laws.

Some states it is very easy and in some states it is very, very complicated and involved.

Ma'am, This member nailed yer answer!! Go to a reliable gun dealer and just find out just what you need!! Trust yer VA. Hillbilly on this one: They make their money selling guns LEGALY and won't point you down the wrong path as they are liable for the proper background checks being performed. etc....

If you don't have a gun store near you that you know anything about, try a Bass Pro or Cabela's that's near you. They will definitely give you good info as to the requirements to purchase a handgun!!

And, No.... Your questions do NOT paint you as a "Ditsy Blonde"!!!!! Just someone wanting some good reliable information!!!! And that is something to be Respected!!!!

Let us know what else you need!!!

Last edited by roscoepc; 02-07-2016 at 01:04 AM.
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Old 02-07-2016, 01:07 AM
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You can buy the gun, but there may be a waiting period before you can take it home. There is one in most states. In most states that is from 10 days to two weeks. That may be off with the instant background checks, but since I have a CCL, I never have to worry about that. You gun shop will know however.

This waiting period and background check are waived if you have a concealed carry permit which is only issued by the state and requires class, a written test and a shooting proficiency test, neither of which is that difficult once you take the course. In fact you have to work at it not to pass if you take the course.

Just because you own a gun does not mean it is legal for you to carry it. You have to know what the state of PA requires as this is where every state really gets different.

I know Texas laws, but not PA. I would expect Pa to be pretty reasonable however. PA still has a rural population that is very pro guns.
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Old 02-07-2016, 05:39 AM
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Default A different approach

My advice is to find out from your local Sheriff's office what class is required to obtain a concealed weapons license. Take the class first. Your instructor, if worthy of the name, will be able to answer all of your questions. The class should also help you discover pros and cons of various guns & accessories. Then go to the gun shop as a much wiser customer.
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Old 02-07-2016, 07:09 AM
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to buy a hand gun in PA. you will need your drivers lic. and will fill out two forums, one for the state and one for the feds. only a state forum is needed for a long gun. gun shops charge from $7-$40 for transfer fees. for a permit you will need a forum from the local police and three references (non related). then you will go to your county court house and talk to the sheriff, get your picture taken pay $20 usually good for 5yrs.
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Old 02-07-2016, 08:39 AM
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You can get a outline of PA handgun laws from Handgunlaw.us.
By clicking on PA on the map you can get a PFD pretaining to PA gun laws

There are several different permits

Federal, the fed require you to fill out a form 4473. This has your name, residents, questions on your race, legal history, etc. Once you fill that out the gun dealer calls in and a NICS does a check on your criminal record.

Some states require that you have a state permit just to purchase a gun or handgun. Reading the PFD from Handgun law I don't think PA requires this. But, as stated above a PA gun shop will know for sure.

Then there is the permit to actually carry the gun. It says PA is a shall issue state which is good. That means that unless there is some compelling reason (criminal or mental history) you should not have a permit they must issue you one. You will need to pay a fee, probably take a class and submit an application. Once again a good gun shop in PA should be able to advise you.

Good luck and welcome to the forum and the world of shooting. Besides being a way to protect you and yours it can be an interesting and be great form of recreation. There also may be some shooting clubs and organizations in your area. Most have many great people that would welcome you and help you.
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Old 02-07-2016, 09:00 AM
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To the OP...there has een excellent advise given here already. I would just add to it by suggesting that once you have purchased your gun, please attend a training course. I truly applaud your choice to arm yourself, so please don't short change yourself by not getting some professional training. Ask your local gun shops who they would recommend. There are probably many excellent choices. Good luck!!
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Old 02-07-2016, 09:44 AM
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First, welcome to the Forum. There are no dumb questions here and that's what I like about this site, we're all here to help one another. One other suggestion; get a copy of "In the Gravest Extreme" by Mas Ayoob. While it is a bit dated there is excellent guidance here on concealed carry and self defense. I believe you'll find it very helpful.
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Old 02-07-2016, 12:37 PM
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Thank you everybody, you've all been very helpful! I found the application from the sheriff's office. I'm gonna start there! There's a Ralph's army surplus right up the street that's been there for ages, I'm going to stop by and talk to them! Thank again for your help, it is much appreciated!
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Old 02-07-2016, 03:07 PM
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Thank you everybody, you've all been very helpful! I found the application from the sheriff's office. I'm gonna start there! There's a Ralph's army surplus right up the street that's been there for ages, I'm going to stop by and talk to them! Thank again for your help, it is much appreciated!
Good advice so far..... not much to add.


What area ( general) of the state are you in ....... maybe one of us could recommend a Local Gun Shop to help/shop at..... as mentioned two forms to fill out and "Instant check".......so you can leave with the gun that day.

Pa. is pretty easy to buy a gun (provided you can pass a background check)


Pa. is a shall issue state for Concealed Carry Permits....process is about 30 days IIRC and about/less than $50 (may vary by county) All handled by the local County Sheriff.......

Background checks (when buying a gun) around W. Pa. are generally less than $10 on top of the price of the gun and state tax (6-8% by county).


I'm a Pa lawyer ....but not your Pa Lawyer...... but if you have any questions PM and I'll try to answer them........"pro bono"

Welcome aboard...........
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:11 PM
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Grrr. The page pooped and ate what I was writing, several paragraphs in.

The 4473 (federal form) is pretty easy to fill out, but be sure you are reading the questions correctly before you answer them. If any of the members live in your area, they may be able to help you find a reputable place; some shops, just like car dealers, will take advantage of inexperienced buyers. Give real thought to find a place where you can rent and try lots of guns. While not cheap, it allows you to try various formats and sizes to see what will work for you. Lots of places will sell a J frame snubby to women, but they have small sights and stiff triggers, and are not ergonomically friendly in general. (I dislike them, but have one J frame solely for specific problems, like walking the dog and going to the gym.) If all you can shoot well and carry EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY to the extent lawful is a .380 or .22, that beats the heck out of strong language and a fervent hope. (A friend is testing a Glock 42 .380 with his wife, as it is supposedly very low recoil for that caliber. If it works out, I might have my wife try one. She's over 50 and has a bad back, so shooting ease is critical, as is small size and flat shape for carry.)

Revolvers are simpler mechanically - it is really easy to tell if it is loaded or not, etc. They are, in my opinion, harder to learn to shoot for self-defense. Autopistols are more complex, and easier to make handling errors. They are generally easier to shoot well for self-defense, and easier to carry.

What is your physical capacity? Are you 25, athletic, etc., or 45, with a bad back? Height? Hand size? (I got mine from Mom, not Dad. FML.) These will impact your ability to both shoot and carry. How do you dress for work? Some women's clothing is just awful for carrying a firearm. If you dress in a manner not compatible with being armed when on your own time, that just ended. Your first priority is being armed every moment that you lawfully can be. Fashion is a non-issue compared to that. Likewise some social activities. If you like any form of dancing other than maybe ballroom, that's over. You no longer have the option of going to those places - too many potential violations of the stupid places/stupid people rule. Being armed is not a reason to go the places you would not go now - you still should not. (And you need to know the law about prohibited places. While concealed means concealed, if getting caught means getting arrested, you are obligated to know that, and consider other options. DON'T EVER GO INTO NJ OR NY. Period.) (And I am from upstate NY - but for my retired ID, I would not be able to carry there.)

Training for both skill and mindset are needed. Like testing different guns, this is not a cost - it is an investment. Don't waste money on silly stuff like boats or snowmobiles unless they are survival necessities. Consider Rangemaster in Memphis, or HITS in DFW.

A firearm is not the be all and end all of personal safety. Don't drink in public, as a rule. There are both legal and practical reasons why that might be a very bad idea, and you need your wits about you. Invest in better locks for your home. if you own it, floodlights, locked fences, alarms and a dog are important.
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:15 PM
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If you want advice on how to buy a gun, go to the local gun store. I guarantee they will know the process and all the paperwork necessary.

If you want to know which gun to buy, spend more time here. We can help you a lot on what to get. Gun stores are not always the best place for that.

For concealed carry, you've already taken the proper first step, talk to the issuing authority.
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Old 02-07-2016, 04:59 PM
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Welcome from another Pennsylvania resident (Dauphin County). BAM-BAM summed it up pretty well above. The "license to carry" is to carry a concealed gun, and that would include having one in your car. Costs in my area would include your purchase, state tax, transfer fee, and if you want one, the license to carry which IIRC was under $25.00 where I live. In my area there are several places that I would highly recommend for a first-time purchaser, as they will also do a fine job with education and firearms familiarization. I wish you well with this experience, and If I can be of any assistance please just PM me.
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Old 02-07-2016, 05:53 PM
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All good advice.
Start at the beginning. If you just want to buy the gun and keep it at home, go to the gun store, fill out the two forms and pay the small fee. The owner will steer you through that. Very simple. As mentioned, you may have a short waiting period by law. I'm not sure about Pa., but no permit or license is required for a gun kept at home.
If you want to carry the gun , more will be required.training, applications etc. Again, the store owner will help you with that.
It's all pretty simple, just a PITA is all.
The recommendation for training is a good one and required for a carry
permit.
Don't worry, it's not complicated or expensive.
I would suggest you find a friend or family member familiar with guns to help you find one to buy. That's the expensive part, so you want a good gun that you shoot well.
After all that is done, it all becomes fun! At least for me.
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Old 02-07-2016, 06:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ConfusedGirl View Post
Lol! Thank you! I'm sure my questions paint a picture of me as a ditsy blonde, but i can assure that i am NOT an idiot. However.... this is all foreign to me. 75% of your sentences in your post might as well have been in Japanese! Lol! I did some searching on Google as well, but like i said... this is just all foreign to me unfortunately, and I'm not confident that I'm understands the lingo. Ya know? However, this is not for fun, or sport, its for protection, so it's necessary I know exactly what's what. i thank you for your help and I will head to a store and ask them where i start in this process! Thanks again
First let me assure you NO ONE HERE thinks your a ditsy blonde or even an idiot ..
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