[Pro2A]

It's not what it sounds like.

Quite often when I go to the range, I'll just sling my M4, AK-47, SKS etc... around my shoulder, grab my range bag and load up the car.

I live in town and park on the street, sometimes down a few spots. Does anyone know what the legalities are in PA about having an unloaded rifle on a public sidewalk like this? I've heard it's ok in PA, but just wanna get a few opinions on the matter.

 

[Ram Rod]

I would think it's brandishing a weapon on public property. Even if all is done on your property, it might be considered terroristic threatening if a neighbor calls the police on you. I'm not from PA and don't know the laws there, but I'm pretty much figuring on my blanket theory here (most places). I figure it's just like being on a public sidewalk with an open can of alcohol. It mainly depends on how far others would be willing to push the issue. My recommendation.........have it in a hard case or soft case where it's not visible to the public on public property. My opinion, and my advice.

 

[Pro2A]

I did find this from the PA code.

§ 6108. Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia.

No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless:

1. such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or
2. such person is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).

What do you make of that?

 

[Bob The Great]

IANAL and I don't know much about PA laws, but my reading of that is that you would be good to go as long as you have a LTCF.

That said, open carry of long guns is legal for me as well, but I almost always case up my rifles when going to the range.

 

[archer51]

I did find this from the PA code.

§ 6108. Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia.

No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless:

1. such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or
2. such person is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).

What do you make of that?

If you have a LTCF permit you should be covered.

 

[Hopyard]

Since I remember a time when I could walk around with a rifle, even in NYC, and carry it to school, then proceed on the subway to a range for rifle team practice, I just cringe when I read that it is unlawful to openly carry a long gun.

I don't doubt that it is, and maybe it was when I was a kid and I didn't know better and didn't get caught, but the restriction still makes me cringe.

The very idea of a LTCF for rifle owners bothers me.

 

[Bark'n]

Is there a reason why you don't have even a cheapo $10 case for it?

 

[dukalmighty]

Sometimes even cased guns people can tell it's a gun case,but when they see an AR15 or AK in the open and they are looking to steal guns,they just found a house that has what they are looking for

 

[Bark'n]

Sometimes even cased guns people can tell it's a gun case,but when they see an AR15 or AK in the open and they are looking to steal guns,they just found a house that has what they are looking for

I always make a concerted effort to go outside and check to see if anyone of my neighbors are outside when I take my long arms to the car.

Sometimes I'm taking 4 or 5 long gun cases to the car and always do so as discreetly as possible.

I also close and lock the car each time I go back and forth into the house.

Yes it's a hassle, but I have druggies on each side of me and across the street. I don't freak out if anyone sees me, but I try to be as discrete as possible.

For those who say move to a better neighborhood... There are no better neighborhoods in my town. It's a small rural town of 3,000 people. Every block you go to, there are some unemployed druggies! You can have a row with three $150,000 + homes and then right next door a broken down two bedroom with couple unemployed 30 year old's cooking and dealing meth for a living. Still, break-in's are fairly uncommon in my town though it does happen from time to time.

 

[Knuckledrager]

In PA, your CCW only applies to handguns. The only 1st class city in PA is Philadelphia. If you don't live there, you're good to go. While not illegal, carrying an un-cased rifle is putting a whole lot of info out there. Not does it show anyone watching who has a rifle but also where they live. Go to Wal Mart and get a $5 tennis racket case.

 

[Saber]

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. At the very least, it could result with you receiving some undesired attention. In these changing times, anything possible.
Regards,

 

[QKShooter]

Possibly somebody will remember the exact story of the one guy in downtown Pittsburgh who decided that he was going to resolve a bad pigeon problem on the roof of his building in downtown PGH with a BB rifle.
I believe that the incident ended up with S.W.A.T. being called out and surrounding the building. :biggrin2:

 

[Tubby45]

I would think it's brandishing a weapon on public property. Even if all is done on your property, it might be considered terroristic threatening if a neighbor calls the police on you.

General definition of brandishing is to wave or display a weapon in a threatening manner. Carrying a rifle slung on your shoulder is not brandishing.