Pennsylvania Gun Safety
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants Americans the right to keep and bear arms, though many states like Pennsylvania have laws, guidelines and tips to ensure that gun owners do so wisely. Guns are deadly weapons, and as such, must be treated carefully. Through laws put in place by the state and guidelines set forth by organizations like the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association, Pennsylvanians can be sure that they handle their guns carefully.
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The Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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The Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA), a non-profit organization created to preserve Second Amendment rights, lists safety guidelines for gun handling. These are relatively basic rules to gun handling, like keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction. “Never point a firearm at something you are not willing to destroy,” reads the PAFOA website. “Every firearm should be treated as if it is loaded at all times.”
Concealed Carry
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Pennsylvanians may apply for a concealed carry firearms permit. This enables the bearer, who must have a clean criminal record, to carry concealed firearms on his person in public. Some states, like nearby Ohio and Virginia, require applicants to complete a firearm safety course in order to be eligible for this permit. In Pennsylvania, however, this is not a requirement.
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Hunting
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With its diverse wildlife and abundant deer population, Pennsylvania is a popular hunting ground. That in mind, the state insists that its hunters understand proper firearm safety. All first-time hunters must complete a hunter-trapper training program before they can apply for a license. This course teaches not only firearm safety, but also responsible hunting techniques and basic shooting skills. Students must pass a test at the end of the course to qualify for a license.
NRA
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The National Rifle Association sponsors firearm courses across the state of Pennsylvania, including Basic Rifle Shooting, Pistol Shooting and Home Firearm Safety. The latter course teaches students the rules for safe gun handling, firearm storage and identifying different types of firearms. These courses are generally presented as one-day seminars.
Other Regulations
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Pennsylvania has set in place various laws to regulate firearms. These laws are in place to ensure that firearms are distributed and owned in a manner that is safe for gun owners and other state residents. For example, guns may not change hands in this state without going through a Instant Check System that determines if the recipient is eligible to own a firearm.
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References
- Photo Credit duck hunter image by cherie from Fotolia.com
