Permit application

Question
QUESTION: I am applying for a carrying permit in PA.  The applications has a section for "Reason for a license to carry firearms: 1.Self Defense, 2.Employment, 3.Hunting & Fishing, 4.Target Shooting, 5.Gun Collecting, or 6.Other"

Since in most situations reasons 3-5 don't generally require a carrying permit, are they know to deny permits based on these choices?



ANSWER: Hi Bob.

I was licensed in PA and know several others that were as well.  We generally just checked the Self Defense option since it was the main reason for obtaining the permit.  I don't know anyone that was rejected for checking this reason.  They might have the other reasons on the application so that they can advise the applicants upfront that a permit may not be required for those activities, or that a permit won't give you any special permissions for those activities.  Some people have reported checking the Employment option and explaining that they carry large sums of cash for their job, and they claim that they were approved, however in my opinion that scenario is still Self Defense since the person is not applying to become a licensed security guard and there are usually special rules and permits which apply to carrying a firearm for your profession.

For the latest carrying laws and other information checkout www.packing.org which has a great amount of info published for every state and it is all free.

Hope this helps.

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks! I appreciate your timely response.

Answer
No problem.  PA permits are cheaper and easier to get than many other states.  My last PA permit was only $12.50 for 5 years.  My last TN permit cost $150 for 3 years plus I had to take an 8 hour class for $85, pass a written test, pass a range test with 50 rounds of ammo and a strong side holster, get fingerprinted, and wait about 3 months!