Pennsylvania does not specifically regulate gun shows. However, it does regulate where and how private persons may transfer handguns and short-barreled rifles and shotguns to unlicensed transferees.¹ Pennsylvania law specifies that the place of business for a retail dealer includes a lawful gun show or meet.² Since a transfer of a handgun must be carried out at the place of business of a licensed dealer,³ a private person may transfer a handgun to an unlicensed transferee at a gun show. However, the private seller must have a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer or county sheriff’s office perform a background check on the prospective purchaser.⁴ The licensee must also follow all other dealer regulations specified in the Pennsylvania Dealer Regulations section before transferring the handgun.⁵

See also the Pennsylvania Private Sales section for state laws that apply at gun shows.

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1. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6111(c).[↩]
2. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6113(a).[↩]
3. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6111(c).[↩]
4. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6111(c); 37 Pa. Code § 33.111(g).[↩]
5. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6111(c); 37 Pa. Code § 33.111(g).[↩]