Pennsylvania has one of the biggest hunting and shooting communities in the country, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Scranton and the northern tier. JCM Armory is a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) just across the line in Joppa, Maryland. We ship firearms to local FFLs in 49 states (we do not ship to California), and Pennsylvania buyers finish the transfer at the PA dealer of their choice.
How buying a gun online works in Pennsylvania
- Pick your firearm and your dealer. Add the gun to your cart and choose a licensed Pennsylvania dealer at checkout. Ask the shop about their transfer fee and how long a typical PICS check takes there.
- We ship to your FFL. Once your dealer’s license is on file, we ship the firearm directly to them. Firearms are never shipped to a home address.
- PICS check and pickup. You’ll show ID and complete ATF Form 4473. The dealer runs your background check through the Pennsylvania State Police’s Instant Check System (PICS), and for handguns also completes the state Application/Record of Sale. Once you’re approved, the firearm is yours.
What to know about firearm transfers in Pennsylvania
Federal law sets the dealer purchase ages in Pennsylvania: at least 21 for a handgun from a dealer and at least 18 for a rifle or shotgun.
Pennsylvania is a “point of contact” state. Dealers do not call the FBI directly; the Pennsylvania State Police run the check through PICS. Handgun sales (and certain other firearms defined in state law) are also documented on the state Application/Record of Sale under 18 Pa.C.S. 6111, which the dealer submits to the State Police along with small state fees.
Pennsylvania has no general state permit-to-purchase for buying from a dealer. State law also limits how far cities and counties can regulate firearm transfers, but local questions are best put to your dealer.
Buyers are responsible for knowing and following federal, state and local law. Laws change, so confirm anything specific with your Pennsylvania dealer. This page is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Shipping and fees
- Free shipping on firearms priced $300 or more.
- Free ammunition shipping when your ammo subtotal reaches $750.
- Otherwise, a flat $15 shipping charge. Firearms and ammunition ship separately.
- Smokeless powder and primers carry a $40 hazmat fee per order.
- Your Pennsylvania dealer sets their own transfer fee, which may include the state PICS fees.
Popular categories for Pennsylvania hunters and shooters
- Shotguns and slugs and shells for deer, turkey and small game
- Bolt-action rifles and rifle ammo for rifle deer season
- Scopes and optics
- Handguns and holsters
- AR rifles and magazines
- Reloading components
Pennsylvania’s seasons and legal sporting arms are set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and rules can differ by season and by Wildlife Management Unit. Check the Game Commission’s current Hunting & Trapping Digest before buying for a specific hunt.
Buying a suppressor? Our Pennsylvania silencer guide covers Pennsylvania law, hunting with a suppressor and your Form 4473 or voluntary $0 Form 4 options. Pair your suppressor with subsonic ammo.
Frequently asked questions
What is PICS?
PICS is the Pennsylvania Instant Check System, run by the Pennsylvania State Police. Pennsylvania dealers use it instead of contacting the FBI directly for firearm background checks.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Pennsylvania?
There is no general state permit-to-purchase for buying from a dealer. You’ll complete ATF Form 4473 and a PICS check, plus the state Record of Sale for a handgun.
Can a gun be shipped to my home in Pennsylvania?
No. Firearms are shipped only to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete the background check and pick up.
How much does shipping to Pennsylvania cost?
Firearms priced $300 or more ship free, ammo ships free at a $750 ammo subtotal, and other orders ship for a flat $15. Powder and primers add a $40 hazmat fee per order.
Do you ship to every state?
We ship firearms to local FFL dealers in 49 states. We do not ship to California.