We hold TN CCWs. Just went on a trip that included PA (a reciprocity state). USACarry reciprocity maps & outline of state carry laws say that PA will honor our permit but it's a good idea any time to get a non-res permit if one is available.
We printed the carry laws for each state we were passing thru and put them in the case we would put the guns in if carry wasn't legal. We went to the Sheriff's office in Chester County (just south of Philly) to apply for the non-res permit. After consultation with the office staff, the Sheriff himself talked to us. He said it was just a waste of our money to apply for the non-res permit, and that contrary to the info available on the internet, it would not have been mailed to us, we would have to pick it up in 45 days.
He said printing the laws was a good idea, to make sure to always do that because not all LEOs are informed of the reciprocity but that if we got stopped for any reason, to make sure to show them the printout, and he gave us his card and told us, if they still give you a hassle have them call and talk to me.
On the other hand, he said, if you go into Philadelphia, be sure your weapon is very well-concealed indeed, because Philly cops will hassle anyone they think has a gun, for any reason. We didn't have a problem with that! :sarcastic:
We had an interesting convo with a LEO in NJ, who was wearing a flack vest. I said, It's interesting that you wear that vest in a state where essentially handguns are outlawed. Do you find that the law makes a good deterrant to crime? And he said, "If I had my way, every red-blooded citizen on the street would be carrying. It would make my job SO much easier."
Nikki
