I know this is a PA forum, but if this passes the courts and Constitutional muster in NY, it's coming to a state near you. We here in NY believe this is a "Test Case" for the rest of the country.
Here in the Socialist Republic of NY, there is no legal requirement to inform. Plus, the State and its Emperor (oops) Governor, Andrew (you don't need more than 7 bullets to kill a deer) Coumo have undertaken and illegally passed the NY SAFE ACT, under which the ultimate goal is CONFISCATION!
Max Tresmond, of Tresmond Law, who has cases against the SAFE ACT was on the radio yesterday, Tom Bauerle show on WBEN AM, speaking about the progress in the case as well as the fact that he was able to obtain NY State Police "Safe Act Field Guide" which is basically a road map for the police to find ways to disqualify you from owning a gun. If disqualified for any gun, "ie: assault rifle", then you cannot own ANY gun!!!
As part of the dialogue, the question was asked about informing an officer "as a courtesy"... Max's response was DO NOT DO IT!!! By offering that information, you have opened the door for the officer to ask about the weapon, ask to see the weapon, ask how many bullets are in the mag (7 max under SAFE ACT)...etc, etc, etc.... IF you do not answer honestly, then you raise suspicions, or more importantly, if you refuse to answer, then he/she may escalate it to failure to comply with a reasonable request of a police officer. Further, even if you state that you won't answer questions without an attorney present, then you will likely be detained (subject to search, inspection of and police temporarily relieving you of your weapon) until your attorney gets there. All because you wanted to be "courteous". Finally, because the law is written in such a way that the "definition" of an "Assault Weapon" is so wide, they can find some way to call what is likely a legal weapon "illegal" under the SAFE ACT.
So... anyone want to keep arguing why it's "courteous" to inform?
For those who might be interested, here's the link to the NY Field Guide for LEO. Link Removed Pay special attention to page 6.