Question regarding gun ownership

[valboyz2000@yahoo.com]

Hey everyone...
I'm new here. I hail from Berks County...

Here's my story...

I never thought of guns before...My dad and brother always hunted...but I was always timid about guns...

Anyway, out of naivety and just adventure I moved to Northeast Philadelphia with this idea that I would be happy in the city...
Well, within one month, I was robbed three times by someone in my building. Not only did I feel victimized by the robberies (which resulted in the lost of my laptop, VCR, and my sense of safety), I felt victimized by the Philly Police who said that all they could do was set me up with a "Victim's Right Person."

Anyway, I couldn't help but thinking that if I did have a gun, I would have only been robbed once...and that would be the last time...

Here's the thing...About eight years ago, I voluntarily admitted myself into a hospital for depression and panic attacks...I know with the Virginia Tech massacre, there's been a lot of talk about people with mental illness having access to guns...

My question is...with my time spent in a hospital, would I still be able to own a firearm? Do you know what the laws are in Pennsylvania regarding this? If I were not allowed to own one, that would be fine for me...I understand the need for society to protect those who have "mental illness" and society, although I don't see myself as having mental illness. I would have to look to other, non-lethal, forms of self-defense...

I was just wondering if anyone knew the PA laws regarding this issue...
Thanks so much...
val schaeffer

[headcase]

AFAIK as long as you were not involuntarily committed, you should be fine...I am off to sleep, I am sure someone will clean up behind me

PS welcome to the PAFOA

[headcase]

pa18s6105 persons not to own or possess a firearm

c-4:
A person who has been adjudicated as an incompetent or who has been involuntarily committed to a mental institution for inpatient care and treatment under section 302, 303 or 304 of the provisions of the act of July 9, 1976 (P.L.817, No.143), known as the Mental Health Procedures Act. This paragraph shall not apply to any proceeding under section 302 of the Mental Health Procedures Act unless the examining physician has issued a certification that inpatient care was necessary or that the person was committable.

[VeryPrivate]

Originally Posted by valboyz2000@yahoo.com

Anyway, I couldn't help but thinking that if I did have a gun, I would have only been robbed once...and that would be the last time...

Unfortunately, firearms for self-defense do not work this way. You may use a firearm to defend your life, but it will not stop would be robbers from entering your home. A security system and better locks are worth looking into. Further, since you live in a high theft area, you would need to protect your firearm against theft. A small pistol safe mounted to the wall should suffice. And finally, you need to learn how to use your new pistol. Just watch people shoot on TV or movies is not enough to know how it works.

As for the voluntary admittance, no problem, you are still eligible for purchase and LTCF.

[Poonie]

My advice to you, move out of Philly immediately!

[PisnNapalm]

Originally Posted by Poonie

My advice to you, move out of Philly immediately!

+1 on that suggestion.

I highly recommend some professional training if you do decide to purchase a firearm. A trained instructor will give you a much better education in their use and safety. I know you said your father and brother hunt but... Let me put it this way. I've seen some very unsafe things done by people who've hunted all their lives and by people who've been around firearms for decades. Get proper training.

As mentioned earlier, you will have to beef up your overall security and have a secure place to store your gun.

Have you thought about getting a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF)?

[valboyz2000@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the responses...
I no longer live in Philadelphia. I live in a more rural area...
Which I like a whole lot better...
Thanks for your help...

[mojo]

Originally Posted by PisnNapalm

I highly recommend some professional training if you do decide to purchase a firearm. A trained instructor will give you a much better education in their use and safety. I know you said your father and brother hunt but... Let me put it this way. I've seen some very unsafe things done by people who've hunted all their lives and by people who've been around firearms for decades. Get proper training.

I second the notion of getting some training also.