State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, teamed up with Berks County Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht to give a presentation on Pennsylvania’s gun laws and how they affect gun owners.

Some 100 area resided attended the March 22 meeting at the Kutztown Grange.

Some common misconceptions concerning guns were discussed.

One does not need to own a handgun to apply for and be given a license to carry concealed firearms.

Another misconception is that someone with a concelaed carry license can only “carry” their own hand gun.

Guns may not be brought onto school property, in federal buildings, businesses that have a firearms restriction posted, courthouses, district judge offices, municipal courts and private property where a “no firearms” sign is posted.

Although Pennsylvania has a specific law requiring a license to carry firearms for the concealed carry of a firearm, and the carry of firearms in vehicles, the law is silent on the legality of openly carrying a firearm in other situations. As there is no law regarding open carrying of a gun, it is therefore legal.

Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania without a license to carry firearms except in “cities of the first class” (Philadelphia) and vehicles where a license to carry firearms is required.

Pennsylvania also has reciprocity agreements with several other states.

This means these states will honor Pennsylvania’s license to carry.

There are several states that do not recognize the license - two of them being New Jersey and New York.

Weaknecht gave some examples of the problems gun owners may face if they take a hand gun into New Jersey.

The Castle Doctrine, signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in 2011, was also discussed.

This law eliminates an individual’s duty to retreat if threatened by an intruder.

If the homeowner feels he is threatened with bodily harm, serious injury, kidnapping or forced sexual intercourse, he or she has the right to use deadly force.

And, deadly force does not necessarily mean using a handgun. The weapon could be a club, hammer, knife or bow and arrow.

This doctrine applies to one’s vehicle, as well as in their home.

A license to carry can be issued the same day if the applicant passes the background check.

Weaknecht advised the audience to be familiar with the law when carrying a concealed weapon.