Classified Ads, except..........

I stumbled on the Patch Classifieds, and unlike my usual throw it on the wall and see what sticks, I actually read the terms of service. Ads for the private transfer of firearms, even if the ad clearly states that all State and Federal laws apply, are prohibited. Arms are lumped in with these other prohibited items:

• Obscene material or pornography.
• Offer or solicitation of illegal prostitution.
• Weapons, explosives, fireworks, and related items.
• Controlled substances or illegal drugs, substances and items used to manufacture controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.
• Prescription drugs and medical devices.
• Blood, bodily fluids, or body parts.
• Restricted or regulated plants and insects.
• Pesticides or other hazardous substances.
• Illegal telecommunications equipment.
• Stolen property, or property with serial number removed or altered; burglary tools.
• False identification cards, items with police insignia, citizenship documents, or birth certificates.
• Counterfeit currency, coins and stamps, tickets, as well as equipment designed to make them.
• Material that infringes copyright.
• Bulk email or mailing lists that contain names, addresses, phone numbers, or other personal identifying information

Hey, all I want to do is sell a handgun that I won in a raffle. When I read "Weapons", I think of items prohibited for general sale by the National Firearms Act of 1934, or the Gun Control Act of 1986. Full auto firearms, whether crew served or shoulder fired, grenades, missiles, POW (prohibited offensive weapons), destructive devices such as a 155mm howitzer round, and the like.

I try, whenever possible, to challenge prohibitions against lawful commerce, and I think the Patch has it wrong on handguns. Current Federal and State laws require that even private transfers be subjected to a rigorous background check that includes a Pennsylvania Instant Check System phone call, a Federal BATFE Form 4473, and a PA State Police Record of Sale. All of these must be done at the licensed establishment of a dealer who holds a Federal Firearm License.

I'm tired of being treated like a second class citizen because I own a firearm. That pesky Second Amendment, and Article 1, Section 21 of the Commonwealth Constitution apparently aren't enough to dissuade some of a liberal bent from restricting certain Constitutional guarantees. What do you think? Your comments are welcomed.