uh.... I think that this may apply to the PA system being shut down... whether anyone will be brave enough to try it, though.....
www.pacode.com/secure/data/037/chapter33/s33.111.html(c) Retail sale/transfer of a handgun or long gun prior to the implementation of the instantaneous background check. The following are steps for completing the application/record of sale for a retail sale/transfer of a handgun or, a long gun as required in section 6111(b)(1.1)(i) of the act, prior to the implementation of the instantaneous background check.
(1) The applicant is provided an application/record of sale form and the applicant shall complete the applicable blocks as indicated on the form. If the applicant does not complete all of the required information or checks ’’yes’’ to any of the questions under transferee’s/purchaser’s information on the form, the sale/transfer may not take place.
(2) The licensee/sheriff shall check the applicant’s identification and ensure it meets the requirements under § 33.102 (relating to definitions).
(3) The licensee/sheriff shall ensure the form has been accurately completed.
(4) The licensee/sheriff shall comply with any applicable waiting period (Federal or State).
(5) If the sale/transfer is not denied, the transaction may be completed and the licensee/sheriff shall complete the applicable sections on the form as per block instructions, and provide the transferee/purchaser a summary of the uniform firearm laws which includes a safety brochure. The transferee/purchaser shall then sign the designated block on the form.
(d) Retail sale/transfer of a handgun or long gun after the implementation of the instantaneous background check. The following are steps for completing the application/record of sale for a retail sale/transfer of a handgun or long gun as required in section 6111(b)(1.1)(i) of the act, upon the implementation of the instantaneous background check.
If the system becomes inoperable for a period exceeding 48 hours as indicated by the State Police at the time an instant background check is requested, the licensee/sheriff shall follow the procedures outlined in subsection (c) for any firearm. This procedure shall stay in effect during the time indicated by State Police at the time of the check. However licensees are still required to comply with the Federal requirements of 18 U.S.C.A. § 922(T) (relating to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System).
it sounds like you can bypass the state check, if it is down for greater than 48 hours, and you do a fed NICS check...