Virginia Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Virginia Gun Owners
PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Virginia gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Virginia can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.
Virginia State Constitution
That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.
That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
That the freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty, and can never be restrained except by despotic governments; that any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; that the General Assembly shall not pass any law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, nor the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.
Virginia Gun Laws
- Virginia Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
- Virginia Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
- Virginia Firearms / Concealed Handguns (Source: Virginia State Police)
- Virginia Resident Concealed Handgun Permits (Source: Virginia State Police)
- Virginia Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits (Source: Virginia State Police)
- Virginia Firearms / Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Virginia State Police)
Virginia Hunting Rules & Regulations
- Virginia Hunting (Source: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries)
- Virginia Hunting & Trapping Regulations (Source: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries)
- Virginia Hunting Licenses & Fees (Source: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries)
- Virginia Hunting Licenses Online (Source: Go Outdoors Virginia)
- Virginia Hunter Education (Source: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries)
Virginia Shooting Ranges
- Virginia Public Sighting-In Ranges (Source: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries)
- NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
- NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)
Virginia Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches
- IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
- IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
- USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
- USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
- USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
- USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
- 4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)
Virginia NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events
- Virginia NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
- Virginia "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)
Virginia State Firearm & Hunting Associations
- Virginia Shooting Sports Association (NRA-Affiliated)
- Virginia Citizens Defense League
- Viriginia Open Carry
- National Capital Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
- Virginia Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
- Virginia Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
- Virginia NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
- Virginia Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)
Virginia Gun Shows and FFLs
- Virginia Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
- Virginia FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
- NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)
Virginia Elected Public Officials
- Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
- Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
- State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
- Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
- NRA's Ranking of Virginia Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)
Virginia Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings
- Virginia State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
- Virginia State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
- Virginia Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
- Virginia Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)
Virginia State Business Tax Climate Rankings
- Virginia State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
- Taxes in Virginia (Source: Tax Foundation)
Firearm Background Check Data
Background check types
The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.
Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.
Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.
Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.
Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.
Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.
Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.
Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking
Overall Freedom Ranking
Business Tax Climate Rankings
Gun and Ammo Laws by State
- Alabama Gun & Ammo Laws
- Alaska Gun & Ammo Laws
- Arizona Gun & Ammo Laws
- Arkansas Gun & Ammo Laws
- California Gun & Ammo Laws
- Colorado Gun & Ammo Laws
- Connecticut Gun & Ammo Laws
- Delaware Gun & Ammo Laws
- Florida Gun & Ammo Laws
- Georgia Gun & Ammo Laws
- Hawaii Gun & Ammo Laws
- Idaho Gun & Ammo Laws
- Illinois Gun & Ammo Laws
- Indiana Gun & Ammo Laws
- Iowa Gun & Ammo Laws
- Kansas Gun & Ammo Laws
- Kentucky Gun & Ammo Laws
- Louisiana Gun & Ammo Laws
- Maine Gun & Ammo Laws
- Maryland Gun & Ammo Laws
- Massachusetts Gun & Ammo Laws
- Michigan Gun & Ammo Laws
- Minnesota Gun & Ammo Laws
- Mississippi Gun & Ammo Laws
- Missouri Gun & Ammo Laws
- Montana Gun & Ammo Laws
- Nebraska Gun & Ammo Laws
- Nevada Gun & Ammo Laws
- New Hampshire Gun & Ammo Laws
- New Jersey Gun & Ammo Laws
- New Mexico Gun & Ammo Laws
- New York Gun & Ammo Laws
- North Carolina Gun & Ammo Laws
- North Dakota Gun & Ammo Laws
- Ohio Gun & Ammo Laws
- Oklahoma Gun & Ammo Laws
- Oregon Gun & Ammo Laws
- Pennsylvania Gun & Ammo Laws
- Rhode Island Gun & Ammo Laws
- South Carolina Gun & Ammo Laws
- South Dakota Gun & Ammo Laws
- Tennessee Gun & Ammo Laws
- Texas Gun & Ammo Laws
- Utah Gun & Ammo Laws
- Vermont Gun & Ammo Laws
- Virginia Gun & Ammo Laws
- Washington Gun & Ammo Laws
- West Virginia Gun & Ammo Laws
- Wisconsin Gun & Ammo Laws
- Wyoming Gun & Ammo Laws