West Virginia Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for West Virginia Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact West 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 West Virginia can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

West Virginia State Constitution

A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use.

West Virginia Constitutional Provision Article III, Section 22: Right to keep and bear arms.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

Government is instituted for the common benefit, protection and security of the people, nation or community. Of all its various forms that is the best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community has 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.

West Virginia Constitutional Provision Article III, Section 3: Rights reserved to people.

The right of the people to assemble in a peaceable manner, to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives, or to apply for redress of grievances, shall be held inviolate.

West Virginia Constitutional Provision Article III, Section 16: Right of public assembly held inviolate.

West Virginia Gun Laws

West Virginia Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
West Virginia Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
West Virginia Gun Reciprocity (Source: Office of the WV Attorney General)
West Virginia Gun Reciprocity Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Office of the WV Attorney General)

West Virginia Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting In West Virginia (Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources)
West Virginia Hunting Regulations (Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources)
West Virginia DNR Electronic Licensing & Game Check System (Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources)
West Virginia Hunter Education Program (Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources)

West Virginia Shooting Ranges

Public Shooting Ranges in West Virginia (Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

West 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)

West Virginia's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

West 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 West Virginia Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

West Virginia Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

West Virginia State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
West Virginia State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
West Virginia Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
West Virginia Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

West Virginia State Business Tax Climate Rankings

West Virginia State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in West 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

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo