[scbair]

I have a different sort of "legal" question; hope it's not too silly . . .

SITUATION:
I may be traveling (driving) to Alexandria, VA sometime soon. I know it's "across the line," but an atlas identifies Alexandria as part of the District of Columbia metro area.

MY QUESTION:
Do the draconian Washington, D.C. firearms prohibitions apply in Alexandria, or is that city still part of the USA? I have a South Carolina CWP, and believe (I'll confirm this) it's recognized by the state of VA. I just want to make sure Alexandria isn't excluded due to its proximity to D.C.


I appreciate any info. Thanks all!

[XLMiguel]

Alexandria is most definitely in Virginia, so DC's gun laws do not apply. However, it is a very candy-a$$ed liberal enclave (worse than Fairfax County at large) and is not gun friendly. According to Packing.org, VA does recognize your SC CCW, but be very discrete, Alexandria cops will jerk you around if some bed-wetter sees your weapon and complains Open carry would most likely get you busted as a public nusiance. HTH, stay safe.

[scbair]

Appreciate the good news. I will take great pains to not "print" while there; might even go to something less than the ol' .45 ACP while out & about. I have an old J frame that pockets pretty well.

Thanks again, and happy shooting!

[Mike Irwin]

Double dip on everything that Mike says.

Now here's something funny...

If you walk past the average mean high tide line of the Potomac River with your firearm, you're committing a felony.

Why?

Because DC owns the entire river.

In areas where Maryland and Virginia are separated by the Potomac, Maryland owns the whole river.

Been the cause of some interesting water rights battles.


And, I'm REALLY surprised that Mike didn't mention one of the area's better gunshops, which is located in Alexandria at 0 (yep, 0) Prince Street, right at the water's edge.

Surplus on the first floor, guns on the second.

[scbair]

0 Prince Street, eh? This'll help fill in any spare time I can find. Thanks!

Thanks for the info about the river, too. Makes sense, when you think about it. Who'd want to share the water with the wacky losers in D.C.?

[Ol' Badger]

There is also a nice resturant on S. Washington called Southside 815! Try the Pot Roast or the Pork Chops. Very nice. Within walking distance of the side store.

[Mike Irwin]

AH!

Badger brings up an interesting point, scbair!

If a restaurant in Virginia serves alcohol for on premises consumption, you are not permitted by law to carry a concealed handgun in that restaurant.

[BigG]

I spent many a fine hour browsing and buying guns at Zero Prince Street. Potomac Arms. Great guys - at least they were in the eighties and nineties.

[Smurfslayer]

:rolleyes:

You will not be hassled by Alexandria cops for carrying on a recognized permit. VA SP makes this information available to all local LE, and you will NOT be hassled, detained or otherwise infringed upon by carrying a concealed firearm on the authority of a duly recognized permit. FWIW, I always carry recognition/ reciprocity info with me for states I visit. If it makes you feel more comfortable about it, go to the Virginia page on www.packing.org & find your way to the VA State Police page & print the recognized permits section. I'm close to O.T. Alexandria, but not in the City. I have carried OPEN locally to comply with VA law on Restaurants w/ ABC licenses, and not been "hassled", nor even given anything but a "hey that's a nice gun"...

SS 815 - good eatin'. Have an outside section on Washington Street too, very nice. Wife loves the drunken pot roast. Couple of other good eats on King Street, and St. Asaph streets - all within walking distance of --- Potomac Arms :D

The *ONLY* item you will really need to be concerned about - if you can call it that -- is that Washington Street North & South of the city limits is the GW Parkway / NPS roadway.

[scbair]

for the information & tips. Mike Irwin, SC has the same prohibition against concealed carry into areas with on-site consumption licenses. Thanks for the heads-up re: Virginia.

I'm looking forward to the visit.:D

[Tim Burke]

Within walking distance of Potomac Arms-
Union Street Public House
121 S. Union Street