CWP in VA w/o registration...

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2dswamp

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Here are my questions:

1. If one has a "Concealed Weapons Permit" issued by the State of Virginia, must the handun being carried be registered in Virginia? In other words...if one owns a handgun that was purchased FTF and is not re-registered...can it be conceal carried with a permit?

2. Are all hanguns supposed to be registered in Virginia? If I buy a handgun from Joe Schmoe via the Trading Post...am I supposed to then register that handgun?
 
Virginia does not issue concealed weapons permits; it issues concealed handgun permits.

Virginia does not require state registration of firearms.

Concealed handgun permits allow you to carry any handgun(s) you desire.

TC
 
No handgun registration of any sort.

If you've got a concealed handgun permit you can carry one concealed handgun, 5 concealed handguns, 20 concealed handguns... The only limitation is the number of places you can find to hide 'em.
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Not that I suspect it's an issue, but I don't think you could conceal a NFA handgun (like a Glock 18) in VA, even with a CHP. Other than that, though, you should be golden. Just know where you're permitted (which isn't always the same as "able") to carry.
 
Tribal, an NFA item is not classified as a handgun in VA, thus you couldn't carry it. Also, you need a CWP to open carry anything with over 20 rounds or has a threaded barrel, and some other stuff. I can't find that right now, but a standard Glock without a th'd barrel and extended mag is fine for isntance.
 
VARifleman,

To clarify, the Code of VA defines as handguns as "any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made and intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosion of a combustible material from one or more barrels when held in one hand."

As long as it's not a full-auto handgun, it's covered by the CHP.

The only restriction on mag capacity applies to certain localities but CHP holders are exempt from the restriction. So carrying a concealed Glock with a 30rnd mag is legal with a CHP.

§ 18.2-287.4. Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty.

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry a loaded (a) semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (b) shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered on or about his person on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public in the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, or Virginia Beach or in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or any person having a valid concealed handgun permit or to any person actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at an established shooting range or shooting contest. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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RNB65,

If I read that right, does that mean I could walk around Richmond with an AK-47 with 100-rd drum slung over my shoulder so long as I've got my CHP?
(And yes, I know it'd be a dumb thing to do!)
 
As much as VA rocks in terms of gun laws (or lack of) when you get down to it, there still are some really dumb laws around here too :(

"assault firearms" for example :rolleyes:
 
"If I read that right, does that mean I could walk around Richmond with an AK-47 with 100-rd drum slung over my shoulder so long as I've got my CHP?"

I wouldn't recommend doing that in Monroe Park. :D

"If you've got a concealed handgun permit you can carry one concealed handgun, 5 concealed handguns, 20 concealed handguns... The only limitation is the number of places you can find to hide 'em."

Really? I had no idea that a VA CHP allowed the carrying multiple handguns. Awesome.
 
"If I read that right, does that mean I could walk around Richmond with an AK-47 with 100-rd drum slung over my shoulder so long as I've got my CHP?"
Click to expand...

I know you guys are kidding on that point, but I've often wondered that myself...just for the sake of knowing.

Legally speaking, can you sling an AK or other rifle over the shoulder and walk around with it? Separate from the mass hysteria of course, which would make that moot.
 
Legally speaking, can you sling an AK or other rifle over the shoulder and walk around with it? Separate from the mass hysteria of course, which would make that moot.
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We're not kidding. Open carry of rifles is legal and section 287-4 exempts CHP holders from the high capacity/locality restriction.

However, in an urban setting you can expect someone to call 911 and you'll probably be seriously harassed and/or arrested by LE. The Commonwealth Attorney won't prosecute since you weren't breaking the law but LE will still assume that you're guilty until proven innocent.
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RNB,

Thanks for correcting me that AOWs would be legal CCW pieces, however, what you posted and what I posted about open carry are the same thing, with the exception that you posted the law covering it. I was just saying that if you don't have a CCW permit, don't open carry a 21+ round gun or one that has a threaded barrel, and the other stipulations in that section you posted.
 
There lies the problem.

It's very difficult to prove you're not breaking any laws...because laws only prohibit actions, not allow them. So if someone wants you to prove you can OC, they will not believe you because you can't cite any law.

Rights are far and few today.
 
Ahhh, but in order to be found guilty by a jury, the prosecuter must prove that you broke a law - if no law exists for the action that you enganged in, they cannot prove you guilty of anything. The law has to specifically define something as illegal (or, in some states, established "common law" also defines illegal activities).
 
Ahhh, but in order to be found guilty by a jury, the prosecuter must prove that you broke a law - if no law exists for the action that you enganged in, they cannot prove you guilty of anything. The law has to specifically define something as illegal (or, in some states, established "common law" also defines illegal activities).
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Yes, but the problem remains that this doesn't prevent the police from harassing you, or the resulting court fees and time wasted.
 
novaDAK hit the nail on the head. I'd prefer to spend my money on more guns than on an attorney proving I didn't violate any laws.
 
Really? I had no idea that a VA CHP allowed the carrying multiple handguns. Awesome.
Click to expand...

I usually carry two (strong side under vest, and BUG in fanny pack). I've also been known to get into Klingon d!ck-swinging contests at SciFi conventions, and carry 5. Plus 7-8 knives. Plus other stuff, like a (Shelby) P-38 on my keychain.

EDIT: Note that the knives are all under the length limit for "illegal concealed weapon" badness.
 
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