Moving to Virginia

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gizmohead

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I'll be moving from CT to VA next month and was looking for advice on moving my guns (already avoiding NJ and NY). Also, can anyone give me a rundown of the gun laws in VA? I have my CT pistol permit and my UT non-resident permit. I'll be moving to the Charlottesville area, so if anyone knows of any good gunsmiths, clubs, shops, etc. in the area, that would be helpful as well.
Thank you!
 
Welcome to VA

Hi Gizmohead -

I'm outside of Richmond. I travel through cville frequently heading west to shenendoah. Check out Rivanna Rifle & Pistol Club. Don't know of many others in that area but they seem popular. I shoot at Blackcreek in Cold Harbor...though a bit far for you :) Also - check out VCDL's website (VA Citizen's Defense League) - they are a good 'Go To' for CCW and open carry gun laws in the Commonwealth. I'm a member there and it's a solid group of folks constantly fighting for gun ownership/carry rights.

- wheelgun6T9
 
There is Woodbrook Sports and Pro Shop in Charlottesville, VA, but the best bet would be to stay away from there unless you want rude guys that have high prices. $50 for transfers just to name one thing. This is honestly the worst gun shop I've ever been too. I had an issue in the past, and it ended in the owner calling me cussing me out of the phone. I've not heard anyone else say anything good about this place either.

Rangeland in Ruckersville, VA right up the road does transfers for $25 but they don't have many guns in stock. Mostly bows. Dominion Outdoors in Fishersville, VA is pretty decent. Their prices are okay on some stuff, and really high on others, but they have a great selection and they are really friendly.

Nuckols in Staunton has friendly guys, but they often aren't the most knowledgeable when it comes to guns. They will tell you they don't know at least instead of making up something. The used to have great prices, but the last few times I've been in there their prices have been ridiculous. As in WWB 9mm $42.99 where it's $22 at Walmart. I've noticed that they used to be packed every time I went and the last few times they have had absolutely 0 customers. This place has just really gone downhill imo.

Ashby Arms in Harrisonburg is about the best shop in VA I've been to. Great prices, very friendly service. If you like black rifles this is for sure the place to go. Not sure on their selection of hunting rifles.

Rockingham Co Op in Harrisonburg has decent prices and a pretty good selection.

There is also a place called Hudsons Guns in Harrisonburg that a guy runs in the evenings out of his basement. I've never checked out his prices on the guns he has, but he has a great reloading selection and some ammo. His prices aren't bad at all either and usually on the good side. Not always as cheap as online orders, but usually good.

There is also Runions in Harrisonburg who has an okay selection, but prices don't seem that great. The guys are friendly though.

There is also Town Police Supply in Richmond, VA. This is one of the best shops I've ever been to. Great prices, great guys, and a great selection. This honestly, is my favorite shop I've ever been too and I will go back.

When I travel around that area, I try to stop in at some of those places.

If you need help with other area's in VA, I can provide info about some gun shops in other area's too.
 
Go check out vagunforum.net. I'm a member there by the same username. Feel free to PM me or post anything. It's nice and laid back. VA is pretty firearms friendly so you should enjoy it. Hope you stop by!
 
I'll be moving from CT to VA next month and was looking for advice on moving my guns (already avoiding NJ and NY)

I gotta ask; other than by boat or plane how to you get from Ct. to Va. with out going through NY&NJ?
 
Hello future neighbor. Check the Virginia State police website for the gun laws and your permit application. I have had very good experiences at Woodbrook. Also you may want to checkout the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club (www.rrpc.org). You may also want to find a place in Albemarle or one of the surrounding counties instead of Charlottesville (high taxes and the like).
 
Transport you guns according to FOPA. Drive carefully. NEVER, EVER give consent for anyone to search or inspect the locked compartment or locked case the unloaded guns are being transported in.

Take note that under FOPA it is NOT required to separate the guns from the ammo. It is required to separate the ammo from the occupants of the vehicle, just like the guns. So, if you put the guns in the trunk and the ammo in the passenger compartment, you have just violated FOPA and may be screwed. If the guns AND the ammo are in the trunk, you are complying with FOPA.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/usc_sec_18_00000926---A000-.html

§ 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
 
I gotta ask; other than by boat or plane how to you get from Ct. to Va. with out going through NY&NJ?
Massachusetts-Vermont-Quebec-Ontario-Michigan-Ohio-West Virginia......The Canadian leg of that trip might pose some problems though. I dont think he'll be avoiding NY/NJ
 
A brand new shop just opened in Charlottesville which offers $25 transfers, so it'll be nice to have more then Woodbrook to go to. I never joined the local range but would drive out to the Hite Hollow range in Augusta county.

I was born and raised in Charlottesville and will definitely be moving back there when I decide to have kids. Awesome town.
 
When I moved from NY to SC 11 years ago I put my handguns,22 of them in the trunk of my car and drove. The worst part of the journey was NJ cause I knew I would be in deep doo doo if my car was searched. To say the least it was stressful as hell!!! I made the trip in one day because I did not want to chance leaving my guns in the car overnight. My long guns were carefully wrapped and padded and left in my locked safe for the movers to take. I was a little worried about them too but they arrived safe and sound.
 
Thanks for all the great advice. I really appreciate it. Yeti, I meant to type NYC...there is no avoiding NY, unfortunately, although the boat idea has merit... :)
 
I was born and raised in the Commonwealth of Virginia...Its a beautiful state. Getting your CCW will be easy, no need to register your guns.
Lots of good stores along the way. If you want to stop in the Northern VA area there is Dawson's: http://local.yahoo.com/info-12664446-dawson-s-small-arms-of-the-world-woodbridge

and Sharpshooter's: http://www.sharpshootersva.com/

The guys at both shops know their stuff, good selection of guns, indoor range at SS. The guys can be a little grumpy until they've had their coffee.

I miss my home state...so you enjoy it for me! ;)
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by yeti
I gotta ask; other than by boat or plane how to you get from Ct. to Va. with out going through NY&NJ?

Massachusetts-Vermont-Quebec-Ontario-Michigan-Ohio-West Virginia......The Canadian leg of that trip might pose some problems though. I dont think he'll be avoiding NY/NJ

Would take a few more hours, but the OP could cut across north of NYC and go through PA down to Delaware and south. Avoiding NYC and NJ would be the benefits.

Lockup the firearms in the trunk as others have noted, and enjoy your rights in VA. I lived in NYC for the first half of my life, and the difference in firearms laws and attitudes was shocking to me (in a good way).

Another site to check out is VCDL.org
 
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