Paul Painter
Regular Member
Hello, I am just new to this site. My main question tonight is, what is the age requirement to open carry a handgun in VA? I am 19 years old, found a few old posts on here and compared them to some VA statues I found online, attached and read as:
****As noted above, those under the age of 21 are prohibited by federal law from purchasing handguns from a licensed dealer by the provisions of 18 USC § 922(b)(1).
However, there is no prohibition under Virginia law preventing someone 18 years of age or older from acquiring a handgun via a private sale.
Therefore, it is perfectly legal for someone 18 to 20 years of age, who is otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms, to acquire one via a private sale.***
With that being said, I have since turning 18, privately purchased two handguns from a friend I am employed with, according to these, and what we have been told by others, is perfectly legal. So it dawned on me, with the ever so changing world, with the threats we face every day, why should I not be allowed to carry a gun on me?
Now, I don't want to seem like the "crazed young kid" guns have always been apart of my life, ever since I was younger. When I turned 18, i went out and purchased my first AR15. I love guns, and love the fact knowing i can defend myself and those i live with.. but before recently, it was a "only at home" defense.
Earlier tonight i decided to start researching, and found this forum, and to be straight up honest, I choose to do this tonight because of what has happened over seas last night. There are ever so growing threats, everywhere in our world. So i researched the open carry laws, and found attached and read:
****Virginia is an unlicensed open carry state. Additionally, there is no prohibition under Virginia law preventing someone 18 years of age or older from openly carrying a legally-owned handgun.
The only disability that applies to those 18 to 20 years of age is an inability to apply for, and receive, a Virginia concealed handgun permit (CHP). § 18.2-308.02 of the Code of Virginia limits this to those 21 years of age or older.***
This clearly states that I, being 19, can in fact open carry one of my handguns. I currently have two, a sub-compact S&W .40 M&P, and last night also purchased my second, a Glock 17 9mm.
I wish to verify, (before attempting of course) that this info is in fact the law and is legal for me to do. With my glock 17, it came with a holster, from which i can find, is considered open carry as long as my shirt or sweatshirt is not covering it at ANY time. And at anytime in my vehicles, as long as it is in open, plain sight.
Thank you all, and i hope to not be too stupid with these questions. i hope as which i have asked them as precise as i can.
****As noted above, those under the age of 21 are prohibited by federal law from purchasing handguns from a licensed dealer by the provisions of 18 USC § 922(b)(1).
However, there is no prohibition under Virginia law preventing someone 18 years of age or older from acquiring a handgun via a private sale.
Therefore, it is perfectly legal for someone 18 to 20 years of age, who is otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms, to acquire one via a private sale.***
With that being said, I have since turning 18, privately purchased two handguns from a friend I am employed with, according to these, and what we have been told by others, is perfectly legal. So it dawned on me, with the ever so changing world, with the threats we face every day, why should I not be allowed to carry a gun on me?
Now, I don't want to seem like the "crazed young kid" guns have always been apart of my life, ever since I was younger. When I turned 18, i went out and purchased my first AR15. I love guns, and love the fact knowing i can defend myself and those i live with.. but before recently, it was a "only at home" defense.
Earlier tonight i decided to start researching, and found this forum, and to be straight up honest, I choose to do this tonight because of what has happened over seas last night. There are ever so growing threats, everywhere in our world. So i researched the open carry laws, and found attached and read:
****Virginia is an unlicensed open carry state. Additionally, there is no prohibition under Virginia law preventing someone 18 years of age or older from openly carrying a legally-owned handgun.
The only disability that applies to those 18 to 20 years of age is an inability to apply for, and receive, a Virginia concealed handgun permit (CHP). § 18.2-308.02 of the Code of Virginia limits this to those 21 years of age or older.***
This clearly states that I, being 19, can in fact open carry one of my handguns. I currently have two, a sub-compact S&W .40 M&P, and last night also purchased my second, a Glock 17 9mm.
I wish to verify, (before attempting of course) that this info is in fact the law and is legal for me to do. With my glock 17, it came with a holster, from which i can find, is considered open carry as long as my shirt or sweatshirt is not covering it at ANY time. And at anytime in my vehicles, as long as it is in open, plain sight.
Thank you all, and i hope to not be too stupid with these questions. i hope as which i have asked them as precise as i can.