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Fellow OC needs help for trip to VA

Turbod'1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
Messages
181
Location
Henderson, NV now Texas. I move a lot.
Hi, I wouldn't normally ask (as opposed to doing my research) but this is kind of last minute.

My wife is in military AIT at Fort Lee and it turns out that they are giving her a pass for the 4th of July weekend. Last minute, but I'll be flying down there and I'm wondering what I should know if I choose to bring my Glock.

I know I can't take it on post but I'll be staying off post at a motel and her pass hours are limited which will have me off post quite a bit more than on. I'd just as soon not be in a strange town unarmed. Heck, I don't even do that here in Las Vegas. :)

Can anyone offer a crash course on what I need to know?

Again, sorry for the lack of research but just like a foreign town, this is a foreign forum and there are tons of data here.

Thanks!
 

youngck

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
65
Location
Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Welcome to Virginia. ☺ if you may legally possess your weapon you can open carry almost anywhere except as you noted on post, court houses, k-12 schools, where prohibited by federal law and air passenger terminals. If you are arriving at a terminal in Maryland you must follow their law. Others may add to this list. On the other hand in general you will likely experience little surprise or concern from others if you open carry.
 

Doc_Smith

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
52
Location
Newport News
Hey Turbod. I'm actually stationed at Fort Lee. As long as you don't bring the weapon on Federal property or any other federally prohibited place you will be ok. the following link will take you to the actual state code that covers open carry of firearms. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-287.4. I carry every time I leave Fort Lee and have never had a problem with law enforcement or civilians. Do make note however that malls are generally anti OC. So unless you have a CCP from a state with reciprocity for Virginia its best to leave it in the car. Otherwise, welcome to Virginia and stay safe.
 

Turbod'1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
Messages
181
Location
Henderson, NV now Texas. I move a lot.
Hey Turbod. I'm actually stationed at Fort Lee. As long as you don't bring the weapon on Federal property or any other federally prohibited place you will be ok. the following link will take you to the actual state code that covers open carry of firearms. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-287.4. I carry every time I leave Fort Lee and have never had a problem with law enforcement or civilians. Do make note however that malls are generally anti OC. So unless you have a CCP from a state with reciprocity for Virginia its best to leave it in the car. Otherwise, welcome to Virginia and stay safe.

I read that over and over again and it seems to preclude Open Carry. The best I could figure is; that if it's not loaded it's cool? All the exceptions seem to spell out the intent of requiring a license of some sort.

What am I missing?
 

Lyndsy Simon

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
209
Location
Charlottesville, VA
I read that over and over again and it seems to preclude Open Carry. The best I could figure is; that if it's not loaded it's cool? All the exceptions seem to spell out the intent of requiring a license of some sort.

What am I missing?

"covers open carry" is a bit of a misnomer.

Open carry is legal in Virginia because there is no law prohibiting it. The law you were linked shows a couple of warts. As long as your Glock doesn't have a magazine holding over 20 rounds in it, a threaded barrel, or a folding stock that law doesn't apply to you. If you have a CHP that's recognized by VA it doesn't apply. If you're not in one of the cities specified, it doesn't apply.

VA is the best place in the country to OC, with the possible exception of AZ. I don't anticipate you'll have any issues at all.
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
21 years or older and no other restrictions, OC is legal unless limited by law.

As others have pointed out, it is the absence of a statute/law that leaves OC of a handgun legal in Virginia.

If you have the time, consider coming out to one of our meet n' greets - would love to meet you both. We schedule a breakfast every Sat. morning:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?255-Virginia-Events

Also have a dinner planned:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/s...Richmond-Area-OC-Dinner-July-8th-2014-at-7-pm
 
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skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
Ft. Lee is not that far from Richmond. Our weekly breakfasts start at 9:30 AM - mostly because I am not a "morning person" and a grumpy old man with a gun first thing in the morning is not a Good Idea[SUP]TM[/SUP].

Besides, Richmond has a lot of "date day" things to offer, including a gun show this weekend. http://www.cegunshows.com/ShowInfo/RichmondVA/tabid/79/Default.aspx

We always welcome new folks. Most of the time we do not make newcomers go through the initiation ritual.:eek:

stay safe.
 

Turbod'1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
Messages
181
Location
Henderson, NV now Texas. I move a lot.
Ft. Lee is not that far from Richmond. Our weekly breakfasts start at 9:30 AM - mostly because I am not a "morning person" and a grumpy old man with a gun first thing in the morning is not a Good Idea[SUP]TM[/SUP].

Besides, Richmond has a lot of "date day" things to offer, including a gun show this weekend.

I appreciate not being hazed ( :D ) but the sad reality is: She can't go off post so it limits what we can do in terms of 'Date night' but if you'll be on post this weekend, it might give us something to do: Show us the sights! :monkey
 

Marco

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
3,905
Location
Greene County
21 years or older and no other restrictions, OC is legal unless limited by law.

As others have pointed out, it is the absence of a statute/law that leaves OC of a handgun legal in Virginia.

If you have the time, consider coming out to one of our meet n' greets - would love to meet you both. We schedule a breakfast every Sat. morning:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?255-Virginia-Events

Also have a dinner planned:
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/s...Richmond-Area-OC-Dinner-July-8th-2014-at-7-pm

SHAME on you..it's 18 and older.:)
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
SHAME on you..it's 18 and older.:)
No shame - there are exceptions limiting that.

......unlawful to carry a loaded semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol equipped with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds or a shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than 7 shells “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.”

A CHP provides exception, but one must be 21 yo or older.

If someone is 20 yo (no CHP), OC could be problematic.
http://vagunforum.net/general-discussion/round-magazine-limit-virginia-t16561.html
 
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Marco

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
3,905
Location
Greene County
No ihame - there are exceptions limiting that.

......unlawful to carry a loaded semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol equipped with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds or a shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than 7 shells “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.”

A CHP provides exception, but one must be 21 yo or older.

If someone is 20 yo (no CHP), OC could be problematic.
http://vagunforum.net/general-discussion/round-magazine-limit-virginia-t16561.html

The exceptions only deals with less free parts of VA and would apply to anyone without a VALID permission slip regardless of age.


To legally OC the age is 18y and older, younger if you meet other exceptions..ie on your own property, at shooting range etc.... short on time to post cite but can reaserached and confirmed.
 

wrearick

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2013
Messages
650
Location
Virginia Beach, Va.
Hey Turbod. I'm actually stationed at Fort Lee. As long as you don't bring the weapon on Federal property or any other federally prohibited place you will be ok. the following link will take you to the actual state code that covers open carry of firearms. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-287.4. I carry every time I leave Fort Lee and have never had a problem with law enforcement or civilians. Do make note however that malls are generally anti OC. So unless you have a CCP from a state with reciprocity for Virginia its best to leave it in the car. Otherwise, welcome to Virginia and stay safe.

Just in the interest of accuracy, most of the malls that I am aware of are anti-firearm, not anti OC. There is no provision in their "Code of Conduct" that says a firearm is okay if you have a CCP (CHP here in Virginia). It will be tougher for them to determine you are violating their "Code" and ask you to leave if you are CC'ing vice OC'ing but the intent of their code is to prohibit customers carrying firearms. Criminals routinely choose to ignore the signs/codes but the management doesn't understand that.
 

scouser

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
1,341
Location
804, VA
Hi, I wouldn't normally ask (as opposed to doing my research) but this is kind of last minute.

My wife is in military AIT at Fort Lee and it turns out that they are giving her a pass for the 4th of July weekend. Last minute, but I'll be flying down there and I'm wondering what I should know if I choose to bring my Glock.

I know I can't take it on post but I'll be staying off post at a motel and her pass hours are limited which will have me off post quite a bit more than on. I'd just as soon not be in a strange town unarmed. Heck, I don't even do that here in Las Vegas. :)

Can anyone offer a crash course on what I need to know?

Again, sorry for the lack of research but just like a foreign town, this is a foreign forum and there are tons of data here.

Thanks!

I can't tell you what their feelings are about carrying but if you're looking for something to see and enjoy Civil War history, there's a place just outside Petersburg called The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, also known as Pamplin Park that is well worth a visit. It's at exit 63A on I-85, and apparently it is open on the 4th

http://www.pamplinpark.org/
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
I can't tell you what their feelings are about carrying but if you're looking for something to see and enjoy Civil War history, there's a place just outside Petersburg called The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, also known as Pamplin Park that is well worth a visit. It's at exit 63A on I-85, and apparently it is open on the 4th

http://www.pamplinpark.org/
Haven't been there in some time - best I can remember is that personal, self defense tools were not allowed.

A google search repeatedly brings up the phrase "Personal firearms and edged weapons will not be brought to the National Civil War......" w/o specfic reference to visitors.
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
I appreciate not being hazed ( :D ) but the sad reality is: She can't go off post so it limits what we can do in terms of 'Date night' but if you'll be on post this weekend, it might give us something to do: Show us the sights! :monkey

The sights of Ft. Lee?

Well, there's the Mess Hall, the PX, and (drum roll, please) The Personally Owned Weapons Range http://www.leemwr.com/shooting-sports

As for "the sights" of Greater Richmond on your own - let's start with an invitation to our monthly OC dinner the evening of the 8th. Ask and you will be picked up/returned to your temporary lodging if you would prefer not to try and get lost all on your own. http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/s...r-July-8th-2014-at-7-pm&p=2073320#post2073320

A chauffered tour can be put together to include such attractions as the State Capitol (if it's open and you have a CHP/equivalent you can OC inside!), the grounds of the Capitol to look at statues of Washington and a few other Virginia luminaries (Harry Flood Bird - hint, hint), and some of the better vistas of the James River. Hollywood Cemetary is always a crowd pleaser. There are several National Park Battlefields in the area to either cruise through or stop & get out to see the exhibits. (One is right outside Ft. Lee.) http://www.nps.gov/rich/planyourvisit/index.htm

The problem is, there are always a few of us who can be available/make ourselves available. Lots of ideas but we want to hear from you so we can figure out who, when, where and suchlike. Even amongst the non-natives there is lots of Southern Hospitality.

stay safe.
 

scouser

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2011
Messages
1,341
Location
804, VA
As for "the sights" of Greater Richmond on your own - let's start with an invitation to our monthly OC dinner the evening of the 8th. Ask and you will be picked up/returned to your temporary lodging if you would prefer not to try and get lost all on your own.

except he already said he was flying out of here that day, there's always breakfast on Saturday wherever that might be
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
except he already said he was flying out of here that day, there's always breakfast on Saturday wherever that might be

He didn't say what time, did he?

Boy, you try to do the Southern Hospitality thing and get harshed by furriners who tawk funny.

stay safe.
 

Doc_Smith

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
52
Location
Newport News
The sights of Ft. Lee?

Well, there's the Mess Hall, the PX, and (drum roll, please) The Personally Owned Weapons Range http://www.leemwr.com/shooting-sports

Just a bit of information. There are two ranges on Fort Lee. The first being the Trap and Skeet range which is by the Hideaway (a small bar on post which actually isn't bad) and the second is the POW range. The POW range is not on Fort Lee proper but it is still owned and operated by the DoD. But without getting into the nitty gritty it is considered "off post".
 
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