How open carry works

[caboose001]

on the 1st of may I will be moving up to VA from Florida and I was wondering how open carry works? Can I just start doing it off the plain or do I have to wait until I change everything over to VA? Is there anywhere I cant open carry? (other they places where its posted. I mean like certain counties, or cities, etc.) Do I need a special holster to do it or will anything work as far as the law is concerned? This is the one thing I'm most excited about for my move up there and I just wanted to check what all the laws and everything are so I don't have to tell my bass I cant come to my first day of work because I'm in county lock up. Thanks for the help

[SHMIV]

Pretty much, just strap on the pistol, and carry on. Make sure nothing covers it from common observation. Avoid schools and courthouses.

Welcome to VA.

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[caboose001]

Pretty much, just strap on the pistol, and carry on. Make sure nothing covers it from common observation. Avoid schools and courthouses.

Welcome to VA.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Not that I doubt you or anything (everyone on here so far has been very helpful to me on all my questions) but would you happen to have the state statute on that so I can dive deeper into it? Thank you!

[mk4]

Laws in VA prohibit acts and impose penalties when broken, rather than allowing things. Then, follow-on section of the statute spell out exceptions to the criminal offense. For example, 18.2-308, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308 is the statute section generally discussing the crime of carrying a concealed weapon (section A), but much of it is language which lays out the exceptions to the crime, along with spcifically exempted persons and the permitting process (all the rest).

So... there's no general law forbidding open-carry, and therefore, with a number of exceptions, like some areas of courthouses, in jails, secure areas of airports, etc., it's legal to open carry. Do note that even permitted concealed carry is not allowed in the areas above.

All that said, there are some locales that specifically prohibit open carry, but the language of the statute is convoluted, and CHP holders are exempted. See 18.2-287.4, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... 18.2-287.4, for a taste.

Lastly, I'm going to make a biased plug for Jim (user ID: Proshooter) and his company, Proactive Shooters, in Richmond. If you're considering a CHP, or even if not, think about looking into his classes. I've taken both the Basic Handgun Safety and Concealed Carry in VA classes, along with the NRA Range Safety Officer certification class. Learned a whole lot, across a wide gamut of this subject. Well worth the time and $.

Cheers.

[tinner666]

Double check what i'm aboutt o say with Jim, ProShooter.
Since Fla, is CCW only, if you have a Fla. permit, it should be good while you're establishing your new address and getting a Va. permit. Your new Va. permit only takes 30 days or so, but I'm not sure if there is a 'time in residency' requirement since the Fla. permit is welcome here.
Give Jim a call and check with your local clerk of court in your new jurisdiction.

Open carry is OK from the get-go last I heard.

[caboose001]

Cool thanks for all the info very helpful. I have my cwp from Florida but all I was worried about would be getting stopped for what ever reason and then have the cop go "oh I see your not from around these parts" and then come up with some vague gun law or city ordnance to screw me over with but that's prob just bad habit from living in south Florida. You guys wouldn't happen to have a phone number or a website for Mr. Jim's company would you? Again thanks for all the help

[Jakeiscrazy]

Cool thanks for all the info very helpful. I have my cwp from Florida but all I was worried about would be getting stopped for what ever reason and then have the cop go "oh I see your not from around these parts" and then come up with some vague gun law or city ordnance to screw me over with but that's prob just bad habit from living in south Florida. You guys wouldn't happen to have a phone number or a website for Mr. Jim's company would you? Again thanks for all the help

http://proactiveshooters.com/

I would also recommend a locking holster. Safrialand ALS and Blackhawk SERPA are just a few. It gives you a little extra peace of mind.