Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I cannot find a clear answer to this. Can I drive about (i.e., not just going to or coming from a firing range, etc.) a cased AK in my vehicle AND have loaded magazines (1) in the vehicle or (2) in the firearm itself? If it makes any difference, I do have a Virginia CCW permit. Thanks.

(1) in the vehicle, Yes.
(2) in the firearm itself: I say NO, because a LEO could consider the long gun to be loaded.

I see no reason why scenario #1 would be an issue in Virginia.

OakRidgeStars wrote:(1) in the vehicle, Yes.
(2) in the firearm itself: I say NO, because a LEO could consider the long gun to be loaded.

I see no reason why scenario #1 would be an issue in Virginia.

Scenario #1 is a major concern in Ohio at this time.
The hunters and gun enthusiasts are hoping that HB495 that just passed the Ohio House of Representatives yesterday will make it to the governor's desk before the end of the year.
Right now having a loaded magazine or loaded speedloader that fits a firearm in a vehicle with that firearm (no matter how/or where the objects in question are located), the firearms is considered LOADED and is illegal. Except, of course, for handguns if the person involved has a valid CHL.

I don't know of any other state where this is a problem if you are just traveling through.

Don't get caught traveling through Ohio with a loaded magazine and a long gun that it fits in your car until this gets fixed. That means you have to load your magazines after you get to Camp Perry. Originally the law included enblock clips and stripper clips, but at least that got removed early on.
Can you imagine having to rip open a case of milsurp ammo and having to remove all the cartridges from their clips so that you could legally get to the nationals with your rifle in your car?

I do have a Virginia CCW permit. Thanks.

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Then you can just about carry any way you want. We're exempt from the "20 round limit" on magazines because of the CCP, when carrying in the city.

Cased is fine, loaded in the rifle, will run you afoul of Virginia game laws.

and remember that your permit is a CHP, not a CCW. It doesn't cover anything but handguns, hence the H.

i contacted the VA state police about that same thing about 2 years ago. they told me they wouldn't answer that question cause i didn't work for the state. or something along those lines. been to long for me to remember exact wording

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actually the more i sit here and think about it. i believe she said they answer to the state that's why she couldn't tell me. i guess the people aren't considered the state??

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Many localities in Va prohibit loaded long guns in a vehicle.

And as Proshooter stated, your CHP is of no consequence when it comes to long guns.

Just keep the mag out of it and go on about your business,,,

Many thanks to all for the good info.

OakRidgeStars wrote:Many localities in Va prohibit loaded long guns in a vehicle.

And as Proshooter stated, your CHP is of no consequence when it comes to long guns.

Actually, it does in Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington counties. If you want to carry them, loaded, you need a CHP.

VBshooter wrote:Just keep the mag out of it and go on about your business,,,

Naw...thats just too easy.

You didn't ask, but in MD a loaded clip, etc is considered a loaded weapon......just an FYI
Another reason why I'm moving to VA!!!

My vague recollection is that carriage of a loaded longarm in a vehicle requires what amounts to "good and sufficient reason", in nice, vague language that gives the CA plenty of leeway to decide if he wants to make an example of you.

Plain mags are fine. I was riding around with a SAW can of loaded AK mags for about a month, until I remembered they were there and pulled them out last week.

this may help answer your question.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_Transporting.shtm

quote; The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles or for purposes other than hunting, or to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

and i especially liked this one;
quote;
nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.