Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Whats the largest capacity magazine a person can use for a handgun in virginia?

Well, that depends....

If you have a CHP, there is no limit.

If you do not have a CHP, and are shooting a semi-auto, centerfire pistol, the mag cannot exceed more than 20 rounds.

AND, AFAIK there is no limit to the number of mags you can carry.

Cite the Code, people!

http://vagunforum.net/virginia-laws/cod ... ws-t2.html

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... 18.2-287.4

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry a loaded (a) semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock or (b) shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered on or about his person on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public 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.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or any person having a valid concealed handgun permit or to any person actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at an established shooting range or shooting contest. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Sorry, I was just trying to answer the question. Didn't know that he wanted the actual code.

I think it's always good to give the source of the information so that there's no chance of misunderstanding. just my 2 cents.

zephyp wrote:AND, AFAIK there is no limit to the number of mags you can carry.

No code cite for this one, ergo no limit.

I wasn't trying to bust anyone's chops in particular. I just want to be able to back up specific questions with legal cites when feasible. This helps to give credence to the answer that you provide and helps the OP understand where they can find answers their other questions when a "Further reading" link is provided.

zephyp brings up a good point regarding the law - if something is not specifically made illegal by any law, then it is legal.

allingeneral wrote:I wasn't trying to bust anyone's chops in particular. I just want to be able to back up specific questions with legal cites when feasible. This helps to give credence to the answer that you provide and helps the OP understand where they can find answers their other questions when a "Further reading" link is provided.

zephyp brings up a good point regarding the law - if something is not specifically made illegal by any law, then it is legal.

Common sense applies. Dont expect to walk down main street with an AR and a satchel full of loaded mags and not get stopped...

allingeneral wrote:I wasn't trying to bust anyone's chops in particular. I just want to be able to back up specific questions with legal cites when feasible. This helps to give credence to the answer that you provide and helps the OP understand where they can find answers their other questions when a "Further reading" link is provided.

I understand your reasoning. That statute is one of the most confusing for the public to understand, in my experience. Alot of our students are still confused even when I explain it. I just gave the short answer to alleviate the need for a 10 minute explanation.

ProShooter wrote:

allingeneral wrote:I wasn't trying to bust anyone's chops in particular. I just want to be able to back up specific questions with legal cites when feasible. This helps to give credence to the answer that you provide and helps the OP understand where they can find answers their other questions when a "Further reading" link is provided.

I understand your reasoning. That statute is one of the most confusing for the public to understand, in my experience. Alot of our students are still confused even when I explain it. I just gave the short answer to alleviate the need for a 10 minute explanation.

I dont think its difficult at all to read. The problem lies with the OP's question. Most people have no clue that there is a section of code covering mag capacity excluding CHP holders. I think thats why he asked to begin with.

zephyp wrote: I dont think its difficult at all to read.

Trust me when I say that you are in the minority.

I know Police Officers that screw that one up all the time. The problem is the and/or qualifiers, the "at the time of the offense" and the more than 20 rounds part. Some people also do not know what "center-fire" is.

The short answer was fine. Thanks for the cite though and yes sometimes I to find the way law codes to written to be confusing sometimes. which is why I ask others who know the law. Thanks for the answers and your time.

ProShooter wrote:

zephyp wrote: I dont think its difficult at all to read.

Trust me when I say that you are in the minority.

I know Police Officers that screw that one up all the time. The problem is the and/or qualifiers, the "at the time of the offense" and the more than 20 rounds part. Some people also do not know what "center-fire" is.

Someone not knowing what center-fire is needs to take a few classes before and after they hit yours...and I know they are out there and carrying...