Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey there,
My uncle recently told me that I could have my grandfather's ww2 walther pp bringback. I'm not sure if he ever registered the gun himself. How would I go about making it ok for me to own it legally?
Thanks,
Geoff

There is no registration requirement in Virginia for handguns. As long as your Walther is not considered a Class III weapon under the NFA, which it is not, then you're good to go.

Thanks a lot. that is what I needed to know,
geoff

OakRidgeStars wrote:There is no registration requirement in Virginia for handguns. As long as your Walther is not considered a Class III weapon under the NFA, which it is not, then you're good to go.

I wouldnt be so quick on that one since its considered a war trophy. VA may not have any specific laws but there could be a federal law concerning war trophies even if they arent class III. Not sayin there is but its a remote possibility...Might want to do further research. Proshooter might have an idea.

zephyp wrote:I wouldnt be so quick on that one since its considered a war trophy. VA may not have any specific laws but there could be a federal law concerning war trophies even if they arent class III. Not sayin there is but its a remote possibility...Might want to do further research. Proshooter might have an idea.

There were stringent rules placed into effect after November 1968, before that trophies were virtually unregulated as long as they were not subject to the NFA. It was, IIRC, technically required to get paperwork from someone up the chain of command that the item was a legit capture, but that was often ignored, and it's not of any consequence now (NFA items excepted).

IMHO there is no "registration" requirement for your particular firearm. That being said if your grandfather has any paperwork showing that it's a WWII bringback that would probably add something to it's resale value should there ever be a time or need for you to wish to sell it.

for example, it's not uncommon to see certain firearms hawked at gunshows as "Vietnam bringbacks". While they may be authentic without the official paperwork they're just another gun with a story to them.

Congratulations on your new family heirloom and thanks to your grandfather for his service and sacrifice.