Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I was wondering what are the restrictions for a person over 18 but under 21 on Handgun ownership in VA.

I would like to get a handgun to go along with my rifles. It just seems to be unbalanced.

I am pretty certain that any non-private sales to a person under 21 are illegal.

But what about Private Sales / Transfers. I have a Cousin with a CCW Permit that I would probably ask if it is possible for me to posses a handgun.

And what about Registering the Gun?

(Also the Gun I would like to get is a Polish P-64 9x18mm Makorev)

Hello there!

I just turned 21 last month, and I spent some time researching your question before that happened!

In Virginia, you can own a handgun if you're over 18, you just can't buy one from an FFL until you're 21. Private sales are still perfectly legal. You may have some difficulty buying ammo (federal regs), but there are ways to figure that out.

You can OC (open carry) just like anyone else who doesn't have a CHP (concealed handgun permit). Be prepared, however, to be confronted by LEOs who are not as well versed on the law as we might like--I once had a run-in with an LEO on a mutual friend's private property and he wanted to debate the legality of my possession of a handgun; he said if he ran across me in public OCing, he'd "stop me." Be prepared and aware that this could happen and be friendly, cooperative, and knowledgeable.

As for your last question, there is no firearms registration in Virginia. You may want to draw up a bill of sale for your private transaction in order to have a "paper trail" for your and the seller's records, but even that is not required. You can find a bill of sale that someone drafted if you do a quick search of the forum.

Have fun!

fordhook said it correctly

Here's a copy of the bill of sale form

Good answer Fordhook

Thank you Fordhook. Really appreciate the information.