Posted: 2/25/2004 3:28:00 AM EDT
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I just want to verify. Is open carry permited without a permit? Link to the written law? All I can find is concealed stuff. Thanks |
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Yes with a few exceptions: www.packing.org quoted from Packing.org: "Carrying without a Permit/License Date updated: Sunday, February 1, 2004 In Virginia, one may carry a handgun in the open with no license. BEWARE: a few cities have pre-1987 grandfathered laws that allow them to prohibit open carry unless you have a concealed handgun permit. Fortunately there are only a few of these places and notes below cover them. State law overrides grandfathered ordinances for openly displayed handguns in vehicles. Loaded handgun on seat or dashboard in plain view are fine. Carrying concealed in places that serve alcohol is prohibited, even licensed, but open carry there is allowed. " |
I am going to turn in my CCW paperwork tomorrow. I am just wanting to know all the laws. |
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People should get used to seeing law-abiding citizens being armed - plain and simple. Further, we should not be forced to feel ashamed of our vigilence and responsibility. While you may lose the element of surprise in a tactical situation or even risk being a target for attack in a robbery or other situation, you serve as a deterrent and make a statement by carrying openly. Your chances of losing some advantage in a gunfight versus serving as a deterrent or making citizens feel better about being armed is outweighed. The open carry law is only pre-empted in one or two counties (do your research - I think one is in NOVA and one is Hampton area). I open carry every day, and can honestly say that I have made an impact in the places I frequent. I'm not saying it's the best answer for everyone - just that you shouldn't dismiss open carry too easily. Black Fox |
| The cities of Portsmouth and Chesapeake passed ordnances prohibiting the transportation of loaded firearms in the turbulent racial period back in the late 60's or early 70's. Portsmouth's law was stricken down in Court by the elder Judge Mcmurran upon appeal by a local restaurant owner whom was charged and convicted in a lower court. The Chesapeake law was(to the best of my knowledge) never stricken and remains in effect.The concealed carry law would override the ordnance but open carry might be a problem. Chesapeake has never been very gun friendly. |
| In 13 years ov living in VA, I don't think I've seen anybody open carry in a regular public place in Northern VA. I see it in gunstores, but that's about it. I don't know if its urban myth or not, but the story is that you're asking for a disorderly conduct charge if you wander around places like the Springfield Mall with a gun on your hip. They can't hit you with a gun charge, but they can make things difficult. That's the rumor anyway. |