By TQ BONNER
I don’t consider myself a gun enthusiast. I’m not one of those people with an arsenal in the house. But yes, I own a gun, and more often than not, I carry it with me. Lately, though, I’ve been leaving it in the car or at home. Still, every time I’m out without it, a thought nags at me:
What if today’s the day? What if I find myself in a situation where my life is in danger?
Unfortunately, that nightmare scenario came chillingly close to happening. It was a trip to Walmart in Portsmouth, Virginia. I was picking up food for work, and it was nothing unusual. I walked out, completed my errands, and went about my day. But just a couple of hours later, I found out that someone had entered that very store wielding a machete, demanding everyone leave.
I’m not saying I would have been a hero. Let’s be clear — if I’d had the chance to leave, I would have done precisely what most customers and workers did: I would have gotten out as fast as possible. But here’s the part that hit me hardest: this wasn’t just about me. It’s about my youngest son.
My boy loves going to the store with me, especially Walmart. He likes to push the cart and be my little helper. And what if he had been with me that day? What if the exits had been blocked by that machete-wielding lunatic? In that terrifying moment, I would have wanted nothing more than to assure my son’s safety — to clear a path, to shield him from harm.
But if I had reached for my side only to remember that my gun was in the car… or at home… how would I have felt? The regret alone is almost too much to imagine. The mere possibility of that scenario has shaken me deeply. Carrying a gun isn’t about being a hero or seeking confrontation. It’s about being prepared to protect the people I love — and wishing, above all, that I never have to use it.
In Virginia, firearm laws encompass regulations for concealed carry, open carry, handgun purchases, and the acquisition of suppressors (silencers).
Below is a detailed overview of each aspect:
Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Virginia:
To obtain a CHP in Virginia, follow these steps:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 21 years old.
- Residency: Apply to the circuit court in your county or city. Non-residents may apply through the Virginia State Police.
- Application Form: Complete the “Application for Concealed Handgun Permit” (Form SP-248).
- Proof of Competence: Provide documentation of handgun competency, which can be demonstrated through:
A. Completion of a state-approved firearms training course.
B. Evidence of equivalent experience, such as military service.
5. Background Check: Undergo a background check to confirm eligibility.
6. Fees: Pay the required fees associated with the application process.
Open Carry Laws in Virginia:
Open carry is generally legal in Virginia without a permit for individuals aged 18 and over. Key points include:
- Firearm Specifications: Certain localities prohibit the open carry of specific firearms, such as loaded semi-automatic center-fire rifles or pistols equipped with magazines holding more than 20 rounds, silencers, or folding stocks. These localities include Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, and Prince William. However, these restrictions do not apply to individuals with a valid CHP.
- Prohibited Areas: Open carry is restricted in certain areas, such as courthouses, schools, and places of worship during services unless explicitly permitted.
In Virginia, the cost of obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) varies by locality, as each circuit court sets its fees. Here are some examples:
Norfolk: The application fee is $50.
Newport News: The non-refundable application fee is $50.
Williamsburg (James City County): The fee is $31, payable by cash, check, or credit.
Virginia Beach: The fee for new and renewal permits is $50.
Portsmouth: The application fee is $50 when paid by cash, check, or money order and $52 when paid by credit or debit card.
Roanoke: The filing fee is $50 if paid by cash, check, or money order; a $2 convenience fee is added for credit card payments, totaling $52.
Loudoun County: The filing fee is $40.
Goochland County: The permit fee is $15.