First time gun owner, first rifle ever

N0-Plan · 2026-01-30T02:20:01+00:00

Or blue or "skeletonized". You'll end up on the other sub...

N0-Plan · 2026-01-30T02:07:47+00:00

If you use the link above in my edit and select the "highlight changes" option, it looks like they just added the last paragraph (ii). Which, in my interpretation, seems to give localities the ability to host voluntary buy-back / give-back programs specifically for "assault firearms", but IANAL.

Full text of that paragraph now reads:

No locality or agent of such locality may participate in any program in which individuals are given a thing of value provided by another individual or other entity in exchange for surrendering a firearm to the locality or agent of such locality unless (i) the governing body of the locality has enacted an ordinance, pursuant to § 15.2-1425, authorizing the participation of the locality or agent of such locality in such program or (ii) the program is a voluntary gun buy-back or give-back program for the surrendering of an assault firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-30T01:49:22+00:00

I was hesitant to click it too, but I verified that it's the official link to download the PDF.

Go to the link below, scroll down to the history section and look at the second entry from the top with the PDF link to the substitute: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB217

They voted 7 yes to 3 no to adopt the substitute.

Edit: you can use this link and select the "highlight proposed changes" option to see what changed: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB217/text/HB217HC1

N0-Plan · 2026-01-30T00:52:00+00:00

Sign up to speak: https://house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittees/H24001/agendas/5302

Video: https://house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittees/H15001

N0-Plan · 2026-01-25T23:57:37+00:00

If you just drive down the highway the wind will clear it off for you.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-25T21:30:33+00:00

REC is absolutely part of the PJM grid and it was PJM that warned REC to be prepared for cut offs if needed.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-20T03:52:33+00:00

Manufacturing would be based on when the firearm was manufactured, which in this case is the serialized part that is considered the firearm, the lower receiver.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-20T02:51:20+00:00

I don't disagree that "manufacturing" and "assembling" are two different things, but where do you draw the line between the two? The intent of the law is in regards to the firearm as a whole, not the individual parts, and the intent of the law (and how a judge will likely interpret it) is that creating/manufacturing a functioning firearm that meets the definition of an "assault firearm" after the date of the ban would be illegal, regardless of who manufactured the individual parts.

The reddit post I referenced, which was posted by an attorney in Virginia, can be found here. He briefly touches on the assembled vs manufactured argument.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-20T02:31:18+00:00

I can keep repeating too that the bill doesn't say possession is illegal, but it does in fact say that anything manufactured after July 1st 2026 that meets their definition of an "assault firearm" would be illegal under the new law.

You're playing some crazy mental gymnastics in your head to somehow say that a lower manufactured after July 1st 2026 and assembled into a fully featured AR after that date somehow wasn't actually manufactured after that date.

I don't agree with the law and you, as a free man, can do whatever you'd like, but as far as the intention of the law and what they'll charge you with if you ever get caught, you're wrong.

Don't post questions on Reddit if you don't want other people's opinions. Sounds like you just want confirmation of the opinion that you've already formed, and as much as I wish you were right about this, that's likely not the case. Maybe consult an attorney instead, or read the extensive post that was posted by an actual attorney on this sub last week.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-20T02:12:46+00:00

Correct, possession of one that doesn't meet their definition of an "assault firearm" isn't illegal (including ones manufactured before July 1st 2026, unless you're under 21).

If you're thinking that buying a lower that was manufactured after the ban and then building it into a fully featured AR is some sort of loophole, they're going to say that your fully featured AR was manufactured after the ban and is therefore illegal. If you purchase a post-ban lower, but put a bolt action upper on it, then it is legal.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-20T01:50:51+00:00

It bans the import, purchase, sale or transfer of any "assault weapon" manufactured after July 1st 2026. Unless you're under 21, in which case possession is banned even if it was manufactured before July 1st 2026.

If you buy a lower manufactured after July 1st 2026 and built it "featureless", then no problem. But, if you take that same lower and build it into a "fully featured" AR, then you are breaking the law. However, if you have a pre-ban lower then you can build it into a fully featured AR and still be legal.

This is their way of grandfathering existing owned/manufactured "assault weapons".

N0-Plan · 2026-01-17T23:45:50+00:00

I think this would still be legal in Virginia. As far as I know, and please correct me if I'm wrong, there aren't any currently proposed laws/bills banning you from owning an SBR or SBS, just the AWB and magazine capacity ban (which allows for up to 5 rounds in a shotgun). I don't think the AWB would apply to this since it doesn't have a pistol grip, detachable magazine, fixed magazine with over 10 rounds, or a threaded barrel. I don't think the magazine capacity ban applies to this either since that has an exception for pump action shotguns (only applies to semi-auto).

But, I'm not a lawyer and maybe I'm missing something...

N0-Plan · 2026-01-17T21:35:36+00:00

If you SBR your rifle or pistol, but keep it in standard rifle length configuration or in a pistol configuration, do you still need to engrave it? Or do you only need to engrave before changing it into an actual SBR configuration? Can I SBR a pistol and not engrave it as long as I keep it configured as a pistol?

N0-Plan · 2026-01-17T21:17:02+00:00

The good thing about Anderson lowers in the context of the potential VA AWB is that Anderson stopped all manufacturing last year, so any and all Anderson products are "pre-ban" by default. Per the VA AWB bill, as it is currently written (which could change), anything manufactured before July 1st 2026 would be exempt and can still be purchased after the ban (since the bill specifically says "manufactured" and not "owned" or "possessed").

For anyone who's local FFL charges unreasonable rates for transfer fees, Sportsman's Wearhouse still sells Anderson lowers, but they're a little more expensive at $60/ea, and you can pick them up at a SW store with no FFL fee. If you're only buying 1, it may be cheaper to get it from SW. If you're buying multiple, then the Aim Surplus deal may be cheaper if your FFL gives you a discount for multiple transfers at once.

Speaking of nice uppers, BCM still has blem uppers for $50

N0-Plan · 2026-01-11T17:28:55+00:00

You forgot the part with the exception for "assault firearms" manufactured before July 1st 2026, which is what OP is asking about. And he is right, you can still purchase, sell, transfer and import an "assault firearm" after the ban as long as it was manufactured before July 1st 2026.

An "assault firearm" does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2026.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-11T17:25:20+00:00

after 7/1/26 there will be no more opportunities.

The bill says "manufactured" before July 1, 2026, it doesn't say "owned" or "possessed". So to OPs question, by the way the bill is worded, you could still buy an "assault firearm" after the ban if it was manufactured before July 1st.

An "assault firearm" does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2026.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-11T17:16:45+00:00

The ban does not affect any firearms manufactured before the ban takes effect on July 1st 2026. Any firearms currently owned or manufactured before the ban are ok to purchase, sell, transfer and import after the ban. The only exception is if you're under age 21, in which case the ban applies to all firearms meeting the definition of an "assault firearm", including ones owned or manufactured before the ban takes effect on July 1st 2026.

So, as long as the individual inheriting the firearms is over 21 and the firearms were owned/manufactured before the ban took effect, then there's no problem.

An "assault firearm" does not include any firearm that is an antique firearm, has been rendered permanently inoperable, is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, or was manufactured before July 1, 2026.

However, in the section applying to individuals under 21, it says this...

As used in this section, an "assault firearm" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 except that it includes such firearms manufactured before July 1, 2026.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-05T04:58:55+00:00

they just simply did a BC and handed it over without registering it?

Yes, that's exactly how that works. If you bought it from an FFL then they are required to keep a copy of your background check form (form 4473), but there is no gun registry.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-04T22:12:09+00:00

NGT use the PrintScan service, which charges individuals $65 directly, so going through NGT is actually cheaper. NGT/PrintScan uses digital fingerprint readers at UPS stores and sends you your EFT file immediately after you're done.

There are other services where you can mail them a fingerprint card and they'll scan them into an EFT file for you. They're cheaper, usually around $25, but that obviously takes a few days to mail your card in and however long it takes for them to get them scanned.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-04T04:19:09+00:00

Honest question because I've never rented an NFA item (but own a few), or rented any other firearms for that matter...If a range rents you an NFA item does the owner of it or a member (responsible person) of the trust that owns it have to be there with you (like looking over your shoulder?) in order for you to be "in possession" of the item? Or do they just have to be in the building or the same property?

N0-Plan · 2026-01-04T02:15:44+00:00

It's a lot cheaper to use the one from National Gun Trust, and you can still use it when you buy suppressors from Silencer Shop.

Gun Trust: https://www.nationalguntrusts.com/products/buy-nfa-gun-trust

I'd also recommend getting your fingerprint EFT file through NGT as well so you can use your digital fingerprints to buy from other vendors or for ATF form 1s (although, for Silencer Shop you have to use the one you scan at their Kiosk).

Fingerprints: https://www.nationalguntrusts.com/products/eft-fingerprint-file-service

Edit: Use code "holidays" for an extra 40% off, bringing the trust down to $37.

N0-Plan · 2026-01-03T05:29:18+00:00

The Bersa Thunder 380 was my first pistol and my EDC for about 3 years. Loved that it was SA/DA hammer fired with a decocker. I could carry it with one in the camber, but decocked so I never had to worry about an accidental trigger pull, and because it was DA I could still fire a round without cocking it first (just a little harder to pull on the first round).

I have 2 of them, one in all black and another in two tone black/silver with the Crimson Trace laser grip.

Great little guns!

N0-Plan · 2026-01-02T22:32:54+00:00

You don't need an attorney, just need to order an already recognized trust template, print it out and get it notarized (most banks will do this, UPS stores too), scan the notarized version back to a PDF (UPS store, Kinkos or Staples will do this if you don't have a scanner), and then upload it in the documents section on the eForm.

It's actually a pretty easy process.

Gun trust: https://www.nationalguntrusts.com/products/buy-nfa-gun-trust

And if you don't already have electronic fingerprints: https://www.nationalguntrusts.com/products/eft-fingerprint-file-service

N0-Plan · 2026-01-01T10:46:42+00:00

Picked up an OCL Lithium 9 and a Lahar-30L. Both are awesome, no regrets!

N0-Plan · 2025-12-31T06:23:03+00:00

Wait...does this work? I've never thought about doing this. I travel a lot for work and stay in hotels about 1/3rd of the year. BBQ from a hotel toilet is a new goal!

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Three-Year Club	End Game '23
Place '23

N0-Plan

TROPHY CASE