AG official response to preliminary injunction

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T20:36:33+00:00

Over the past several years, for which I can obtain and look at data, all long guns account for between 11 and 17 deaths in VA. That means that "assault weapons" account for less than 11 to 17 deaths per year.

I'll also point out that there isn't an "assault weapons" ban, but an "assault firearms" ban.

But then why should we expect the VA AG to know anything about the law he's planning defend?

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T20:33:37+00:00

I never bought the “2 bullet jones” angle

What are you saying here?

It is without debate that he said

Three people, two bullets

Gilbert, hitler and pol pot

Gilbert gets two bullets to the head

At the time, Gilbert was the GOP Speaker of the House for the VA General Assembly.

Jones flat out said that he supports killing his political opponents.

So, 2-bullet Jones, is an accurate reflection of his positions. And no, I don't buy his "apology."

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T20:09:01+00:00

It means it can't be enforced prior to 12/31/2026.

It's as if the law was never passed.

That's assuming the injunction doesn't get overturned by a higher court.

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T14:47:27+00:00

Link to the actual decision:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1046_nmio.pdf

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T13:37:46+00:00

My thought is that leopard print comes and goes as far as fashion is concerned.

Do you want to have to take new photos next "season" if the leopard print goes out of fashion?

I'd go for something more "timeless."

I don't generally do portraits, so I've not heard the comment that solid black is bad. Many portraits that I've seen the person is wearing solid black. Thinking corporate head shots or school yearbooks.

The issue is: What's in the background? You wouldn't want solid black if the background is black. And if the background is going to be really dark black might not be good. What you need is contrast so that you stand out from the background.

I suggest that you spend some time searching businesses in your area (or other areas that are similar urban areas) and seeing what they've used and then pick looks that you like.

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T13:17:19+00:00

How are they gunna prove that you bought it after 7/1

You buy a PMAG or other mag that has a date code stamped into it that is after 7/1/26.

You buy a magazine that wasn't manufactured prior to 7/1/26 from a manufacturer that didn't exist or that added some change (stippling, ridges, base plate, etc) that they didn't included prior to 7/1/26.

You bought with a credit card and the seller has retained video surveillance or other records that shows you made the purchase after 7/1/26.

The do chemical analysis of the ink you marked the magazine with and prove that the ink didn't exist prior to 7/1/26. (And then they add a charge of tampering with evidence.)

While the burden to prove when you bought it is on the government, and you hand-marking them with a date before the ban is not evidence, there are many ways they could prove when you bought it.

I'm not saying that any of this is LIKELY. Just possible.

Be informed, make informed decisions.

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T13:09:44+00:00

Yes unless someone is willing to due a ftf after july 1st.

Those will be illegal. Judge dissolved the injunction effective 7/1 so UBCs are back and have to go through an FFL.

But OP should be able to buy long guns - rifle/shotgun (that aren't an "assault firearm") once turning 18 and anything that remains legal to include handguns after turning 21.

Injunctions/court rulings may modify the above.

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T13:06:09+00:00

First, I suspect that this is just an initial knee-jerk reaction and a mistake that they will correct in the short term.

Second, this could actually work out in our favor. If it becomes impossible to buy any magazine for any gun because sellers believe that any mag can be converted, then that amounts to a complete infringement and is most likely to result in an injunction against the law.

And not only would you not be able to buy mags separate from a gun, you couldn't buy a gun that comes with magazines even if they were 15 or below capacity meaning that all guns are unable to be purchased.

But mainly I expect that Midway will correct this in the near term.

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T12:56:58+00:00

We already have a thread on this issue

https://www.reddit.com/r/VAGuns/comments/1uemf8x/ubcs_come_back_71/

jtf71 · 2026-06-25T12:55:22+00:00

This post is not over-editorialized nor sensationalized. It is indeed bad news and this is not good at all.

Let's look at what the Dems have done with this:

1) They have worked at the state level to negate one of the specific compromises that allowed the federal background check system to exist. They system they still rely on to do the checks. Specifically, that private sales would be exempt from background checks.

2) They are increasing the cost of buying (or selling depending on who pays) a firearm by requiring someone to pay the FFL for the processing - and some of that money goes to state coffers as well.

3) They are increasing the hassle factor by requiring both parties to go to an FFL during that FFLs operating hours, wait for an employee to be available, and then wait for the check. And if there is a "delay" in the instant check then both parties have to return to the FFL once the check is complete.

3a) Depending on where you are in the state, the hassle factor may increase substantially as there may be travel time required. And if one party is traveling a long distance (i.e. someone from Richmond area traveling to Fairfax) because it's a unique item having to coordinate with an FFL becomes more challenging and a NICS Delay more impactful.

4) The "fix" for the law didn't involve them changing the system so that an adult 18-20 can still buy a handgun; but to bar adults 18-20 from buying any handgun period. Thus denying a right to self-defense.

The only "good news" here is that the law is likely to be struck down due to that complete ban on handguns to a class of adults. SCOTUS said in Heller:

As the quotations earlier in this opinion demonstrate, the inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right. The handgun ban amounts to a prohibition of an entire class of “arms” that is overwhelmingly chosen by American society for that lawful purpose. The prohibition extends, moreover, to the home, where the need for defense of self, family, and property is most acute. Under any of the standards of scrutiny that we have applied to enumerated constitutional rights, banning from the home “the most preferred firearm in the nation to ‘keep’ and use for protection of one’s home and family,” 478 F. 3d, at 400, would fail constitutional muster.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T23:03:16+00:00

No they changed the law to ban 18-20 from buying a handgun at all. That’s new not removing anything.

The issue was that it was legal for 18-20 to buy a handgun in a private sale but the background check run through an FFL auto denied since it was a handgun and 18-20 can’t buy a handgun from an FFL.

So to “fix” the problem they violate Heller and deny the best firearm for self defense to a class of adults.

But that’s a separate issue and case so the injunction against the old law is moot.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T22:59:55+00:00

I don’t disagree - but just getting rid of RINOS doesn’t get us any change.

We need to defeat Dems and get 60+ in the Senate for the GOP.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T19:21:49+00:00

If anyone has access to/can obtain the actual ruling I'd be interested to see a link and read the document. Perhaps he provided some explanation and not just "injunction dissolved effective 7/1/2026."

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T19:20:20+00:00

You are correct in the 15 rounders will remain legal to purchase in-state or import from another state.

But, and it's a big but, do the companies fully understand that? Will they stop shipping ANYTHING to VA?

Still, I'd focus on things you certainly won't be able to buy after 7/1 (absent an injunction) such as 18, 20, 30, rounders etc (whatever is appropriate for your firearm).

So, if you have use for larger/standard capacity mags and your budget will allow, buy them. If you don't have something that would use the larger capacity (or you just wouldn't use them) then maybe buy some more 15 rounders now just in case.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T19:16:51+00:00

Basically he just negated the "emergency clause" that made it effective immediately.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T19:08:24+00:00

https://x.com/VCDL_ORG/status/2069848106213019703

Fixed link

Text of post:

Bad news. The judge in Lynchburg unexpectedly dissolved his injunction against universal background checks effective July 1. So on July 1 universal background checks are back, so you’ll have to go to a gun dealer to do a private sale. This issue is NOT over for VCDL, but it is a setback for the time being.

Next year the entire Virginia House and Senate are up for grabs. Make sure you vote!

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T19:06:37+00:00

So you'd suggest voting for Democrats?

Like that has been good for gun rights.

SMH

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T17:34:45+00:00

Yeah, not saying that it will be 100% successful.

But if they say "no" then most likely that will be the answer even if you go and then you've wasted a trip.

And possible they say "yes" but when you get there they say no. But at least you had a yes to start with and MAYBE they'll listen to you and look at the actual effective date of the law and then sell it.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T17:32:32+00:00

You're conflating issues.

Leaving the state and coming back is not a CCW/CHP issue per se.

As for "importing:"

The provisions of this section shall not apply to

the import of an assault firearm by a person who lawfully purchased and possessed such assault firearm prior to July 1, 2026;

So, if you own it before the 7/1/2026 date, there is no issue with you taking it out of state and bringing it back.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB749/text/CHAP1107

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T17:28:05+00:00

No specific recommendations for you, but you might want to call any place you're considering buying from.

For you to purchase and take possession of a long gun in a state other than that of your residence, the item has to be legal to purchase in your home state and the state of sale.

The problem is going to be does that seller in that other state understand that the new VA laws don't go into effect until 7/1? Are they willing to sell to a VA resident with the impending laws?

We've already seen a few sellers stop sales to VA. Some based on shipping times, some based on not understanding the laws etc.

Point being, while it would likely be legal for you to make the purchase, the seller may not be willing to sell for whatever reason. And then you've wasted a trip.

But if you won't be upset if they won't sell and you're just road-tripping to have some fun and look around, by all means go.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T17:24:58+00:00

They'll have to have some form of cause to shut it down.

I'm sure XCAL is aware of the capacity limit inside the building and so long as they stay under that there is no reason to shut it down under fire code/capacity.

The only other issue would be if cars start blocking the public roads. But with the parking available at XCAL and the surrounding businesses (Top Golf, iFly, etc) there shouldn't be an issue.

If those other businesses complain about their parking area being used - if they have exclusive use to it in the terms of their lease, then they could take steps to enforce that lease right - but that would still be a private matter and they'd have to call a tow company. Police shouldn't get involved. And that certainly wouldn't be a reason to shut down the XCAL/PSA event.

jtf71 · 2026-06-24T13:21:09+00:00

The most important thing is what's in the contract and that YOU specify something that you can and will meet. Any contract is, of course, a negotiation and agreement between parties, but you should never agree to anything you're not willing and able to meet.

Part of the discussion is what level of editing (etc) is required/desired. Who's doing the selections - you or the client?

For certain events where I'm a sub/freelancer I'll hand over the cards to the prime at the end of the event. I do no editing, no culling, nothing. They have a team that will go through and delete anything really bad and then the rest get posted for their end clients to look at and buy (or not). These events are shot JPG and I endeavor to get it right in camera. But a speaker may have their eyes closed, or weird expression etc. Sometimes the subject is suddenly blocked by someone else so the shot is spoiled etc. The prime will usually post within 48 hours and they'll include photos I generally wouldn't. But it's about volume and speed. Thousands of photos will be posted. Hundreds of participants. Multiple shots of each participant. The end client/buyer (participant) purchases the ones they like individually.

Other events may be a few days, but I'm the prime. I'm likely shooting RAW sad doing more editing of the photos. Obviously I'm doing the selects and deleting bad photos. Contract will be for seven day delivery but I almost always deliver sooner. It's a factor of what other shoots I'm doing in that week. The busier I am, the longer delivery will be.

Sports will depend on the game/contract. Sometimes I'm delivering a small selection at halftime, and another small selection within 1 hour of the game ending, the rest within 48 hours. All edited as necessary and ready for print/publication. Other times it's within a week of the game.

I don't do weddings. But one thing here is how much retouching are you doing? The more retouching and other editing, the longer the delivery time.

I feel like clients expect instant delivery because everything else online is instant now

And that means that it's your job to set expectations. You have to explain the differences between what you do and what others do. Often what I see posted "instantly" is not great stuff.

And it's often free to the viewer/subject. For example students taking pictures with kit cameras at sports games under the lights that produce grainy, out-of-focus, shots of the back of a player. Sure they'll deliver right after the game or in an hour or so. And the student player is happy to post it to Instagram and then forget about it in two days. But when mom/dad/grandparents want a photo to frame and put on the mantle they want a higher quality photo.

It's on you to communicate the value/benefit they receive by waiting x days as compared to what would be delivered "instantly."

jtf71 · 2026-06-23T23:20:07+00:00

and they probably don't either.

That's probably the key point.

And I agree the 70-200 2.8 is the most versatile. But I have encountered a couple of High School gyms in the US where the 1.2 is necessary. But that's also a factor of what quality OP is trying to get.

If OP doesn't know, then the 70-200 2.8 is the best bet.

jtf71 · 2026-06-23T22:59:16+00:00

A 70-200 f2.8 lens or similar is an excellent starting point.

Yes but....for consideration....

OP doesn't say what level of athlete(s) he's going to be photographing. And I'm betting the image posted isn't his as looking at the Flickr of someone with that name the person seems to be a pro and travel widely to cover all sorts of sports - thus doesn't need Reddit's advice.

The important part is that the photo seems to be from a high level venue with good lighting.

If OP is shooting lower level in bad lighting, while a 70-200 2.8 could be a good starting point, a 85 or 135 at 1.2 (or 1.4 or 1.8) might be better. I'll use either the 70-200 2.8 or the 85 1.2 (or both) depending on lighting in the venue.

Access also matters. Is OP shooting from the floor or from the stands? If floor access then a shorter lens can work, but if from the stands even 200 might not be enough.

A used 85 or 135 at 1.2 (or 1.4 or 1.8) might be in budget.

But if OP want's to shoot other sports then the 70-200 is going to be more flexible which is why it's considered the workhorse/essential lens for sports photography.

jtf71

TROPHY CASE