Historians trace Virginia's first experience with gun control laws back to the First General Assembly of Jamestown on July 30, 1619.

During this-five day meeting, Virginia officials voted in a gun control enactment that regulated the sale of firearms to Native Americans.

Firearms must contain at least 3.7 ounces of electromagnetically detectable metal in the barrel, slide, cylinder, frame or receiver, and when subjected to x-ray machines, generate an image that accurately depicts their shape.

[1][2] Prohibited places include courthouses, air carrier terminals, schools, child day centers,[23] the Capitol and General Assembly buildings (as of early 2020),[24] and churches, though some exceptions apply, including a 2011 Attorney General opinion that personal protection constitutes good and sufficient reason to carry at a church.

A 2006 opinion issued by State Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell stated "... the governing boards of Virginia's public colleges and universities may not impose a general prohibition on the carrying of concealed weapons by permitted individuals ... Pursuant to specific grants of statutory authority, however, it is my opinion that colleges and universities may regulate the conduct of students and employees to prohibit them from carrying concealed weapons on campus.

"[26] In 2011, the Virginia Supreme Court found that the language used by George Mason University (GMU) to "... not impose a total ban of weapons on campus.

Individuals may still carry or possess weapons on the open grounds of GMU, and in other places on campus not enumerated in the regulation.

Licensed dealers must have the Virginia State Police conduct a background check prior to completing the sale of certain firearms.

[28][29] Consuming an alcoholic beverage in ABC on-premises licensed restaurants and clubs, while carrying a concealed handgun, is prohibited; nor may any person carry a concealed handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs (exceptions made for federal, state and local law enforcement).

The bills included the following provisions: An assault weapons ban that was pushed by Virginia Governor Northam did not pass after significant protest by gun-rights advocates.