Virginia 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule 2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80% lower receivers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Virginia?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF however they are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in Virginia.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Virginia?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Virginia you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver we offer  custom engraving for our lowers.

Key Gun Laws in Virginia

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Virginia.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The minimum age to purchase and possess a shotgun or a rifle in the state of Virginia is 18 years old. Virginia has a very specific law that bars any minor under the age of 18 from possessing or transporting any firearms which hold more than seven rounds anywhere within the state. However, this stipulation doesn’t apply to when said minors are at home on their own property or the property of their parent, grandparent, legal guardian, essentially somewhere they have written permission to be there. The same exemption also will apply when a minor is accompanied by an adult and is going to or from a lawful shooting range or firearms related class, provided the weapons are unloaded during transport. As for handgun purchases in Virginia, buyers must be at least 21 years of age.

All firearm purchases and transfers require a background check not including private party transfers (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Virginia is a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through the Virginia Department of State Police (“DSP”).

Lawful private party transfers can only be done if the buyer and seller are both residents of Virginia as PPT’s also require a background check to be facilitated. Additionally, there is a limit of 1 handgun purchase per month. However, CCW holders are exempt from this monthly limit.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Virginia is a “shall-issue” and permitless carry state for concealed carrying and open carrying. Open carrying without a permit is legal for any person 18 years and up but local municipalities can still regulate that or ban it entirely on their own. Of course, there are also the standard areas that do not allow open or concealed carrying so do your research beforehand. CCW’s are offered in Virginia in the form of “HP’s” or handgun permits. Non-residents may also apply for an HP as long as they are at least 21 years old and can provide a certificate showing completion of a state-approved ccw class. Reciprocity wise Virginia honors all states’ ccw permits. For more details on their concealed carrying policies see Virginia’s reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

Virginia does have an “assault weapons” ban. But full automatic machine guns and NFA items are allowed for civilian ownership in Virginia.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity restrictions in Virginia. Enjoy those sticks, drums and belt-fed box magazines while you still can! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like the Advanced Warfighter mag from Lancer which is a 30 rounder too. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

The state of Virginia does have mandatory safe storage laws. Please be aware of them and exercise caution to avoid leaving your guns accessible to children (which can land you in prison for being negligent should any harm come to them). If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 ways to safely store firearms at home.

Self-Defense

Virginia is a castle doctrine state and has a stand your ground law in place which removes the duty to retreat before exercising the use of force or violence in defense of themselves or others.

Ammunition Purchase

Virginia does not require a license for the purchase, possession or sale of ammo. Essentially all ammunition is unrestricted in Virginia. Online ammo purchases require buyers to be at least 21 years old but can be straight to your front door.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Virginia residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. At this time there have not been any bans on 80 percents so take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep, bear and build your own arms while you can! Grab a  jig for 80 lowers and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.