***Virginia Lobby Day 1/20/20***POOFA Response Thread***

[jthrelf]

Can't make it but awesome on you Justin for heading down there. PA is too similar to VA for comfort. We are easily at the top of the short list for the 'next VA' and I hope residents of other states would have our back.

[HKusp 45]

Ok it doesn't look like we'd be able to carry long guns, assuming this is up to date,

"Open carry is generally allowed without a permit for people 18 years of age and older. The following cities and counties have exceptions that disallow the open carry of "assault weapons" (any firearm that is equipped with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or is designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock) or shotguns equipped with a magazine that holds more than 7 rounds: the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Virginia Beach and in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, and Prince William. These restrictions do not apply to valid concealed carry permit holders. Stated differently, you may open carry an assault weapon/shotgun with more than 7 rounds with a permit in the aforementioned locations, but do not need a permit to do so in any other locality in Virginia.

In a vehicle, a firearm may be considered "openly carried" if the firearm is openly visible, though this is not as well established as the "secured in a container/compartment" rule mentioned above."





ETA There's some that suggest that as long as one has a PA LTCF, since we're reciprocal, that we can open carry a long gun per the last sentence above. However, I'm not versed in their laws and don't know if they have different permits for different things. Until we get full clarification, I'm going to assume that I can't open carry a long gun.

my understanding is they do not want people (the heads of the VCDL ) carrying long guns as it may muddle the message they are trying to send.

from their facebook page specific to the long guns and what laws to know as well.

Long Guns
If you are asking how you can help with VCDL's mission, carrying long guns at Lobby Day is not helpful - it is a distraction. VCDL's important messages inevitably get lost as the press rushes to get pictures of anyone carrying an AR or AK. The stories then become about the rifle, not VCDL's agenda. You can set your watch by it. Long guns are not easy to carry in a crowd, either. VCDL needs its voice heard loud and clear in order to able to stop the onslaught of gun-control bills.

Laws you need to know for carry in Richmond

You can't have a magazine in a centerfire rifle or pistol that holds more than 20 rounds unless you have a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). You must also have a CHP if the centerfire rifle or pistol has a threaded barrel or a folding stock. Click here to see the code section, which also covers similar restrictions on shotguns: 18.2-287.4

Open carry without a CHP is legal in Virginia, but watch the restrictions in the previous paragraph.

You need a CHP to carry in the General Assembly or Capitol Building. Once through security, you can carry openly or concealed in the buildings. You cannot carry in the gallery over the Senator Floor. Keep an eye on these alerts. Should any of this change, we will notify you here.

VCDL Lobby Day is a peaceful event about gun rights and NOTHING ELSE

We are NOT there to have arguments with the other side. They lobby, we lobby, and never the two shall meet. Just ignore them.

[Justin///M]

Yeah no one cares about that.

[Justin///M]

All,

This morning VCDL issued a statement which shocked many supporters and intended attendees of Virginia's Lobby Day in Richmond on 20 January 2020. Many individuals have taken great offense to the very concept that VCDL would recommend against carrying long guns or wearing tactical gear at Virginia's Lobby Day. The Virginia Battle Buddies (including NOVA, North Shenandoah, Central Virginia, and Hampton Roads) leadership have agreed to the following statement being released on behalf of our groups.

VCDL has done immense things for gun rights in Virginia, and even for the nation. VCDL has been punching above it's weight class for some years, and has done a better job of defending gun rights than some ostensibly pro-gun organizations that are much larger, better funded, and with seemingly greater reach. The Virginia Battle Buddies have the utmost respect for VCDL and the work they have done in furtherance of our collective civil and constitutional rights. In this particular instance however, we must respectfully disagree with their stance and break ranks with them. This is not meant to be disparaging or divisive, but quite the opposite. VCDL is an inherently political organization. What they do requires a clean look and a nice, neat public image- and that remains as true at Virginia's Lobby Day as it ever has been.

Remember that this is Virginia's Lobby Day. Not VCDL Lobby Day. And you are invited to attend.

We are at an incredibly dangerous point in our nation's history. Our legislature has declared themselves able, and having the intent, to override constitutional rights through statutory law. When faced with outcry over such an injustice, the government of the commonwealth has then threatened to utilize force and violence on those who dare not comply. It is imperative now, at Virginia's Lobby Day, and after, that the sons and daughters of Virginia and their friends and allies from across the nation rally together in defense of our most precious liberties.

It is an unpopular thing in society to breathe aloud words that consider the true intent of our right to keep and bear arms.

Arms- not guns, not swords, not grenades, but arms. What are those arms which it speaks of? At the time of adoption, "arms" were considered the ordinary implements of the soldier used for offense and defense. Arms covers much more than firearms. Today, arms include body armor, helmets, night vision and thermal equipment, knives, pistols, and much more- to include, and especially assault weapons. Not "Modern Sporting Rifles" as some ostensibly pro-gun organizations would call them. Assault weapons- those arms designed in a manner which would facilitate a citizen soldier in most effectively defending his rights, property, and very life. We should not play word games to appease our would-be oppressors, as those word games have brought us nothing but continued slow erosion of our rights.

Those arms are essential to creating balance. Societies which strike a balance between the ability of the citizenry and the government to project violence are generally free societies with respectful governance. If the scale tips too far towards the citizenry having a monopoly on violence, there is anarchy. If the same scales tip too far towards a government monopoly on capability to project violence, you find despotism. Right now, the legislature intends to tilt the balance heavily in favor of the government. And so to arms we must fly.

Being armed is not, however, sufficient. Everything we do must be cool and calculated. Choosing to arrive at Virginia's Lobby Day in large numbers, wearing armor and carrying rifles, is a calculated move. It is a rattlesnake shaking its tail, warning a would be attacker that it is on the path to folly. Arriving en masse at Virginia's Lobby Day armed and armored is the rattling of our tail, warning the legislature that they are on the verge of making a horrible mistake.

It is not enough to make a calculated move though. We must also be calm and collected. When the rattlesnake begins rattling its tail, it does not flail about, or squirm and shake in fear. To do so would diminish or completely ruin the effect brought by the rattle. The snake is calm, resolved, and focused. It collects itself together, and is coiled ready to strike if it must. The rattling is not a threat of violence. It is an effort to stave off violence, to prevent violence from ever being necessary- while showing that it is prepared to strike if it is forced to do so. Virginia's Lobby Day is absolutely not a day for violence- nor is it a day to loudly and obnoxiously act out. It is a day to be the rattlesnake. Collected, calmly demonstrating that we will not be trifled with.

We encourage you to attend Virginia's Lobby Day. Please do not let VCDL's public stance on long guns deter you. I myself will be carrying a Mk18. This is a play in which we all have parts. If you choose to attend and wish to bring a long gun, we encourage you to do so. There will be hundreds of us there with long guns. Simply remember that you will need to hand it off to someone if you intend to go inside to speak with your legislators. You should also remember that if you intend to speak to your legislators, you should make some effort to look presentable.

The Virginia Battle Buddies also encourage you to reach out and let us know you are coming if you intend to arrive in tactical gear and a long gun- we would like to make things as organized as possible. Citizens well organized will always have a greater effect, in so many ways, than an unorganized mob.

While VBB and VCDL diverge on one matter of opinion, we would like to reinforce that we are all on the same team- one team, one fight. Let's keep working together to make sure we are organized to win this non-kinetic fight, rather than let it devolve into an uncivilized brawl.

Semper Fidelis,

NOVA Battle Buddies
Northern Shenandoah Battle Buddies
Central Virginia Battle Buddies
Hampton Roads/Tidewater Battle Buddies




https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/...rms/5-2280760/

[buckengr]

I plan to be there.

This is an important day, not just for VA, but for the whole country and it is a fight that we MUST win. It should be one of the best attended pro2A events we've ever seen and I encourage and welcome you all to attend.

Justin, as always, thank you for taking the initiative by creating this thread and suggesting that PAFOA attend. Your efforts don't go unnoticed and are very much appreciated!

[Walleye Hunter]

All,

This morning VCDL issued a statement which shocked many supporters and intended attendees of Virginia's Lobby Day in Richmond on 20 January 2020. Many individuals have taken great offense to the very concept that VCDL would recommend against carrying long guns or wearing tactical gear at Virginia's Lobby Day. The Virginia Battle Buddies (including NOVA, North Shenandoah, Central Virginia, and Hampton Roads) leadership have agreed to the following statement being released on behalf of our groups.

VCDL has done immense things for gun rights in Virginia, and even for the nation. VCDL has been punching above it's weight class for some years, and has done a better job of defending gun rights than some ostensibly pro-gun organizations that are much larger, better funded, and with seemingly greater reach. The Virginia Battle Buddies have the utmost respect for VCDL and the work they have done in furtherance of our collective civil and constitutional rights. In this particular instance however, we must respectfully disagree with their stance and break ranks with them. This is not meant to be disparaging or divisive, but quite the opposite. VCDL is an inherently political organization. What they do requires a clean look and a nice, neat public image- and that remains as true at Virginia's Lobby Day as it ever has been.

Remember that this is Virginia's Lobby Day. Not VCDL Lobby Day. And you are invited to attend.

We are at an incredibly dangerous point in our nation's history. Our legislature has declared themselves able, and having the intent, to override constitutional rights through statutory law. When faced with outcry over such an injustice, the government of the commonwealth has then threatened to utilize force and violence on those who dare not comply. It is imperative now, at Virginia's Lobby Day, and after, that the sons and daughters of Virginia and their friends and allies from across the nation rally together in defense of our most precious liberties.

It is an unpopular thing in society to breathe aloud words that consider the true intent of our right to keep and bear arms.

Arms- not guns, not swords, not grenades, but arms. What are those arms which it speaks of? At the time of adoption, "arms" were considered the ordinary implements of the soldier used for offense and defense. Arms covers much more than firearms. Today, arms include body armor, helmets, night vision and thermal equipment, knives, pistols, and much more- to include, and especially assault weapons. Not "Modern Sporting Rifles" as some ostensibly pro-gun organizations would call them. Assault weapons- those arms designed in a manner which would facilitate a citizen soldier in most effectively defending his rights, property, and very life. We should not play word games to appease our would-be oppressors, as those word games have brought us nothing but continued slow erosion of our rights.

Those arms are essential to creating balance. Societies which strike a balance between the ability of the citizenry and the government to project violence are generally free societies with respectful governance. If the scale tips too far towards the citizenry having a monopoly on violence, there is anarchy. If the same scales tip too far towards a government monopoly on capability to project violence, you find despotism. Right now, the legislature intends to tilt the balance heavily in favor of the government. And so to arms we must fly.

Being armed is not, however, sufficient. Everything we do must be cool and calculated. Choosing to arrive at Virginia's Lobby Day in large numbers, wearing armor and carrying rifles, is a calculated move. It is a rattlesnake shaking its tail, warning a would be attacker that it is on the path to folly. Arriving en masse at Virginia's Lobby Day armed and armored is the rattling of our tail, warning the legislature that they are on the verge of making a horrible mistake.

It is not enough to make a calculated move though. We must also be calm and collected. When the rattlesnake begins rattling its tail, it does not flail about, or squirm and shake in fear. To do so would diminish or completely ruin the effect brought by the rattle. The snake is calm, resolved, and focused. It collects itself together, and is coiled ready to strike if it must. The rattling is not a threat of violence. It is an effort to stave off violence, to prevent violence from ever being necessary- while showing that it is prepared to strike if it is forced to do so. Virginia's Lobby Day is absolutely not a day for violence- nor is it a day to loudly and obnoxiously act out. It is a day to be the rattlesnake. Collected, calmly demonstrating that we will not be trifled with.

We encourage you to attend Virginia's Lobby Day. Please do not let VCDL's public stance on long guns deter you. I myself will be carrying a Mk18. This is a play in which we all have parts. If you choose to attend and wish to bring a long gun, we encourage you to do so. There will be hundreds of us there with long guns. Simply remember that you will need to hand it off to someone if you intend to go inside to speak with your legislators. You should also remember that if you intend to speak to your legislators, you should make some effort to look presentable.

The Virginia Battle Buddies also encourage you to reach out and let us know you are coming if you intend to arrive in tactical gear and a long gun- we would like to make things as organized as possible. Citizens well organized will always have a greater effect, in so many ways, than an unorganized mob.

While VBB and VCDL diverge on one matter of opinion, we would like to reinforce that we are all on the same team- one team, one fight. Let's keep working together to make sure we are organized to win this non-kinetic fight, rather than let it devolve into an uncivilized brawl.

Semper Fidelis,

NOVA Battle Buddies
Northern Shenandoah Battle Buddies
Central Virginia Battle Buddies
Hampton Roads/Tidewater Battle Buddies




https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/...rms/5-2280760/

Any chance I could just get a Cliff Notes on that?

[Berncly]

Any chance I could just get a Cliff Notes on that?

Respectful disagreement between VA 2A groups about open carry and dress code at the event, and the effect of same on the public debate.

[Walleye Hunter]

Respectful disagreement between VA 2A groups about open carry and dress code at the event, and the effect of same on the public debate.

Aaa thanks, much the same as it was here and we all saw what a horrific effect all those long guns had when we went to Shittsburgh.

[Justin///M]

Yeah, same as we have here. And same as we have here, a large contingent will be outside armed while the "suits" do their thing inside.

[Berncly]

The 2A community really needs to embrace the big tent approach.
The tendency to fracture does nothing but harm us and divide our numbers.
If we don't unify we will not survive as a political movement or as individuals.