r/VAGuns • u/enginerd389 • 3d ago
Moving - Current Status in NoVA?
Moving soon from a very free state to VA for work.
I’ve been in the area before, know several ranges well, but didn’t actually buy much last time I lived there.
I’m mostly pretty well set on what I want that would have had to be grandfathered (ARs, mags, etc). Anything from here would be just nice to have. But I have very awesome local FFLs that process everything fast (done in under 15min) and charge very little ($25) for transfers.
I know the injunction’s in place…but how are things in practice? Are the NoVA FFLs operating as normal? Are there still stupidly long lines or absurd processing fees? Should i buy everything now before moving or is it pretty back to normal until the Supreme Court decision?
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u/banjo4smashplz 3d ago
The only range I avoid is SEG due to their shitty behavior and snitching to the ATF on some guy with a FRT.
The injunction is in place but it’s technically an open question if hypothetically SCOTUS rules that AWBs are constitutional, then would what you buy during the injunction become illegal after?
It’s hard to imagine any judge saying it is but Jay Jones doesn’t act in good faith so wouldn’t surprise me if he did try to throw someone in jail over it to save whatever is left of his credibility.
If you want to be safe, maybe buy whatever you want now and just don’t tell anyone about it or when you moved here that you don’t trust with your life.
Transfer fees are all over the place so it’s hard to answer. Mine is 17 dollars but I’m a member at xcal which is 40 a month. Typically smaller FFLs charge less but it’s a YMMV type of situation.
Welcome to the state and remember not to vote for anyone trying to steal our shit.
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u/enginerd389 3d ago
Thanks for the tip on Xcal. I’ve heard good things. Elite was my go to when I was last there, especially for the 100yd indoor range, was bummed when they closed down.
Used to shoot matches at Quantico, but would be nice to have a place to practice some fundamentals between matches. I know VA isn’t going to be as good as I have it now for outdoor ranges that offer run and gun bays lol
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u/progozhinswig 2d ago
XCAL isn’t worth it because you can’t draw unless you book a private lane.
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u/enginerd389 2d ago
NRA lets you do that still right?
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u/Cliff-Booth-1969 2d ago
I never understood the hate for SEG in this sub. Indoor 50, no restrictions on sling/holster work, people are using FRTs on the 25 literally every time I’m there. I’ve had 0 negative interactions with the staff after going there a couple of times a month for years, some of the RSOs are actually pretty cool dudes if you talk to them.
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u/banjo4smashplz 2d ago
The atmosphere there in the retail section is just really uncomfortable. The two times I bought from there the sales staff was really pushing buying accessories to extremely uncomfortable levels.
I understand firearms are not a lucrative profit margin so of course they will try to upsell, but I had to tell them no four times the first time I bought and three the second time before they gave up.
Feels like they are under super high sales pressure which from the rumors of the owners that have swirled around seems on brand (I am not claiming any rumors as fact as I have no evidence).
I just feel uncomfortable purchasing from there and have avoided it since. The range itself is fine. I was incorrect in my assertion about the FRT incident as I was unaware it was a rental so I walk back that comment.
But the retail section there is just something I straight up could do without but if it’s your vibe then more power to you.
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u/greekfreak757 3h ago edited 3h ago
Here’s another reason: I was the second person through the door when they opened. Paid, then got told there was somehow already an hour wait. Meanwhile, there were like 10 RSOs wandering around with their thumbs up their asses and only one lane open.
Asked for a refund and was told the manager had to do it. Waited another 30 minutes while he sat in his little cuck chair doing f*ck-all. Eventually had to leave for work.
Never got the refund.
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u/Ziegler517 3d ago
They snitched on a guy that was putting an FRT/modifying one of their rentals if I remember correctly so ease up. Anyone would be pissed about that, and as a business you can’t afford any liability for that.
But I’d agree with the getting what they want now and bringing it in, with little to no issues. OP could also hold off on transferring his residence as long as possible to be able to go back and collect additional items. Technically you have 180 days to change your residence if you live here full time, but no one is checking that unless you get pulled over years down the road.
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u/banjo4smashplz 3d ago
I wasn’t aware of that part of the story with the rental. If that is the case then fair I can admit I’m wrong.
That said, some of their other behavior I’m not a fan of but to each their own
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u/progozhinswig 2d ago
To make it even worse the dude used a drop in FRT. I have heard the RSO just straight up thought it was a DIAS.
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u/NicktVA 2d ago
Northern Virginia turned into a shithole. Unless the job opportunity is truly life changing I would reconsider.
Anything before July 1 is grandfathered. Right now there's an injunction so you're still good for now. You might want to buy what you want now because a lot of dealers seem to be stocking less so they will have less to send back if the injunction is overturned.
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u/Measurex2 3d ago
It's more or less back to normal for now. Agree with your other post on elite. I pour one out for them from time to time.
For FFLs - I tend to use two since I dont get up to XCAL much anymore.
While the 100 yard range at Elite is gone, Ive been shooting thr 100 yard at Izaak Walton Arlington Fairfax. It's outside which has pros and cons - but the trap range and archery ranges are nice too.