Virginia Gun Sales Double to 75,376 in May Ahead of July 1 Assault-Weapons Ban

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 6

75,376 firearm background checks were run in Virginia in May, more than double the 37,167 a year earlier, as buyers rushed to beat a July 1 ban on many semi-automatic weapons.
347,167 checks were completed through the end of May, putting 2026 on pace to surpass last year's 521,283 total; March hit 79,846 and April reached 72,011.
Gun-store operators said demand has emptied shelves for AR-15-style rifles and parts, with one dealer saying weapons using magazines over 15 rounds make up most of today's inventory.
The law, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger last month after Democrats introduced it in January, makes it a misdemeanor to buy, sell, transfer or make newly defined assault firearms.
Supporters say the measure will gradually reduce the number of such weapons in circulation without criminalizing existing owners, while dealers hope courts will overturn it.

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Virginia’s 2026 Gun Law: Assault Weapons Ban Triggers Sales Spike and Lawsuits

Overview

In May 2026, Virginia’s firearm market saw a dramatic surge after Governor Abigail Spanberger signed new laws banning 'assault firearms' and high-capacity magazines, set to take effect on July 1. This created a short window for legal purchases, causing demand for affected guns and accessories to spike in May and June. The law defines which firearms and magazines are banned, and violations can lead to jail time and fines. These changes sparked immediate legal challenges and divided public opinion, highlighting both the urgency of enforcement and the broader debate over gun rights and public safety in Virginia.

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