Virginia legal term
Handgun in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Handgun” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Handgun” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Handgun" means any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosion of a combustible material from one or more barrels when held in one hand. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-307.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Carrying concealed weapons
- Criminal background check required for employees of a gun dealer to transfer firearms
- Furnishing certain weapons to minors
- Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited
- Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons subject to protective orders
- Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited
- Firearm verification check
- Prohibited conduct
- Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons subject to substantial risk orders
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.