Contradicting Gun Laws in VA

[bag.0032]

Hello,

I am a certified Armed Security Officer under the Department of Criminal Justice Services in Virginia. I am also 19 years old. In VA, I can't legally own a handgun, nor can I buy the ammo for a handgun til I am 21 years old. However, I am certified to use one while working.

I'm confused as to how I am able to get a certification as an Armed Security Officer, yet I am not able to have a handgun nor buy ammo for one. It seems a bit contradicting, especially since I believe most security companies require a security officer to have their own gun in the caliber they are qualified with.

So, how am I able to get around this or am I just stuck? I honestly don't know what to do about this. Also, I'm hoping I put this forum in the right subject thread.

Thanks,
bag.0032

[DAL]

If you managed to get certified, you must have had a gun and shot a qualification course. Presumably, someone else lent you a gun and provided you with ammo.

[bag.0032]

I rented the gun and bought the ammo from the Institute/range.

[Till]

You don't OWN the gun you use on the job, so that's your loophole.

[westside popo]

Never understood those laws myself. GA has a similar exception for LEOs.

[N003k]

Not from VA myself, but are you sure the law states that you cant OWN a handgun until you're 21? The ammo part should be federal law, and I know under federal law you cant PURCHASE a handgun from an FFL until you're 21, however you can purchase one in a private transaction, or be gifted one prior. Something you might want to look into,

[_XD_]

I am also 19 years old. In VA, I can't legally own a handgun, nor can I buy the ammo for a handgun til I am 21 years old.

Correct, at least as it pertains to purchasing a firearm from an FFL...as N003k alluded to, however, there may be different laws in effect in regard to private transactions...I'm really not sure. I would think all sales/transfers of handguns must go through an authorized FFL, but I honestly do not know

However, I am certified to use one while working.

Correct, DCJS only requires a minimum age of 18

I'm confused as to how I am able to get a certification as an Armed Security Officer, yet I am not able to have a handgun nor buy ammo for one.

You are able to be in possession of your issued weapon and duty ammo by virtue of your DCJS creds...you don't own (have) it, and you haven't bought it (state law mandates a minimum age of 21 for purchase of a handgun). Same goes for the ammo, as mentioned by N003k

It seems a bit contradicting

Perhaps, but hey, you have a job

especially since I believe most security companies require a security officer to have their own gun in the caliber they are qualified with

I have never heard of a security company placing any stipulations on what weapons you privately own

So, how am I able to get around this or am I just stuck?

Stuck how? if you weren't qualified, you wouldn't of been hired...it's a non-issue

I honestly don't know what to do about this

Do about what? You are gainfully employed and can both legally be in possession of your firearm on-duty, and, presumably, in possession of it while in route to and from work

The only contradiction I truly see is that if you wanted to get some range time in between qualifications you can't because you cannot purchase the ammo. See if your company will authorize you additional ammo at the halfway mark between qualifications. I doubt they will, it's all about the bottom dollar with security companies (any company, really), and ultimately they truly don't care how proficient you are with your weapon, as long as you can pass your quals.

[_XD_]

Re-reading your post, it looks like I'm only assuming you are employed as a licensed security officer and that is how you got your training, when in fact it may be possible you got the training on your own and now are looking for employment in the field.

If that is the case, I wouldn't worry about it...the company that hires you will (typically, but not always) issue you a duty weapon, and you'll be "legal" for the reasons I mentioned earlier.

Sorry if I assumed to much in my previous post...I should get a pass, I just got off a 12 hour midnight shift

[just joe]

Your situation is no different than that of police officers who are under 21 yoa.

Not being able to buy a gun from a dealer is not the same as not being able to own a gun.

[HeadDoc]

Check your state laws carefully. Federal law says you can't buy a handgun from a federally-licensed dealer but is entirely silent upon the subject of buying one from a private citizen. It also prohibits you from buying handgun ammunition but doesn't prohibit you from owning or using handgun ammunition. In most states (assuming you are not prohibited for some reason other than age), at age 18 it's legal for a private party to sell or give you a handgun and/or handgun ammunition and it's legal for you to possess and use it.

[ford123]

I got my pistol permit in NY when I was 18, I bought a .357. When I was 20, I bought a Colt .380. About 3 weeks later the gun shop called me, and said we both were in violation of the law! I said how so, I have a permit...They said that a new law was passed, and you had to be 21 to purchase a handgun. I hurried down to the shop and returned it. I guess that was when the federal law was enacted, although at the time I thought it was the state.. Sorry, I do not have a solution to your problem, just thought I would share that story. That was about 20 years ago..

[NHNSP_ADMIN]

On your 21st birthday skip the bar and buy a gun...
You'll be a lot happier the next morning I promise