West Virginia Expands 2A Protections While Virginia Pushes Sweeping Gun Control
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Two neighboring states. Two very different approaches to the Second Amendment. While West Virginia is advancing pro-2A reforms designed to safeguard gun owners from future federal overreach, Virginia lawmakers are accelerating a wide-ranging gun control agenda. Here’s what that contrast looks like—and why it matters to gun owners everywhere.
West Virginia: Preemptively Protecting Gun Owners
The Republican-controlled West Virginia State Senate unanimously passed SB 478, the “Second Amendment Reaffirmation and Protection Act.”
The bill would automatically adjust state law if major federal gun statutes—such as the:
—are repealed by Congress or struck down by a court. What does that mean in practical terms?
If portions of the NFA were eliminated—such as through legislation like the Hearing Protection Act—West Virginia would not leave suppressors or other items tangled in leftover state-level red tape. SB 478 also prevents state and local governments from replacing repealed federal restrictions with new state-level equivalents.
Meanwhile, the West Virginia House passed HB 4106, allowing 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Supporters noted that these adults can already legally open carry—HB 4106 simply removes the permit requirement for concealment. If these measures continue forward, they’ll head to Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who has previously signed multiple pro-Second Amendment bills into law.
Virginia: Expanding Restrictions
Across the border, Virginia lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction. The Democrat-controlled legislature advanced numerous gun control bills past “Crossover Day,” including proposals to:
Ban so-called “assault weapons” and magazines over 10 rounds (HB 217 / SB 749)
Expand firearm seizure authorities
Prohibit certain firearm possession for those under 21
Mandate firearm storage requirements
Establish a taxpayer-funded gun control office
Ban privately made firearms (“ghost guns”)
Expand civil liability against the firearms industry
If passed, these measures would head to Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who has publicly supported expanded gun control policies.
Why This Contrast Matters
The divide between West Virginia and Virginia reflects a broader national trend:
Red states are reinforcing constitutional carry and preemption laws.
Blue states are expanding restrictions on commonly owned firearms and accessories.
For gun owners, state-level elections and legislative majorities matter—often more than federal headlines. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s premier indoor range and firearms store, we monitor these developments because what happens in one state can become the model for another.
We’ve seen it before:
Suppressor freedom expanding in states like South Dakota.
Attempts at magazine bans spreading state to state.
Preemption laws either strengthened—or weakened—based on political control.
Policy momentum travels.
The Bigger Picture
Whether it’s proactive protection like West Virginia’s SB 478 or sweeping bans like those proposed in Virginia, the direction of firearm policy is increasingly determined at the state level. That’s why staying engaged matters.
We remain committed to, promoting responsible firearm ownership, educating our community on evolving legislation, supporting the exercise of constitutional rights. As we’ve said before, elections have consequences—and state legislatures are often where those consequences hit first. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And stay connected with 2 If By Sea Tactical for all things 2A.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
