The countdown to Virginia's new assault weapons ban is playing out at gun counters across the commonwealth.
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Southern Police Equipment owner and president Karen Ballengee and manager Jeff Connolly are seen in their Chesterfield County store May 28. Ballengee said that the new Virginia laws, which restrict the sale and purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, are changing her business: "It's a big hurt because several different guns, even some hunting guns, are falling into that category, so as an owner of a gun store, I have no idea how bad it's going to hurt come July 1."
Various guns are seen at Southern Police Equipment on May 28. In May, Virginia recorded 75,376 background checks — more than double the total from the same month last year. Although background checks are not a direct measure of gun sales, they’re widely used as an industry indicator.
Southern Police Equipment owner and president Karen Ballengee talks about her business in Chesterfield on May 28. As of Tuesday, 14 commonwealth's attorneys across the state have said they will not enforce Virginia's new assault weapons ban, calling it unconstitutional.
A sign for Southern Police Equipment in Chesterfield County is seen on May 28. According to the owner, Karen Ballengee, customers are "buying the living daylights out of ARs. ... They're buying guns as fast as they can get their hands on them."
Gov. Abigail Spanberger is seen last month signing House Bill 217 and Senate Bill 749, which say buying or selling a semiautomatic gun should be a crime, subject to up to 12 months in jail.
Photos: Gun rights protest draws crowd to Capitol Square in Richmond
Supporters gather at a gun rights rally at Capitol Square on Saturday. The rally was held to oppose gun control legislation recently passed by the General Assembly.
Supporters gather at a gun rights rally at Capitol Square on Saturday. The rally was held to oppose gun control legislation recently passed by the General Assembly.
Supporters gather at a gun rights rally at Capitol Square on Saturday. The rally was held to oppose gun control legislation recently passed by the General Assembly.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Supporters gather at a gun rights rally at Capitol Square on Saturday. The rally was held to oppose gun control legislation recently passed by the General Assembly.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Dave Williams speaks at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
U.S. Rep. John McGuire speaks at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Delegate Tim Griffen attends a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
“Ross the Boss” at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Second Amendment supporters gather at a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The rally is to oppose recently passed gun control legislation.
Anna Bryson (804) 649-6922
