There is no state requirement that a criminal background check be done on people buying guns at gun shows if they are sold by "private" individuals or gun "collectors." Gun shows can operate on a "no questions asked, cash-and-carry" basis, making it easy for criminals and even juveniles to buy as many guns as they want at gun shows, including assault weapons. No records are required to be kept on gun show sales by private individuals or gun collectors, making it almost impossible for police to trace such weapons if they are used in a crime. The legislators really dropped the ball this time. They had the chance to close this loop hole to make VA safer and they failed us. I will remember this for the next election.

LazedawgnVA - If only a "majority" and not ALL firearms sold at gun shows are sold by licensed dealers then ther IS a loop hole. And as a law abiding citizen of VA I'm really not comfortable knowing that through this loop hole a criminal could walk into a gun show and purchase a gun. Those so called "collectors" thinning out their collection could be selling a gun to someone that really should not have one with no required check. I think that's called a LOOP HOLE! ArmedInNOVA - I really don't consider a five minute backgroud check "jumping through hoops". If a law abiding citizen can't five extra minutes until he or she gets their gun then maybe they're trying to hide something. Who really needs a gun that fast? CRIMINALS! I think this law would be a step in the right direction in making the world a safer place. Yes, we do know that the VT shooter did not buy his guns from a gun show but it could happen. Your argument would be stronger if you could say that ALL (and not Most) guns used in crimes were not sold at a gun show but you can't. So, in your eyes a few violent crimes where guns bought from gun shows were used is acceptable. Lets raise our standards and make sure that it doesn't happen. Require everyone that sells guns to run the required checks.

As sad as the VT shootings were they had nothing to do with sales at gun shows.

The killer bought his guns from federal approved dealers and the Virginia State Police approved the sales.

Nothing to do with gun shows, get it?

TLP22309 if you happen to own a firearm and choose to sell it to anyone you are now an unlicensed dealer. The majority of firearms sold at gun shows are in fact sold by licensed dealers with all the required checks. There will be a few collectors thinning out their collection or individuals who have firearms they wish to dispose of. There is NO loop hole, you are free to dispose of your private property as you choose. Selling firearms to produce your income means you are an arms dealer and subject to the applicable regualtions and penalties.

Last I heard, the VT shooter bought his guns through a licensed gun dealer. Most guns used in crimes were not sold at a gun show anyways. Making law abiding gun owners jump through hoops will not make the world any safer.

What I don't understand is why unlicensed people can sell guns at these shows anyway. And I would like to know the reason why this would have been a bad law.