Gun sales in Virginia have increased significantly in recent months in anticipation of a ban on the sale of assault weapons set to take effect on July 1. According to FBI data, the number of background checks for firearm purchases has risen sharply, with 75,376 checks conducted in May 2026, more than double the 37,167 checks in May 2025. The highest number of checks this year occurred in March, totaling 79,846, compared to 47,069 in March 2025. By the end of May 2026, a total of 347,167 background checks had been completed, indicating a potential to exceed last year's total of 521,283 checks.
James Sprouse, a manager at Ginger Mafia Tactical, noted a high demand for firearms, stating that inventory sells quickly. Trey Boyd, co-owner of Tactical Operations Vault, mentioned that components for AR-15-style rifles are selling out rapidly. Boyd expressed concern about the impact of the new law, which will make it a misdemeanor to buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture an "assault firearm."
State Senator Saddam Salim, who introduced the bill, stated that the legislation aims to reduce the number of assault weapons in circulation without retroactively criminalizing possession. Governor Abigail Spanberger emphasized the law's intent to enhance community safety and support law enforcement.
