I read the law, and it seems it's good to go statewide, but may be illegal in certain localities.

Is that right?

I was thinking of keeping a beater AR in the tool box of my truck, mostly for emergency range sessions.

I don't believe localities can preempt state law, and I'm certain there isn't any restriction on mag limits if you have a CCW.  I *DO* believe there is a loaded gun law during hunting seasons, but I think that concerns a round in the chamber vs. simply a magazine inserted.

I'm sure someone can post the actual link to the law(s).

Here's what I found from VSP:

§ 15.2-915.2.  This section empowers the governing body of any county or city to, by ordinance, make it unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within such locality. Any violation of such ordinance shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce theprovisions of this section. No ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be enforceable unless the governing body adopting such ordinance so notifies the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which such ordinance is to take effect. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

Keyword is "loaded"

Mag out, but could be in same bag?

The only definition of "loaded" firearm I've been able to find is under the administrative code and is in regards to hunting so not might even apply to lawful non hunting purposes.



http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-40-60










Maybe someone with better legal search-fu can chime in.
 

I was under the impression that carrying a long gun in your vehicle was fine as long as it was not loaded. I think that has to do with hunting laws and people shooting from vehicles or from roads.

I don't necessarily like it but for me, to access a long gun in my vehicle, slapping a mag in wouldn't be that much more time or effort.

I am reasonable.

As am I.

Isn't dbrowne a lawyer, hopefully he sees this.

I've always been under the impression that a loaded mag not in but just with the rifle is a no go.