Buying a gun online in Virginia and hunting rifles for Virginia game

Short answer: You can buy a rifle online in Virginia. The gun ships to a licensed dealer (FFL) in Virginia, and you finish the paperwork and background check there. In May 2026 the Governor signed bills on assault firearms and magazines, so check what you can buy before you order.

How online gun buying works

You pick the gun online and pay. The seller ships it to a licensed dealer, not to your home.
At the dealer you show ID and fill out ATF Form 4473.
The dealer runs a background check before handing over the gun (federal rule 27 CFR 478.102). The State Police say the check includes state and federal law.
Federal rules bar dealers from selling any firearm to anyone under 18, and handguns to anyone under 21. A dealer may sell a rifle or shotgun to a buyer aged 18 to 20 under federal law (27 CFR 478.99).

Virginia rules from official sources

Topic	What the official source says
Background checks	The State Police say all firearm sales, including private sales, are subject to mandatory background checks.
Assault firearms	The Governor's May 2026 release says HB 217 and SB 749 bar the future sale and manufacture of assault firearms. The release gives no effective date.
Magazines	The same release says the bill limits the sale of magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds.
Hunting guns	The Governor said her amendment to carve out certain firearms often used for hunting was not adopted. She said she will work with the bill sponsors to clarify the language.
Hunting and carry	DWR says open carry or a concealed handgun permit does not allow you to use a firearm for hunting.

This summary is based on the Governor's release, as of May 2026. It does not say which exact rifles count as an "assault firearm", and laws can change or be challenged in court. Check current rules with the state attorney general, state police or your dealer before you buy a semi-auto rifle or a high-capacity magazine.

Hunting basics from Virginia DWR

You need a hunting license. For deer, bear or turkey you also need a deer/turkey or bear license.
Licenses run July 1 to June 30. Fees for a one-year license, age 16 and up: residents pay $28 for the hunting license and $28 for the deer/turkey license. Nonresidents pay $136 for each.
First-time Virginia hunters can buy an apprentice license, valid two years. Until you finish an approved hunter safety course (you have two years), you must hunt with a licensed adult aged 18 or older.
Deer bag limit in most places east of the Blue Ridge: two a day, six per license year (no more than three antlered). West of the Blue Ridge: two a day, five per license year (no more than two antlered). Some counties, cities and public lands have different limits.
Local ordinances can add rules. Firearm discharge is banned in some places, such as Arlington County, Hampton and Richmond. Check the DWR local ordinances page before you hunt.

Rifle rules for Virginia deer

Weapon	Legal for deer (DWR)
Rifle or pistol	.23 caliber or larger. Pistols must also make at least 350 foot-pounds of energy.
Muzzleloading rifle	.40 caliber or larger
Shotgun	10 gauge or smaller
Air rifle	.35 caliber or larger

Most common deer cartridges are above .23 caliber. Pick a rifle you can shoot well and that is legal where you hunt. Fully automatic firearms cannot be used to hunt in Virginia.

FAQ

Can I have a rifle shipped to my house in Virginia?

Normally no. Online sellers ship guns to a licensed dealer, and you pick it up there after the background check.

Do I need hunter education?

First-timers can start with a two-year apprentice license and hunt with a licensed adult aged 18 or older. They have two years to finish an approved hunter safety course.

Are there Virginia rules on semi-auto rifles and magazines?

The Governor's May 2026 release says new bills bar future sales of assault firearms and limit sales of magazines over 15 rounds. Check current rules with the state attorney general, state police or your dealer.