Virginia Gov. Spanberger’s Assault‑Weapon Ban Triggers Surge in Gun Sales

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a law banning the sale of modern sporting rifles (MSRs) and standard‑capacity magazines in Virginia. The measure was intended to curb firearm availability, but it sparked a rapid increase in gun purchases. In June, background checks rose 241% year‑over‑year to 123,699, and the first six months of the year saw 468,778 checks, a 91% increase from the same period a year earlier.

Retailers reported record sales ahead of the July 1 deadline: XCAL in Ashburn sold more than 1,000 MSRs in a two‑day event, Town Gun Shop of Richmond generated $108,000 in a single day, and Bob’s Gun Shop in Norfolk posted sales 60% higher than the previous year. Two Virginia judges issued limited injunctions that partially block enforcement of the ban, leaving its future uncertain.