Big news for gun owners — the fight against universal background checks just scored a major win in Virginia. In a groundbreaking decision, the court has permanently struck down Virginia Code §18.2-308.25, declaring the state’s universal background check law unconstitutional. This ruling delivers a sweeping victory for the Second Amendment and sets an important precedent for other states still fighting similar restrictions.

The case, brought forward by Gun Owners of America (GOA), the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), and the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), challenged the law for violating the rights of law-abiding adults—specifically those aged 18 to 20—and for lacking any historical precedent as required under the Supreme Court’s Bruen framework.

The judge’s reasoning was clear:

• Age Discrimination: The law unlawfully restricted adults aged 18–20 from legally acquiring firearms through private sales, even though they are legal adults and historically part of the militia.
• No Historical Basis: There’s no founding-era tradition or historical precedent supporting universal background checks.
• Constitutional Violation: The measure imposed unnecessary barriers on private transfers between law-abiding citizens — something the Constitution protects.

The ruling grants a statewide injunction, halting enforcement of the law across all of Virginia. This means private, face-to-face firearm transfers can resume without government interference or forced FFL involvement.

The judge’s reasoning was clear:

• Age Discrimination: The law unlawfully restricted adults aged 18–20 from legally acquiring firearms through private sales, even though they are legal adults and historically part of the militia.
• No Historical Basis: There’s no founding-era tradition or historical precedent supporting universal background checks.
• Constitutional Violation: The measure imposed unnecessary barriers on private transfers between law-abiding citizens — something the Constitution protects.

The ruling grants a statewide injunction, halting enforcement of the law across all of Virginia. This means private, face-to-face firearm transfers can resume without government interference or forced FFL involvement.

For Virginia gun owners, this decision restores freedom and privacy in private firearm sales. No more extra paperwork. No more government tracking or registry-building disguised as “safety.”

For other states, this case provides a powerful legal precedent. It proves that universal background check laws — often marketed as “common-sense reform” — may not withstand constitutional scrutiny when challenged under Bruen.

While this is a huge victory, gun owners are being warned to stay alert. Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares is reportedly preparing to appeal the ruling — but only after the upcoming election. Critics accuse him of hiding his anti–Second Amendment stance to avoid backlash from gun owners.

With Virginia’s governor term-limited and elections around the corner, the state’s political future could determine whether this win stands or gets challenged again.