Va. Code » Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally » Chapter 7. Crimes Involving Health and Safety » Article 6. "Sawed-Off" Shotgun and "Sawed-Off" Rifle Act
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-303.1 (2026)

What article does not prohibit

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Nothing contained in this article shall prohibit or interfere with the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle for scientific purposes, the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle possessed in compliance with federal law or the possession of a "sawed-off" shotgun or "sawed-off" rifle not usable as a firing weapon and possessed as a curiosity, ornament, or keepsake.

Code 1950, § 18.1-268.5; 1968, c. 661; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 351; 1992, c. 580; 1993, c. 449.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 1992–1998 · leading case: Dillard v. Commonwealth, 504 S.E.2d 411 (Va. Ct. App. 1998).
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Dillard v. Commonwealth, 504 S.E.2d 411 (Va. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 4× “2-300(B) also sets forth the exceptions to the proscribed conduct by the phrase “except as permitted by this article and official use by those persons permitted possession by § 18.2-308.” Code § 18.2-303, entitled “What article does not apply to,” provides for the use of…”
Rogers v. Commonwealth, 418 S.E.2d 727 (Va. Ct. App. 1992). · cites it 6× “The only exceptions to the proscription of civilian possession of sawed-off shotguns are the defenses set forth in Code § 18.2-303.1. In order for a defendant to rely on these defenses, he must prove either that he possessed the shotgun for scientific purposes, or that the…”
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