According to Article 3, Section 22, of the West Virginia Constitution, a person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home, and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use.  A West Virginia permit is not required to purchase rifles, handguns and shotguns.

The Legislature of West Virginia requires the lawful design, marketing, manufacture or sale of firearms or ammunition to the public is not an unreasonably dangerous activity and does not constitute a nuisance per se[i].  The authority to bring suit and the right to recover against any firearms or ammunition manufacturer, seller, trade association or dealer of firearms is reserved exclusively to the State.  However, this does not prohibit a county or municipality from bringing an action for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by the county or municipality[ii].

The main government offices that deals with issues relating to firearms are:

West Virginia State Police

725 Jefferson Road

South Charleston, West Virginia 25309

Phone: (304) 746-2100

Fax: (304) 746-2246

[i] W. Va. Code § 55-18-1

[ii] W. Va. Code § 55-18-2