(1) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person, except as hereinafter provided, to go armed with or to carry, a dirk, dagger, sword, pistol, revolver, stiletto, metallic knuckles, pocket billy, sandbag, skull cracker, slug shot or other offensive or dangerous weapon, except hunting knives adapted and carried as such, concealed either on or about the person, except in one’s own dwelling, house, place of business, or other land possessed by him or her. No person shall carry a pistol or revolver concealed on or about one’s person or whether concealed or otherwise in any vehicle operated by him or her, except in his or her dwelling house or place of business or on other land possessed by him or her, without a permit from the sheriff of the county.

(2) Exemptions. It shall be lawful to carry one or more unloaded pistols or revolvers for the purpose of lawful hunting, lawful sale or attempted sale, lawful exhibit or showing, or other lawful use, if such unloaded weapon or weapons are carried either (a) in the trunk compartment of a vehicle or (b) in a closed container which is too large to be effectively concealed on the person or within the clothing of an individual, and such container may be carried in a vehicle or in any other manner; and no permit shall be required therefor. [Code 1975 § 2.1-1.0415.]