US Virgin Islands Firearms Directory

The US Virgin Islands' firearms history spans five centuries of colonial rule, emancipation, and American territorial governance — a story unlike any state on the mainland.

Denmark purchased St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix from various European powers between 1666 and 1733, establishing plantation economies built on enslaved labor. Firearms were strictly controlled during the colonial period — enslaved people were prohibited from possessing weapons, and even free people of color faced restrictions. The 1733 slave revolt on St. John, one of the longest and most significant in Caribbean history, demonstrated both the desperation of the enslaved and the colonial obsession with controlling access to arms.

Emancipation came to the Danish West Indies in 1848, following a revolt on St. Croix led by General Buddhoe (Moses Gottlieb). The newly freed population gradually gained access to firearms for hunting and protection, though colonial authorities maintained strict oversight. By the late 19th century, firearms were common among rural landowners on St. Croix, where sugar plantation culture gave way to small-scale farming and cattle ranching.

The United States purchased the islands in 1917 for $25 million, primarily for strategic naval purposes during World War I. American governance brought both the Second Amendment and a regulatory tradition that leaned heavily toward restriction. The territorial government adopted firearms laws that reflected urban mainland sensibilities rather than the rural self-reliance culture that existed on the islands.

The post-war period saw the islands transition from agricultural economy to tourism. This shift profoundly affected firearms culture — the territorial government increasingly viewed visible firearms as incompatible with the "paradise" image necessary for tourism revenue. Regulations tightened progressively through the 1960s and 1970s.

Hurricanes have repeatedly reminded residents why firearms matter beyond recreation. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, widespread looting and the inability of law enforcement to maintain order for days demonstrated the reality of island isolation. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 — which devastated St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix within two weeks of each other — reinforced this lesson for a new generation. With no power, no communications, and no police response for days, residents who could protect their families and property did so. Those who couldn't were at the mercy of circumstances.

Today's USVI firearms community is small but determined. The approximately 12 active FFLs serve a population of 87,000 across three islands. The licensing process is lengthy and expensive, involving background checks, character references, psychological evaluation, and fees that can exceed $300. Despite these barriers, gun ownership remains a priority for many families, particularly those with memories of post-hurricane vulnerability.

The legal landscape is complex. As a US territory, federal firearms laws apply, but territorial law adds substantial additional restrictions. The Virgin Islands Code Title 23 governs firearms possession, requiring licensing for purchase, registration of all firearms, and permits for concealed carry. Legal challenges based on the Bruen decision are ongoing but have produced limited change so far.