Ordinance would repeal ban on carrying guns in VC

An ordinance to repeal a section of the Storey County Code dealing with guns has been proposed to the Storey County Commission.

The ordinance would repeal section 9.16.020 of the Storey County Code, established in 1987 to regulate the carrying of firearms within the limits of Virginia City, Gold Hill and other congested areas.

The ordinance states that under NRS 244.364 the state Legislature reserved for itself the right to regulate the transfer, sale, purchase, possession, ownership, transportation, registration and licensing of firearms and ammunition in Nevada, and the Storey County commission did not have the power to usurp the state's power to regulate firearms.

"Recently there was some discussion of firearms," said Storey County District Attorney Harold Swafford, adding that deputy District Attorney Laura Grant had researched the law and found the county did not have the right to ban the carrying of firearms.

That discussion involved Sheriff Jim Miller's attempt to regulate the activities of gunfighters and docents who entertain and inform tourists in the historic town of Virginia City.

He said the county had two ordinances; the 1987 law banning the carrying of dangerous weapons in Virginia City and Gold Hill, and the ordinance that permits gunfighters.

Miller has said the 1987 law should be repealed because it violated state law.

Resident Mark Phillips pointed out that other parts of the 1987 law bans the carrying of switchblades, brass knuckles and weapons other than firearms, which would be repealed along with the firearms section.

"How will I be protected from those kinds of weapons?" he asked.

Swafford said those weapons were also covered under state law.

The commission will vote on the ordinance at a May 19 hearing.