Washington Gun Laws in Plain English
In Washington, you face significant restrictions on what you can buy, though you can generally keep what you already own. You cannot buy new AR-15s or magazines holding more than 10 rounds. To buy any gun, you must complete a safety training course and wait 10 business days. You need a license to carry a loaded handgun in your car, even if it's in plain sight.
Critical: Washington Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1Constructive Possession of Assault Weapons: The definition of 'assault weapon' includes 'a conversion kit, part, or combination of parts' (RCW 9.41.010). Possessing parts to build an AR-15 could be illegal manufacture.
- #2Magazine Import Trap: If you drive to Idaho, buy a standard capacity magazine, and drive back, you have committed illegal 'importation' (RCW 9.41.370).
- #3Loaded in Vehicle: 'Loaded' includes having a loaded magazine inserted in the gun, even if the chamber is empty. You need a CPL for this in a vehicle (RCW 9.41.050).
- #4Short-Barreled Shotguns: Unlike Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs), Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs) are generally illegal in WA, even with federal tax stamps (RCW 9.41.190).
- #510-Day Wait is Absolute: The 10-day waiting period is mandatory for ALL firearms. A CPL does not exempt you from this wait (RCW 9.41.092).
- #6Training Expiration: Your safety training proof is only valid for 5 years. You must retake it to buy another gun after it expires (RCW 9.41.090).
- #7School Zone Trap: While a WA CPL exempts you from the federal Gun-Free School Zone Act, it only allows you to pick up/drop off students on school grounds, not enter buildings (RCW 9.41.280).
- #8Marijuana Usage: Washington legalized recreational marijuana, but federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) still prohibits gun ownership if you use it.
- #9Capitol Grounds: Open carry and concealed carry are restricted in specific areas of the State Capitol campus and at permitted demonstrations (RCW 9.41.300).
- #10Community Endangerment: You can be criminally charged if a prohibited person or child gains access to your unsecured firearm and uses it (RCW 9.41.360).
- #11Private Sale Background Checks: You cannot sell a gun to a friend without going to a dealer, unless it is a bona fide gift to immediate family (RCW 9.41.113).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.