How Can I Tell If My Firearm Identifies As An Assault Weapon?

Published on June 9, 2023
Duration: 9:23

This video, hosted by William Kirk of Washington Gun Law, provides a flowchart to help firearm owners in Washington State determine if their firearm is classified as an 'assault weapon' under recent legislation. It breaks down the classification process based on firearm type (pistol, shotgun, rifle), action (semi-automatic), magazine type (detachable vs. fixed), and specific features like barrel shrouds, pistol grips, and overall length.

Quick Summary

In Washington, a firearm must be semi-automatic to be classified as an assault weapon. For pistols, this involves accepting a detachable magazine plus features like a threaded barrel or pistol grip. Rifles over 30 inches using centerfire ammo with a detachable magazine are assault weapons if they have features like a pistol grip or flash suppressor. Semi-automatic shotguns are classified as assault weapons if they have folding stocks, pistol grips, or fixed magazines over seven rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Assault Weapon Laws
  2. 01:28The Assault Weapon Flowchart Explained
  3. 02:41Step 1: Is the Firearm Semi-Automatic?
  4. 03:17Step 2: Check the Prohibited List
  5. 04:07Step 3: Pistol Classification Criteria
  6. 05:00Step 4: Semi-Automatic Shotgun Criteria
  7. 05:50Step 5: Rifle Classification Criteria
  8. 06:35Rifle Features: Centerfire vs. Rimfire
  9. 06:48Rifle Features: Detachable Magazine Criteria
  10. 07:13Specific Rifle Features Triggering Classification
  11. 08:05Definitions: Barrel Shrouds and Grips
  12. 08:33Accessing the Flowchart and Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in determining if a firearm is an assault weapon in Washington?

The initial step is to determine if the firearm is semi-automatic. If it is not semi-automatic (e.g., bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action), it cannot be classified as an assault weapon under Washington's new law.

What features can make a semi-automatic pistol an 'assault weapon' in Washington?

A semi-automatic pistol that accepts a detachable magazine is classified as an assault weapon if it also has a threaded barrel, a second handgrip, a shroud encircling the barrel, or a magazine acceptance point other than the grip.

How are semi-automatic rifles classified as assault weapons in Washington?

A semi-automatic rifle over 30 inches long, using centerfire ammunition, and accepting a detachable magazine is an assault weapon if it has features like a pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding stock, forward pistol grip, flash suppressor, silencer, or threaded barrel.

Are all semi-automatic shotguns considered assault weapons in Washington?

No, only semi-automatic shotguns with specific features are classified as assault weapons. These include a folding or telescoping stock, pistol or forward grip, thumbhole stock, fixed magazine exceeding seven rounds, or a revolving cylinder.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →