Can I Build an AR-15 in Washington?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can build an AR-15 in Washington, but state assault weapon laws impose significant restrictions on features and configurations that limit what you can legally construct.
What This Means for You
Washington's assault weapon legislation affects AR-15 builds by restricting certain features and requiring compliance with capacity limits. The state has specific definitions for prohibited firearms that builders must understand before starting any project. These restrictions make standard AR-15 configurations potentially illegal depending on the features you include.
The Detail
Washington state allows AR-15 builds but requires careful attention to the state's assault weapon restrictions. The key limitation centers on Washington's definition of prohibited assault weapons, which includes semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines that have certain prohibited features. You need to verify the current list of prohibited features with Washington state official resources, as these can include items like pistol grips, telescoping stocks, flash hiders, and bayonet mounts.
Magazine capacity presents another critical consideration for your build. Washington restricts high-capacity magazines, though you should verify the specific capacity limit and effective dates with state resources. This affects both your initial build planning and ongoing use of the rifle. The state also has background check requirements that may apply to certain components or transfers during your build process.
When building an AR-15 in Washington, you must ensure your finished rifle complies with both federal and state requirements. The lower receiver remains the regulated firearm component federally, but Washington's feature restrictions apply to your complete rifle configuration. Consider consulting with local firearms dealers or attorneys familiar with Washington gun laws to ensure your planned build configuration remains legal.
Serial number requirements follow federal guidelines for personally manufactured firearms, but Washington may have additional reporting or registration requirements you need to research. The state's laws continue evolving, so verify current requirements before starting your build and before making any modifications to existing firearms.
Build Impact
These restrictions significantly limit your feature choices and may require you to build a featureless or fixed-magazine configuration to remain compliant. You should plan your build around Washington's specific requirements rather than assuming standard AR-15 configurations will be legal in the state.