What Are the Gun Laws in Washington?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Washington requires background checks on all firearm transfers, has an assault weapon ban, mandatory waiting periods, and licensing requirements for certain firearms purchases.
What This Means for You
Washington has implemented some of the most restrictive gun laws on the West Coast, significantly impacting what you can legally build and possess. The state's assault weapon definitions and magazine capacity limits directly affect AR-15 builds and other semi-automatic projects. These laws have evolved rapidly in recent years, making compliance verification essential before starting any build.
The Detail
Washington requires background checks for all firearm transfers, including private sales and transfers between individuals. This means you cannot legally transfer a completed build to another person without going through a licensed dealer for the background check process. The state also has a 10-day waiting period for semi-automatic rifle purchases from dealers.
The state bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of assault weapons as defined by their statute, which generally includes semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features like pistol grips, adjustable stocks, or flash hiders. This directly impacts AR-15 style builds and similar platforms. However, firearms lawfully possessed before the ban's effective date remain legal to own.
Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds for magazines manufactured or imported after the law's effective date. Pre-existing standard capacity magazines remain legal to possess if you owned them before the restriction took effect. Washington also requires enhanced background checks and licensing for pistol purchases.
The state has red flag laws allowing temporary firearm removal orders and requires secure storage when minors could access firearms. Some counties and cities have additional local restrictions beyond state law. Given the complexity and recent changes in Washington's firearms laws, you should verify current requirements with official state resources or consult with a local attorney familiar with firearms law.
Build Impact
These laws significantly limit your build options in Washington, particularly for AR-15 style rifles and standard capacity magazine use. You need to carefully research compliance requirements before starting any build project and ensure any transfers go through proper legal channels.