Washington state has been stacking gun laws faster than most people can keep track, and if you've got family or hunting buddies over there — or you're thinking about a move — this stuff has real teeth.

"The law defines 'assault weapon' broadly. Named models — including AR-15s — are explicitly listed. Beyond that list, the definition sweeps in: semiautomatic centerfire rifles with a detachable magazine and one or more of: pistol grip detached from the stock, thumbhole stock, folding or telescoping stock, forward/vertical/angled grip, flash suppressor or sound suppressor, muzzle brake or recoil compensator, threaded barrel..."

That's not a narrow ban — that's a features test that catches most modern sporting rifles sold in the last 20 years. A basic PSA carbine with a standard A2 grip and a threaded muzzle device would likely qualify. Worth understanding if you're driving across the border with a truck gun.

"An 18-year-old who takes a semi-auto rifle to the range is in a legal gray zone under this law. Talk to an attorney before doing so."

This one's easy to miss. A 19-year-old who legally owns a semi-auto rifle can't just load it up and head to a public range in Washington without running into a real legal question. That's a significant restriction on a right that same person can exercise in Idaho without a second thought.

"If you're in a situation where you believe you need a firearm immediately for personal safety, Washington law does not provide an emergency override to this waiting period based on source material available."

Ten days is ten days — no exceptions. That's the part of waiting period laws that gets glossed over in the policy debate. The person buying a gun because of a credible threat waits the same as everyone else.

"Washington is building a permit-to-purchase system that takes effect in 2027... A permit-to-purchase system adds a government approval layer before you can buy a firearm — separate from the federal background check at the point of sale."

Two approval layers before you can take a gun home — background check plus a government-issued permit you had to qualify for ahead of time. That's the direction Washington is heading, and it's worth watching whether that model spreads. Idaho is in a completely different place right now, but these things have a way of traveling.

For those of you with family in Washington or who make the drive over for hunting or matches — how are you handling gear and transport across the state line, and have you run into any friction at local ranges or gun shops over there?

Read the full article in The Handbook → | By BGC Editorial

Washington State Firearms Laws: HB 1240 and Beyond

Washington State Firearms Laws: HB 1240 and Beyond

Quick Reply