Who Can Legally Purchase Guns In Washington?
In the state of Washington, residents may purchase firearms as long as they are of proper legal age and are not a prohibited possessor. The minimum age to purchase a long gun (excluding semi-auto rifles) is 18 and the minimum age to purchase a handgun or semi-auto rifle is 21.
Handgun purchases require a state background check and approval from local law enforcement before the transfer can proceed. (The transferring dealer must be notified in writing by the chief of police or sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the purchaser resides that the purchaser is eligible to possess a pistol pursuant to RCW 9.41.040.) A concealed pistol license (CPL) is not required to buy a handgun, but it is required to legally carry one concealed.
All purchasers of semi-automatic rifles must complete a recognized safety training course and comply with a 10-business-day waiting period before taking possession.
Washington's Statewide Magazine Restriction
The state of Washington does not allow any magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds and expressly prohibits any conversion kits, parts kits, or magazine extensions that could be used to increase a magazine's capacity in excess of 10 rounds. Possession of magazines acquired before July 1, 2022 is still legal.
The following are exempt from this requirement:
- An ammunition feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
- A .22 caliber tubular ammunition feeding device.
- A tubular magazine that is contained within a lever-action firearm.
The restriction does not apply to law enforcement officers or members of the military acting within the scope of their official duties.
Requirements For WA-Compliant Guns
In addition to the restrictions detailed above, Washington has passed legislation that limits which firearms are available for purchase throughout the state. A Washington Compliant firearm is any long gun or handgun that satsifies the state's magazine capacity restriction and is not defined as an "assault weapon" under HB 1240. Possession of "assault weapons" purchased before July 1, 2023 is still legal.
WA-Compliant Rifles
Passed into law in April 2023, House Bill 1240 explicitly prohibits dozens of makes, models, and types of "assault weapons" and their copies. These models include (but are not limited to): AK-47s, AK-74s, AR-15s, FALs, Galils, MP5s, AUGs, and Barrett .50 BMG rifles. Rifles legally owned before July 1, 2023 are grandfathered and may be retained under Washington law.
To be considered legal in Washington, semi-auto centerfire rifles must not have any of the following features:
- An overall length of less than 30".
- A fixed magazine with a capacity greater than 10 rounds.
- A detachable magazine AND any of the following features: pistol grips, thumbhole stocks, folding or telescoping stocks, foregrips, muzzle brakes, compensators, flash hiders, suppressors, threaded barrels, barrel shrouds, or grenade / flare launchers.
Ruger 10/22 Carbine Semi-Automatic .22 LR Rifle, 18.5" Barrel, 1:16 Twist, 10+1 Capacity, Black Polymer Stock, Cross Bolt Safety - 31210
AR and AK-style receivers are expressly prohibited, as are any parts that could be used to make an "assault weapon" as defined by Washington law. Certain manually operated rifles and rimfire rifles with fixed tubular magazines remain legal if they meet all state requirements.
WA-Compliant Shotguns
Washington's shotgun laws are less strict than those for rifles, and most shotguns are allowed. However, semi-auto shotguns must not have any of the following features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- Foregrips or any other grip designed to be used by the nonfiring hand to improve control.
- Pistol grips.
- A fixed magazine with a capacity greater than seven rounds.
- A revolving cylinder.
Shotguns legally owned before July 1, 2023 are grandfathered and may be retained under Washington law. Manually operated shotguns (pump, lever, bolt, or break-action) that do not possess any prohibited features remain legal for purchase and possession.
WA-Compliant Handguns
All handguns are legal in Washington, provided they do not have any of the following features:
- A threaded barrel.
- A second hand grip.
- A barrel shroud.
- The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.
Handguns legally owned before July 1, 2023 are grandfathered and may be retained under Washington law. Additionally, all handguns must comply with Washington’s magazine capacity restriction of no more than 10 rounds.
A Few Caveats About Washington Gun Laws
The state of Washington expressly prohibits the sale or possession of binary triggers, as well as any part that would cause an otherwise legal rifle, pistol, or shotgun to become an "assault weapon." AR and AK receivers (including stripped receivers) are banned since, when completed, they would make an "assault weapon" as defined in HB 1240.
While the minimum age to purchase a semi-auto rifle in Washington is 21, this restriction does not apply to the following rifles:
- Antique firearms.
- Any firearm that has been rendered permanently inoperable.
- Any firearm that is manually operated by a bolt, pump, lever, or slide action.
How To Ensure Your Firearms Are WA-Compliant
To ensure your firearms comply with Washington law, be sure to:
- Know The Law: Review HB 1240 and Washington’s firearms statutes to understand the state’s definitions of “assault weapons” and magazine capacity limits.
- Check The Features: Examine your firearm for prohibited features such as pistol grips, folding or telescoping or thumbhole stocks, flash suppressors, threaded barrels, foregrips, or barrel shrouds.
- Verify Magazine Capacity: Ensure all magazines hold no more than 10 rounds unless exempted under state law (e.g., .22 caliber tubular magazines).
- Confirm Manufacturer Compliance: When purchasing a new firearm, confirm with the manufacturer or dealer that the model is Washington-compliant.
- Keep Documentation: Retain purchase records, receipts, and manufacturer specifications to demonstrate compliance if questioned by law enforcement.
If you are unsure whether your firearm is compliant, seek guidance from a licensed FFL dealer or legal professional familiar with Washington firearms law.
Shopping For Legal Guns In Washington State? We've Got Just What You Need
Navigating the legal nuances of firearms ownership in Washington can be overwhelming, so the Classic Firearms team has created a page dedicated to Washington-compliant firearms.
Click here to shop our selection of WA-compliant rifles, pistols, and shotguns today!
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