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Firearms
Our 2nd Amendment allows the “right of the people to keep and bear arms.” In addition to common sense, many regulations are in place to enable this freedom in a safe manner by responsible citizens.
Golden Rules of Gun Safety
- Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
- Know your target and backstop before you pull the trigger.
- Unload firearms when not in use.
- Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.
- Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water.
- Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children.
- Know your firearm's required ammunition. Read your instruction manual.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before or while handling firearms.
By no means are these the only safety rules to follow when handling firearms. Before purchasing a firearm you should be fully capable of always handling and storing your firearm in a safe and legal manner. If you are in doubt or have any questions, ask your firearms dealers, a local Hunter Education Instructor, a firearms safety or shooting association, or another knowledgeable person for assistance.
Application for Concealed Pistol License
Firearms Purchasing
The Washington State Patrol are providing a centralized point-of-contact for all firearms sales requiring a background check within the state. There are no longer any firearms transfers being processed at the county level. For information on their process, the governing laws, or to appeal a denial please visit the WSP website:
Both state and federal laws govern the use of firearms. Here in Washington, most state firearms laws are found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 9.41, while many federal laws and regulations are listed in the United States Code. Although these two legal reference sources are informative, they are not all-inclusive and additional firearms restrictions may apply in some cases.
One familiar example of additional firearms restrictions is in airports, where the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits carrying firearms in certain restricted areas on or about a person or accessible property (such as carry-on luggage). No private citizen, not even with a valid concealed pistol license, is exempt from this special restriction. Cities, counties, and municipalities in Washington are prohibited from enacting firearms laws and ordinances unless such ordinances are specifically authorized by state law. For example, while you may be legally entitled to own a handgun and carry it with a concealed pistol permit, you may be prevented by county or municipal regulations from discharging that firearm for target practice in certain areas. Just as with firearms safety, it is your responsibility as a firearms owner to know applicable firearms laws and regulations. Although we cannot possibly list all firearms laws and regulations, the ones below are of general interest to all firearms owners.
- Except under specific circumstances listed in RCW 9.41.060, state law requires that you have a valid concealed pistol license before you can carry a handgun concealed on your person. RCW 9.41.050
- There are certain restrictions that apply to minors buying, owning, and possessing pistols or shotguns and rifles. RCW 9.41.042 and 9.41.240
- Firearms may not be carried by individuals in any of the following places: Restricted areas of the jail, Courtrooms, Jury Rooms or Judge's Chambers, Public Mental Health Facilities, Bars or Cocktail Lounges. RCW 9.41.300
- It is a misdemeanor to aim any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or toward any human being. It is also against the law to discharge a firearm in a place where any person might be endangered thereby. RCW 9.41.230
- Anyone who is not a citizen of the United States (or who has not declared his intention to become a citizen) is prevented from carrying or possessing any firearm without first obtaining an alien firearm license. RCW 9.41.170.
- You must have a concealed pistol license to carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle. Pistol must be on the licensee's person, or the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there. If the licensee is away from the vehicle, the pistol must be unloaded, locked within the vehicle, and concealed from view from outside the vehicle. RCW 9.41.050
- Shotguns/Rifles in or on motor vehicles must be unloaded. This means no shells or cartridges in the chamber or magazine. RCW 77.15.460
- Certain persons are prevented by state and/or federal law from possessing firearms. Among those prohibited are persons of unsound mind, persons with an active warrant for their arrest, persons under the effect of specific Orders of the Court, persons convicted in this state or elsewhere of any felony, serious offense, crime of violence, or certain offenses involving domestic violence. Unlawful possession of a firearm is a felony. RCW 9.41.040