So you're looking for that elusive list of guns banned in Washington State? Yeah, you're not the only one. I remember helping my neighbor sort through his collection last year after the new laws kicked in – total headache figuring out what was still legal. This isn't just some theoretical debate either. Get it wrong and you could face serious penalties. Let's break down exactly what's prohibited under Washington's firearm regulations, with real examples you can reference when checking your own guns.
The Laws Behind Washington's Firearm Restrictions
Washington's banned guns list didn't appear overnight. It started with Initiative 1639 in 2018, which imposed stricter rules on semi-automatic rifles. Then in 2023, House Bill 1240 went further, creating an actual banned firearms list in Washington state. This law specifically targets what they call "assault weapons," though that term's always been controversial. After seeing the confusion at local gun shops last summer, I realized most people don't understand how these laws actually work day-to-day.
Important Legal Note
As of writing (May 2024), HB 1240 is being challenged in courts. The state Supreme Court upheld it in August 2023, but federal cases are still pending. One shop owner told me he's holding off selling certain models until final rulings – smart move. Always verify current status before making decisions.
Washington's Forbidden Firearms: The Complete Breakdown
When we talk about banned guns in Washington State, we're focusing on specific features and models. The law gets incredibly detailed – almost too detailed in my opinion. Here's the actual list of prohibited firearms according to RCW 9.41.010:
Category 1: Banned Rifle Models
| Firearm Model | Manufacturer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| AK-47 (all variants) | Various | Includes WASR, SAR, Draco pistols |
| AR-15 (all variants) | Various | Includes M&P Sport, Bushmaster XM15 |
| Ruger Mini-14 | Sturm, Ruger & Co. | Only tactical models (foldable stock) |
| Uzi | IMI | Full-size and micro versions |
| SCAR rifles | FN Herstal | All SCAR models |
| Steyr AUG | Steyr Mannlicher | All configurations |
Category 2: Restricted Shotguns
| Shotgun Model | Manufacturer | Prohibited Features |
|---|---|---|
| StreetSweeper | Armes de poing | Rotating cylinder |
| Striker-12 | Armsel | Drum-fed design |
| KSG series | Kel-Tec | Dual magazine tubes |
Key distinction: The KSG ban only applies if it has a pistol grip and detachable magazine. Stock configurations might be compliant – this nuance trips up many owners.
Category 3: Prohibited Pistols
| Pistol Model | Manufacturer | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| TEC-9 | Intratec | All versions including AB-10 |
| MAC-10/11 | Military Armament Corp | Both .45 and 9mm variants |
| Draco pistols | Romanian | AK-pattern pistols |
Feature-Based Restrictions (What Makes a Gun Illegal)
Beyond specific models, Washington bans guns with certain combinations of features. Honestly, this is where most people get confused at gun shows. The banned features list includes:
- Pistol grips that protrude beneath the action (think AR-style grips)
- Folding/telescoping stocks – I've seen people argue about what "telescoping" actually means
- Thumbhole stocks – which always seemed like a weird distinction to me
- Grenade launchers or rocket launchers (obviously)
- Barrel shrouds that let you hold the barrel without burning your hand
- Flash suppressors – though muzzle brakes are still okay for now
Important Threshold
A semi-automatic rifle is banned if it has just one of these features. Shotguns require two or more prohibited features to be illegal. Pistols aren't subject to feature bans – only specific models.
What's Still Legal to Own in Washington
Contrary to rumors at my local range, not everything's banned. You can still legally own:
- Bolt-action rifles (Remington 700, Tikka T3x)
- Lever-action rifles (Henry Golden Boy, Marlin 336)
- Pump shotguns (Mossberg 500, Remington 870 without prohibited features)
- Most handguns (Glock, Sig Sauer, 1911 models)
- Rimfire .22 rifles (Ruger 10/22 is still legal)
| Firearm Type | Legal Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting Rifles | Winchester Model 70, Browning X-Bolt | Must be bolt-action or manually operated |
| Sporting Shotguns | Benelli Super Black Eagle, Beretta A400 | Cannot have pistol grip + detachable mag |
| Service Pistols | Glock 17, Sig P320, 1911 platforms | Only specific "assault pistols" banned |
Grandfathered Firearms and Exemptions
If you owned a now-banned gun before April 25, 2023, you're grandfathered in – mostly. You must keep it in Washington and can't transfer it except through inheritance. When my cousin inherited his dad's AR last fall, we had to file paperwork with State Patrol within 90 days. Exempt groups include:
- Law enforcement (active duty only)
- Military personnel during official duties
- Federally licensed firearm manufacturers
- People with specific court orders (rare)
Penalties for Possessing Banned Firearms
Get caught with an illegal gun in Washington and you're looking at:
| Violation | Potential Penalty | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Simple possession | Gross misdemeanor | Up to 364 days jail + $5,000 fine |
| Illegal transfer/sale | Class C felony | Up to 5 years prison |
| Use in crime | Firearm enhancement | +5 years mandatory minimum |
Sheriff's deputies told me they're focusing more on dealers than individuals during initial enforcement, but that could change.
Practical Steps for Washington Gun Owners
If you think you might own something on the banned firearms list in Washington state, here's what to do:
- Verify your firearm against the official Attorney General's list (they have a PDF guide)
- Check manufacture date - pre-1994 models might have different rules
- Consider modification - removing pistol grips or folding stocks might make compliant
- For grandfathered guns: Document ownership date with receipts or dated photos
- Never transport banned firearms across state lines for sale without FFL guidance
I helped modify three rifles for a buddy in Tacoma last month. Swapped telescoping stocks for fixed ones and pinned magazines. Cost him about $120 per gun at a certified smith - cheaper than felony lawyers. Still annoying though.
Future Outlook: Legal Challenges and Pending Changes
Gun rights groups have three active lawsuits against HB 1240. The state Supreme Court already upheld it under Washington's constitution (State v. Atkins), but federal challenges based on Bruen are pending in Eastern District Court. Honestly, I doubt we'll see major changes before 2025. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are reporting about 30% compliance based on voluntary surveys - not great.
Your Top Questions Answered
Are AR-15 lowers included in the Washington banned guns list?
Yes, stripped lower receivers for AR-15s are specifically prohibited as "assault weapon" components since they can be built into banned firearms.
Can I bring my banned firearm to a gunsmith?
Only for permanent modification to make compliant. Transport directly to smith with no unnecessary stops. Document appointment.
Are airsoft or BB guns included?
No. The law specifically excludes "any device not designed or redesigned for using gunpowder as a propellant." Pellet guns remain legal.
What about inherited banned guns?
Family transfers are allowed only through intestate succession or testamentary transfer. Must file affidavit with State Patrol within 90 days.
Can I sell my banned gun to someone in Idaho?
Only through a licensed FFL dealer who handles interstate transfer. Private sales across state lines violate federal law.
Final Reality Check
Compiling this banned guns list for Washington State took weeks of cross-referencing statutes and actual enforcement bulletins. The Attorney General's office finally released an unofficial guide last month that clarifies confusing parts - like how Ruger PC carbines are legal despite taking pistol mags. Still, I've seen three different interpretations from gun shops within 20 miles of each other. My advice? Document everything, get rulings in writing, and assume enforcement will tighten. That old pre-ban AK might not be worth the risk.
If you're researching this list of guns banned in Washington State because you're considering a purchase, triple-check model numbers against the official AG list. If you're clearing out a collection, consider consignment through a Montana FFL. Yeah, it's a hassle. But as my range instructor always said: "Better paperwork than prison paperwork."
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