Washington Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Washington Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Washington gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Washington can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Washington State Constitution

The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.

Washington Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 24: Right to bear arms.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.

Washington Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 1: Political power.

The right of petition and of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good shall never be abridged.

Washington Constitutional Provision Article I, Section 4: Right of petition and assemblage.

Washington Gun Laws

Washington Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Washington Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Washington Concealed Pistol License (Source: Washington State Department of Licensing)
Washington State Firearms FAQ (Source: Washington State Office of Attorney General)

Washington Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting Overview Washington State (Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife)
Washington State Hunting Regulations & Seasons (Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife)
WDFW Online Licensing System (Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife)
Washington State Hunter Education (Source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife)

Washington Shooting Ranges

Oregon-Washington Public Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Land (Source: U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Washington Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Washington's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Washington Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Washington Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Washington Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Washington State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Washington State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Washington Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Washington Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Washington State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Washington State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Washington (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo