Seattle gun laws
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Mainsail
Member
Washington has full preemption, Seattle has no laws.
CoalTrain49
Member
I believe suppressors are legal. Not sure about SBR. I think there was some recent ruling about SBR which would be WAC or RCW. WA is stupid easy to get CPL. Fill out the paperwork, get finger printed, wait for background check, and you're on the road. About 2-3 weeks. No test or competency course. WA. has been shall issue forever. Seattle can't do their own gun control although they would love to. Already been tested in court. Cities can't make their own laws that run against state statute. You carry in Seattle like anywhere else in the state. Also a good idea...lots o gangbangers being bad ass without good intel. Cops are no BS hard nosed because of it.
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bikemutt
Member
Suppressors legal. I can't determine if the Governor signed the SBR bill or not but it passed both houses and was sent for signature.
NavyLCDR
member
And, in addition, it is a CPL, not a CCW!
The OP should read all of RCW 9.41, which has ALL the firearms laws uniform throughout the state, except for a couple that come to mind. In addition to RCW 9.41:
Long guns are prohibited from being loaded inside a vehicle (hunting regulations) with a criminal penalty associated.
Firearms must be prohibited by licensed day care centers as a condition of their license (Washington Administrative Code) - no criminal penalty, though.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41
The most useful sections of RCW 9.41 to read/know are:
050 Restrictions on carrying firearms
060 The exceptions to 050
070-075 CPLs
090 Sales of firearms by dealers
270 Unlawful display of a firearm - and read it CAREFULLY and research case law - especially if you choose to open carry
280 Possessing firearms on school premises (if you have school age children)
290 State preemption
300 Prohibited places
When you get your CPL, you will get a pamphlet from the state that has most of the stuff summarized.
Evergreen
Member
Cannot carry in bars in WA state, including areas of restaurants declared as bars.. It is a Gross Misdemeanor . I think carrying in schools is prohibited in WA state as well..
We are still waiting on the Governor to sign the bill which passed both state houses to allow SBR/SBS in the state.
WA state is the easiest state in the USA to obtain a CHL, that actually has a CHL requirement. No training or classes needed, just a trip to the Sheriff and $60 and it is good for all guns you carry.
You can own any type of gun in WA, except for fully autos and SBR/SBS, but this may change soon.
Seattle has tried many times to infringe the right of WA residents, but has failed due to WA being a pre-emption state. So, unlike our neighbor to the south, Oregon, our cities cannot legally issue their own laws or restrictions. They have tried and have been sued for doing so.
King County also has a large number of CHL holders, although Seattle, itself, may have less gun owners, due to being such a liberal city. Federal Way, Renton, BOthell and even Bellevue, on the other hand have quite a large number of gun owners and people with CHLs.
Open carry is legal in Seattle, but if you do it, prepared to have a very nervous cop draw his gun on you, who may not know or even care about the laws.. Seattle Cops are known to shoot people without reason and be nervous/quick on the trigger, such as a guy walking down the street carving a piece of wood, who was blasted and killed by Seattle PD. Recently, several police departments in Washington have been getting busted and grilled, like Bellingham PD for busting and illegally detaining people for legal open carry. Seattle is still a place, I definitely would not open carry, although more rural suburbs are probably fine. Concealing in Seattle is perfectly fine and you are within the laws of WA state.
Seattle only has two gun stores which both suck.. I was treated like garbage at Butch's guns.. Just read his yelp reviews if you want to see how he treats his customers.. There are so many great gun stores throughout the Puget Sound, don't waste your money or support that guy until he learns bullying and treated his customers like garbage is not appropriate, just because he is the only game in town.
If you make it up to Skagit Valley, just 50 min north of Seattle, I am very impressed by Skagit Arms in Burlington, which has a wonderful selection, good prices and a staff that actually treats you like a human and respects your business. There is a giant Cabelas about 1.5 hours south of Seattle near Olympia and another smaller Cabelas up north in Marysville, about 45 min from Seattle.
We are still waiting on the Governor to sign the bill which passed both state houses to allow SBR/SBS in the state.
WA state is the easiest state in the USA to obtain a CHL, that actually has a CHL requirement. No training or classes needed, just a trip to the Sheriff and $60 and it is good for all guns you carry.
You can own any type of gun in WA, except for fully autos and SBR/SBS, but this may change soon.
Seattle has tried many times to infringe the right of WA residents, but has failed due to WA being a pre-emption state. So, unlike our neighbor to the south, Oregon, our cities cannot legally issue their own laws or restrictions. They have tried and have been sued for doing so.
King County also has a large number of CHL holders, although Seattle, itself, may have less gun owners, due to being such a liberal city. Federal Way, Renton, BOthell and even Bellevue, on the other hand have quite a large number of gun owners and people with CHLs.
Open carry is legal in Seattle, but if you do it, prepared to have a very nervous cop draw his gun on you, who may not know or even care about the laws.. Seattle Cops are known to shoot people without reason and be nervous/quick on the trigger, such as a guy walking down the street carving a piece of wood, who was blasted and killed by Seattle PD. Recently, several police departments in Washington have been getting busted and grilled, like Bellingham PD for busting and illegally detaining people for legal open carry. Seattle is still a place, I definitely would not open carry, although more rural suburbs are probably fine. Concealing in Seattle is perfectly fine and you are within the laws of WA state.
Seattle only has two gun stores which both suck.. I was treated like garbage at Butch's guns.. Just read his yelp reviews if you want to see how he treats his customers.. There are so many great gun stores throughout the Puget Sound, don't waste your money or support that guy until he learns bullying and treated his customers like garbage is not appropriate, just because he is the only game in town.
If you make it up to Skagit Valley, just 50 min north of Seattle, I am very impressed by Skagit Arms in Burlington, which has a wonderful selection, good prices and a staff that actually treats you like a human and respects your business. There is a giant Cabelas about 1.5 hours south of Seattle near Olympia and another smaller Cabelas up north in Marysville, about 45 min from Seattle.
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Quiet
Member
In regards to Title 2 firearms...
WA SB5956 is currently on the WA Governor's desk.
If he signs it into law, SBR would be legal in WA.
There is currently no legislation in the WA legislature that would make DD, MG or SBS legal in WA.
Summary:
Currently legal = Any Other Weapons and Noise Suppressors
Maybe legal next year = Short Barrel Rifles
WA SB5956 is currently on the WA Governor's desk.
If he signs it into law, SBR would be legal in WA.
There is currently no legislation in the WA legislature that would make DD, MG or SBS legal in WA.
Summary:
Currently legal = Any Other Weapons and Noise Suppressors
Maybe legal next year = Short Barrel Rifles
Theohazard
Member
A few years ago I moved from Texas to Washington. One of my friends said, "Oh man, I'll bet their gun laws are terrible. It sucks that you're moving up there!"
So imagine my surprise when I started researching Washington gun laws and found that they're even better than Texas' gun laws! Other than the bans on machine guns and SBSs (SBRs will almost certainly be legal soon), WA is a more gun-friendly state than Texas.
As far as Seattle laws, it's nice that they can't do anything to change state law. They'd love to ban anything and everything, but they can't. The Seattle mayor pulled a political stunt a few years ago and banned carry in city parks. But that was immediately challenged by the state attorney general and the Seattle mayor lost in court.
So imagine my surprise when I started researching Washington gun laws and found that they're even better than Texas' gun laws! Other than the bans on machine guns and SBSs (SBRs will almost certainly be legal soon), WA is a more gun-friendly state than Texas.
As far as Seattle laws, it's nice that they can't do anything to change state law. They'd love to ban anything and everything, but they can't. The Seattle mayor pulled a political stunt a few years ago and banned carry in city parks. But that was immediately challenged by the state attorney general and the Seattle mayor lost in court.
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Evergreen
Member
Never knew this hartcreek.. From my thorough reading of WA state law, I came to the conclusion that any area that is labelled "Over 21" is off limits for conceal carry. If you order a drink with your meal I know this is legal, as long as you are in the dining area and not in the designated "bar area" of the restaurant. Are we saying the same thing or are you implying that you are allowed to conceal carry in the bar area of a restaurant? From my reading and from asking others, I so far have believed that it is not legal to carry in any bar designated area, whether it is a bar or restaurant.hartcreek said:
Theohazard said:
Yeah, it's so funny how many gun loving people in the country mock us in Washington as being all liberal, tree-hugging, anti-gun, police state when in fact the so-called "freedom loving" state of Texas is more restrictive with their gun laws than Washington. Obtaining a concealed handgun license in WA, even as an out of state resident, is as simple as handing a check every 4 years and getting finger prints once every 8 or so years.Not only Texas, but many of the Southern states have much more restrictive gun laws and are more difficult to obtain a CHL than Washington state.
Northwest people love their freedom and outdoors, the anti-gun legislation and mentality that has spawned in the Northwest has come from outsiders, such as people from California (esp Bay Area and LA) and the East Coast, like New Yorkers, etc. No, I am not saying they are all bad, but just check the demographics and how these people vote. However, freedom will prevail here, at least for a while.
I couldn't live in a state where it is a crime for me to open carry my gun while hiking in the backcountry, such as a state like Texas.
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You can not carry into the BAR 21 and over area right but you can drink in the eating area if they have a service bar. As long as your kids can eat with you, you can have a beer or two or mixed drinks with your meal.
Now when I am picking up kegs for my niece's catering business I carry il reguardless cuz I sure want to be able to deal with someone trying to rip me off.
Now when I am picking up kegs for my niece's catering business I carry il reguardless cuz I sure want to be able to deal with someone trying to rip me off.
NavyLCDR
member
If you are actually going to drive a motor vehicle - that has nothing to do with carrying a gun.
NavyLCDR
member
I know people who open carry in Seattle every day with no problems at all. I open carry in Seattle whenever I am there, including Pike Place Market and SEA-TAC International Airport.
Only short barreled rifles, NOT short barreled shotguns.
It is a CPL not a CHL. And you can apply at any LEO agency in the same county you reside, and non-residents can apply at any LEO agency in the state - it is not limited to Sheriffs.
CPLs are good for 5 years in Washington, not 4.
All of the laws were posted in post #7.
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THere are even ways around the Short Barrel Shotgun problem such as the Pedersoli Howda or a replica pistol called a Corsair both are black powder. Flare guns are legal and now you can even purchase accessory tubes for them so you can use 12 gage flares. I had on that was a C&R and it shot blackpowder shells well enough to use for a snake gun on the boat.
deadin
Member
Wouldn't be trolling by any chance, would you??
Dave Workman
Member
NavyLCDR
member
Just trying to keep the thread based on factual information.Wouldn't be trolling by any chance, would you??
Answered. RCW 9.41.
Answered. Yes. RCW 9.41.250
Answered. The bill to make SBRs ONLY legal is on the governor's desk, but has not been signed yet. It will take effect 90 days after (if) the governor signs it.
Answered. Yes. RCW 9.41.070
Answered. Yes. RCW 9.41.290
deadin
Member
It may be factual, but is it prudent?
Kind of like contesting right-of-way with a Kenworth semi. You may be right, but it will leave a mark.
NavyLCDR
member
However, the vast majority of people who actually do open carry in Seattle have no issues. One of the reasons being because we have worked hard to make things right rather than just concealing our firearms out of fear of the police. The answer, "Just hide your guns and thegovernment won't harrass you" does nothing to correct the situation - in fact, it only encourages the problem to become worse.
CoalTrain49
Member
Open carry in Seattle
I've seen people open carry in the Fort Lewis/Tacoma area in malls and public areas. Never seen it in Seattle but I don't get down there very often and walk around. I was down there in the Stadium area a few weeks ago at an event and didn't see any then. I'm pretty sure there were some folks who were armed. I think most in the city prefer to carry concealed, just less hassle and keeps the natives from getting restless. Seattle is loaded with people who have no idea that open carry is legal and will call 911 and the police will respond. Then you have to have a conversation with the police and make them feel good when they have better things to do.
I've seen people open carry in the Fort Lewis/Tacoma area in malls and public areas. Never seen it in Seattle but I don't get down there very often and walk around. I was down there in the Stadium area a few weeks ago at an event and didn't see any then. I'm pretty sure there were some folks who were armed.
I think most in the city prefer to carry concealed, just less hassle and keeps the natives from getting restless. Seattle is loaded with people who have no idea that open carry is legal and will call 911 and the police will respond. Then you have to have a conversation with the police and make them feel good when they have better things to do.
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NavyLCDR
member
You know this based on facts? Would it not be equal probability, especially since Seattle was the subject of the court case where their prohibition of firearms in public parks/recreation areas was completely shot down, that the dispatcher would screen the call?
"What is the man doing with gun?"
"He's shopping."
"Where is the gun?"
"In the thingy hanging from his belt."
"I'm sorry, but there is nothing we can do. If the man actually threatens someone with the gun by taking it out of the thingy hanging on his belt, please call us back."
With the loss that Seattle suffered in court - and they appealed all the way to the WA State Supreme Court who refused to hear their appeal on the basis that it had no merit - Seattle would probably be the least likely place to see police involving themselves with a subject who is only carrying a handgun in a holster. The Seattle government already knows and has been trained what the law is, as have most of the police departments throughout the state. The police officer can even respond to the call and not make contact with the subject: "Subject was observed shopping with a holstered handgun. No cause for further investigation observed."
Also, why is it my responsibility to "prevent" people from calling 911 by changing my daily and legal routine and habits?
silicosys4
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Open carry in Seattle is asking for trouble, IMO.
I have never seen anyone open carrying in Seattle.
I'm not saying its right, but I would expect at the least to be harassed, and I would not be surprised if I were illegally detained at gunpoint.
Seattle PD has a well earned reputation for overstepping their boundaries, violating people's rights, and shooting first without justification.
That is just Seattle though. As soon as you get out of the Seattle area of the I-5 corridor you are in friendly territory.
Rural Washington is extremely gun friendly.
I have never seen anyone open carrying in Seattle.
I'm not saying its right, but I would expect at the least to be harassed, and I would not be surprised if I were illegally detained at gunpoint.
Seattle PD has a well earned reputation for overstepping their boundaries, violating people's rights, and shooting first without justification.
That is just Seattle though. As soon as you get out of the Seattle area of the I-5 corridor you are in friendly territory.
Rural Washington is extremely gun friendly.
NavyLCDR
member
and you have probably never actually talked to anyone who does open carry in Seattle either.
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