Hey guys, First I apologize if this is covered somewhere. I am new to air gunning and to this forum, learning my way around. I will get straight to the point then. I am a felon, and am unsure of the laws regarding air guns for Wa. I have done some digging into the subject, but want to make absolutely sure that i am not breaking any laws before I order my Texan. Does Washington State classify air guns as firearms? Can I as a felon legally purchase, own an air gun here? Thanks in advance for any guidance and info.
Air gun Laws Washington State
- Thread starter pagec037
- Start date
Personally I would look for legal advise from the state. They should hopefully have free online or call in support.
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Revised Code of Washington 9.41.041 is the statute that prohibits some individuals from ownership or possession of firearms.
Paragraph (11) of that statute provides:
(11) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder. "Firearm" does not include a flare gun or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling device, or a powder-actuated tool or other device designed solely to be used for construction purposes.
Paragraph (11) of that statute provides:
(11) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder. "Firearm" does not include a flare gun or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling device, or a powder-actuated tool or other device designed solely to be used for construction purposes.
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Good advice Offhand. I agree. In general, air rifles are not considered firearms because there's no fire/gunpowder involved. But pagec037 raised a great question because his particular case is complicated. If I were in your shoes, I'd ask your local Law Enforcement agency where they issue concealed carry permits. They would probably have the right answer, or at least point you in the right direction. Good on ya for your honesty and guts to ask! Please let us know what you find out.
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Late follow up. Have spoken with a gun rights restoration attorney, currently Wa. State (and feds) do not classify airguns as firearms. Surprisingly they are also lightly regulated. Outside of brushing up on any city ordinances, I'm clear to own and shoot.
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One reason why Ldc are legal in airguns. Also if you are served a TRO, you do not have to turn in an airgun in your possession. Easy way is to call local PD and ask them if you need to surrender the airgun.
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(Get advice from law enforcement) also if you do not have access to private property look on the WDFW (game commission) site to see restrictions on shooting in some areas and driving on their roads. DNR lands requires a Discover pass to access their land, Big timber Co. requires a permit to access now too,plus National forest has restrictions on shooting even with pellet guns. You are required to have a certain size berm (as a back stop) to shoot into. Thanks to the creeps that shoot up trees, dump garbage and vandalize it is harder to find a place to shoot with all the gov. restrictions. Good luck shoot straight and have fun !
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