Keith Mack
In 2023, Washington became the tenth state to ban the sale and manufacture of assault weapons. However, the state does not ban or regulate the possession of assault weapons, only their sale, manufacture, import, and distribution. Washington state gun laws are a complex topic, with some sources stating that you cannot put a rifle stock on an AR pistol as it becomes an SBR (short-barreled rifle) and Washington does not allow tax stamps for SBRs made in the state. However, AR pistols are still available for purchase, and some sources suggest marking them as pistols to avoid any legal confusion. The state also allows the possession of assault weapons, but bans the sale of over 60 models of AK and AR-style firearms, some semi-auto pistols and shotguns, and magazines over 10 rounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you put a stock on an AR pistol in Washington? | No, it becomes an SBR (short-barrelled rifle) |
| Can you get a tax stamp for an SBR in Washington? | No, it must be manufactured out of state |
| Can you make an AR pistol in Washington? | Yes, but never put a rifle stock on it |
| Can you have AR pistol and AR rifle parts in the same house in Washington? | Technically yes, but not recommended |
| Can you carry a loaded AR pistol in a vehicle in Washington? | Yes, if you have a concealed carry license |
| Can you buy an AR pistol in Washington? | No, the sale of AR-style firearms is banned |
| Can you own an AR pistol in Washington? | Yes, if you already owned it before the ban |
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What You'll Learn
- AR pistols in Washington are subject to federal law
- A rifle stock on an AR pistol is illegal in Washington
- A rifle stock with a short pistol barrel becomes a short-barrelled rifle
- A rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel under 16 is illegal
- A rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel over 26 is legal
AR pistols in Washington are subject to federal law
AR pistols are not banned in Washington. However, the sale, importation, and manufacturing of AR pistols are banned, except for some select vendors that sell out of state or to the military/police. This means that while you can legally own an AR pistol in Washington, you will have a hard time purchasing one.
In Washington, the sale, manufacture, or import of restricted firearms and accessories is banned. However, possession of these items is not prohibited. This means that current owners can keep their existing firearms, and law enforcement personnel and military members are also exempt from these restrictions.
When it comes to AR pistols specifically, there are some important considerations. Firstly, you cannot put a rifle stock on an AR pistol, as it will then be considered a short-barreled rifle (SBR). An SBR is defined as a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches. To create an SBR, you would need to obtain a tax stamp, which is not possible for firearms manufactured in Washington. Therefore, to comply with federal law, any AR pistol built or modified in Washington must remain a pistol and should be marked and engraved as such.
In addition to the restrictions on rifle stocks, there are other federal laws that apply to AR pistols in Washington. These include laws regarding the possession of certain features or attachments, such as threaded barrels, flash suppressors, forward handgrips, or silencers. It is important to familiarize yourself with these laws to ensure compliance and avoid legal consequences.
It is worth noting that Washington has a complex history of gun control legislation and ongoing legal challenges. Gun rights groups and politicians argue that some of the state's gun control measures are unconstitutional, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, which affirmed the right to self-defense and the tools needed for it. As such, it is crucial to stay informed about the evolving legal landscape surrounding gun ownership and AR pistols in Washington.
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A rifle stock on an AR pistol is illegal in Washington
In Washington, a rifle stock on an AR pistol is deemed illegal. This is because a rifle stock with a short pistol barrel becomes a short-barrelled rifle (SBR). According to Washington State law, you cannot obtain a tax stamp for an SBR manufactured in the state. The rifle must be completed, manufactured, and assembled out of state and then shipped to Washington for sale.
To avoid any legal issues, it is recommended to mark or engrave your AR pistol as such to avoid any confusion about your intentions. It is also advised to keep the unassembled parts of an AR pistol and an AR rifle separate.
In terms of barrel length, Washington State law defines a pistol as having a barrel length of less than 16 inches or being designed to be shot with one hand. If a pistol has a barrel length of less than 16 inches and an overall length of more than 26 inches, it is considered a "firearm" and cannot have a stock. If the barrel length is greater than 16 inches and the overall length is greater than 26 inches, it is classified as a rifle, and a stock can be added.
It is important to note that the ATF definitions of "rifle" and "pistol" are independent of caliber, and Washington laws do not address these definitions specifically. However, the ATF considers a firearm with a barrel length of less than 16 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches to be a pistol, which cannot have a stock but can have an angled foregrip or handstop.
Washington State has recently implemented stricter gun control measures, including banning the sale of over 60 models of AK and AR-style firearms, some semi-auto pistols and shotguns, and magazines over 10 rounds. The state also passed a permit-to-purchase scheme and expanded "gun-free" zones.
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A rifle stock with a short pistol barrel becomes a short-barrelled rifle
In the context of firearms, a rifle is generally characterised by its long barrel, which differentiates it from a pistol, which has a short barrel. A rifle stock is the part of the firearm that is held against the shooter's shoulder, providing stability and helping to absorb recoil when firing the weapon.
In the United States, a short-barrelled rifle (SBR) is a specific legal designation, referring to a shoulder-fired, rifled firearm with a barrel length of less than 16 inches (41 cm) or an overall length of less than 26 inches (66 cm). Alternatively, it can be a handgun fitted with a buttstock and a barrel of less than 16 inches in length. The National Firearms Act of 1934 imposed restrictions on SBRs, as well as short-barrelled shotguns, suppressors, and machine guns. The reasoning behind these restrictions was not due to any increased danger posed by SBRs, but rather to prevent the circumvention of the act's ban on handguns.
In the state of Washington, it is not permitted to attach a rifle stock to an AR pistol, as this would constitute an SBR. This is because the rifle stock, when combined with the short pistol barrel, results in a configuration that meets the legal definition of a short-barrelled rifle. It is important to note that you cannot obtain a tax stamp for an SBR manufactured in Washington state; it must be a completed rifle manufactured and assembled out of state and shipped to Washington for sale.
As an alternative, it is permissible to construct an 80% AR-pistol without a rifle stock. However, it is advisable to clearly mark or engrave it as a pistol to avoid any confusion about the intent of the firearm's construction. Additionally, it is recommended to use a pistol buffer tube and refrain from keeping the unassembled parts of an AR pistol and an AR rifle in the same household to remain compliant with Washington state law.
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A rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel under 16 is illegal
In Washington, it is illegal to put a rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel under 16 inches, as it then becomes a short-barrelled rifle (SBR). If a firearm starts life as a rifle, it cannot be converted into a pistol with a barrel under 16 inches. However, if it starts as a pistol, it can be converted into a rifle with a 16-inch barrel and a shoulder stock.
To ensure compliance with the law, it is recommended to mark or engrave the AR pistol lower as a pistol to avoid any confusion about your intentions. It is also advised to keep the unassembled parts of an AR pistol and an AR rifle separate.
It is important to note that the burden of proof regarding the original assembly of the firearm lies with the state, not the citizen. However, it is still beneficial to have evidence of the firearm's history to avoid any legal complications.
While Washington state laws may allow for certain modifications to AR pistols, it is crucial to thoroughly understand and comply with all applicable laws and regulations to ensure legal gun ownership and usage.
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A rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel over 26 is legal
In Washington, a rifle stock on an AR pistol with a barrel over 26 inches is legal. However, it is important to note that there are specific regulations and restrictions surrounding firearm ownership and usage in the state. According to Washington state law, a "short-barreled rifle" is defined as a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, or a modified rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches. If an AR pistol has a barrel length of more than 16 inches and no stock, it is considered a pistol.
It is crucial to understand that adding a rifle stock to an AR pistol significantly changes its classification. By attaching a rifle stock to an AR pistol, it becomes classified as a "short-barreled rifle" (SBR) or "short-barreled shotgun" (SBS), which falls under different legal regulations. In Washington, obtaining a tax stamp for an SBR is not possible, and such firearms must be manufactured, assembled, and purchased out-of-state.
To ensure compliance with the law, it is recommended to consult with local law enforcement or legal experts specializing in firearm regulations. Additionally, federal laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and modifications may also apply, so it is important to consider those as well.
It is worth noting that some individuals in online forums have suggested that the classification of a firearm can be altered by changing its barrel length or adding a brace. However, it is essential to proceed with caution and seek official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot put a rifle stock on an AR pistol in Washington. This would make it a short-barrelled rifle (SBR) and you cannot get a tax stamp for an SBR in Washington.
In Washington, a pistol is defined as a firearm with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, or one that is designed to be shot with one hand.
A rifle is defined as having a barrel length of more than 16 inches and an overall length of more than 26 inches. An SBR has a rifled barrel of over 16 inches but an overall length of less than 26 inches.
Washington does not have specific laws regarding AR pistols. You should follow ATF rules to avoid any legal issues.
Yes, you can build your own AR pistol in Washington, but you must ensure that it meets the state's definition of a pistol and does not fall into the category of a restricted firearm.
