Washington AR pistol length limit?

Diamondback · Oct 22, 2017

I know Federal law says once your no-stock AR exceeds 26", it moves from "Pistol" to the same "Other Title I Firearm" class as the Remington 870 TAC-14 and the Mossberg Shockwave.

Two questions:
1. Does exceeding 26" make it no longer covered by my CPL? Right now with a 10.3" barrel and an Vltor A5 tube (3/4" longer than standard) I'm at 25.925" bare, 27.75" with brake, and another inch and change of growth coming from the LAW Tactical sidefolder.
2. Do I measure from end of buffer tube to the muzzle crown, or the end of the (not pinned) brake?

Diamondback · Oct 22, 2017

So far, I've only found 9.41.010:

"(20) "Pistol" means any firearm with a barrel less than sixteen inches in length, or is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.

KKG · Oct 23, 2017

Your question #2 should be addressed to the local BATFE Office which is in the State of Seattle but I wouldn't take the Firearm in question with me. They seem to think they can not only write but selectively Enforce their own laws. And, with the current AG and Governor it seems they are right!

wired · Nov 12, 2017

The feds call 26+ inches a Title 1 "Firearm" if it doesnt have a butt stock. The State calls a gun under 16" in barrel length without a butt stock a pistol without regards to OAL. Since you have to comply with both laws you'll need to comply with the more restrictive federal law although it is incredibly unlikely you'd ever be questioned by the feds about carrying a "firearm" .