WA State: Unlawful firearms — Exceptions

[SVT]

I just scanned through this thread, hope I didn't miss anything. Silencers are indeed LEGAL in WA. There is a state AG letter (Ken Eikenberry) letter a few years back that states it is indeed legal to own them. You can also own AOW's and Destructive Devices. The thing is, it's a gross misdemeanor to "Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm". I know of some LEO that read into this as an improvised device and that registered cans are legal to use (i.e. ownership or possession equates to usage). Many of the SWAT teams hear also do train with them and you are correct there is no exemption for them to use them under WA state law. Unfortunately, if you do decide to use it, you are really rolling the dice since you can bet the current AG will want to prosecute you under RCW 9.41.250.

 

[dr drae]

We need someone to find out if Seattle Swat is using or training with suppressors.
We need proof.

FWIW I know Bellevue PD SWAT has/uses a suppressed MP5.

 

[ZeroRing]

I just scanned through this thread, hope I didn't miss anything. Silencers are indeed LEGAL in WA. There is a state AG letter (Ken Eikenberry) letter a few years back that states it is indeed legal to own them. You can also own AOW's and Destructive Devices. The thing is, it's a gross misdemeanor to "Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm". I know of some LEO that read into this as an improvised device and that registered cans are legal to use (i.e. ownership or possession equates to usage). Many of the SWAT teams hear also do train with them and you are correct there is no exemption for them to use them under WA state law. Unfortunately, if you do decide to use it, you are really rolling the dice since you can bet the current AG will want to prosecute you under RCW 9.41.250.

FWIW I know Bellevue PD SWAT has/uses a suppressed MP5.

If so then they are breaking the law. All the more reason why this law needs to be revised as it has been proposed repeatedly over the years. Too bad that in this state all the "common sense" reasons for WHY it should be changed always seem to fall on deaf ears. :nuts:

 

[SVT]

Careful what you ask for. They may fix it for LEO only as well as add addition legislation on AOW's, Cans and DD's.

 

[SonicBlue03]

I wish I hadn't been in transit this morning. The AG was on Bob Rivers and was taking calls from listeners. This topic would have been very interesting to broach with him.

 

[HKwithAsmile]

Careful what you ask for. They may fix it for LEO only as well as add addition legislation on AOW's, Cans and DD's.

Well if they do that then i guess i have to start looking for a house in Oregon.

 

[Miso Beno]

Well if they do that then i guess i have to start looking for a house in Oregon.

I'm sure you'll love the property and income taxes well enough. It's just too bad we don't have much of a chance to necromance H.R. 1604 with the current legislative climate.