How To Purchase A Suppressor In Washington State – Suppressors in WA
Are Suppressors Legal In Washington State?
Suppressors are legal in Washington state as of July 24th, 2011. Washington state has made silencer ownership legal thereby protecting your hearing and the hearing of those around you.
What Are The Requirements For Purchasing A Suppressor In Washington state?
The requirements for legally purchasing a suppressor in Washington state are as follows
- You must be a resident of the State of Washington state
- You must be at the least 21 years of age
- You must be a resident of the United States
- You must be legally able to purchase a firearm
- You must be able to pass a ATF background check
- You must pay a fee of $200 to the ATF for each suppressor you purchase
Legal Use Of A Suppressor In Washington State
A silencer or suppressor in Washington state is any device that can be attached to a firearm be it a rifle or pistol that lowers or muffles the report of a firearm. Suppressor laws in Washington state allow for use of suppressors in WA for multiple reasons.
- Hunting
- Home Defense
- Hearing Protection
- Business Defense
- Target Shooting
- Any Legal Use As Authorized By Washington state Law
Types of Suppressors and Silencers
- Rimfire: Rimfire silencers or suppressors in WA are designed for low pressure, low power cartridges such as the .22 or .17hmr. These types of suppressors are not designed to handle the higher pressures of rifle type ammunition. Having been designed to handle lower pressures and lower power it is highly advised not to use these types of silencers on a rifle. Because they are designed to handle lower pressures these types of silencers are normally the most affordable and make for a great entry level suppressor.
- Rifle : Rifle silencers and suppressor are designed to handle the high pressures associated with center fire cartridges. These types of silencers are designed to handle cartridges up to .50 BMG. They can be pricey in cost however, what is your hearing worth ?
- Pistol: Pistol silencers and suppressor are designed to handle the lower pressures of handgun rounds and may even be used with some of the sub-sonic ammunition’s that are on the market.
- Shotgun : The majority of shotgun silencers are designed to attach via a standard choke to your shotgun.
How Does A Suppressor Attach To My Firearm ?
Many suppressors attach to the firearm by use of threads which screw on to a threaded barrel, while others may be manufactured inside the barrel also known as a integral suppressor. A silencer can lower the sound of a gun shot by as much as 45 decibels and even more in custom builds.
If your current firearm does not have threads that will accept a suppressor you can have threads added by any qualified Washington state gunsmith at a nominal fee.
Where Can I Buy A Suppressor In Washington state?
There are multiple manufactures of various types of suppressors in WA that are readily available, however it is not an item that one can just run out and purchase off the shelf. Silencers or suppressors are regulated items and as such fall under the authority of the National Firearms Act (NFA ) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
Suppressors Are Designated As A Class 3 Firearms In WA
Silencers and suppressors in WA are designated as Class 3 Firearms by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. They are regulated items under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
These regulations were passed by the federal government on June 26, 1934 as a means to discourage unscrupulous persons from obtaining Class 3 weapons and lengthening prison sentences for those to be found in violation of the law.
Although highly controlled silencers are perfectly legal to own in Washington state.
Purchasing A Suppressor In Washington State
Once you have found the authorized Washington state NFA dealer you wish to do business with do not hesitate to ask for their recommendations as to the best suppressor to fit your needs.
Once you have found the suppressor you wish to purchase you will need to fill out a Form 4 which will be sent to the ATF for approval. Most suppressor dealers in Washington state will help you with this paperwork. You will not be able to take possession of the suppressor until this process has completed.
Can I Purchase A Suppressor or Silencer Online In Washington State?
There are many online retailers that would be glad to help you with your purchase. It is not a complicated procedure to purchase a suppressor online. The vendor you have chosen can take you step by step through the process and will be glad to help you. Many will even fill out the ATF registration paperwork for you !
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For A Suppressor Or Silencer In WA?
It can take several months for this process to complete and for you to obtain your Washington state suppressor tax stamp so be patient. Note that you can purchase your suppressor from any authorized FFL dealer, even those whom are located out of your state.
What Forms Do I Need To Purchase A Suppressor In Washington state?
Suppressor forms for purchase that must be sent to the ATF:
- The Form 4 along with these additional documents must be sent to the ATF
- The ATF Form 4 in duplicate
- $200 Check to the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives – ATF
- FBI Form FD-258s which must be in black ink
- Passport photos
- If purchasing as a firearms trust ATF Form 5320.23
The last thing you need to do is send a copy of your Form 4 to the local Chief Law Enforcement Official. This is required by law unless your purchasing as a gun trust which affords you more privacy.
What Is A Gun Trust And How Does It Afford You More Privacy?
A gun trust is a revocable trust that owns property. That’s right, it owns property, such as NFA weapons.The trust can purchase NFA weapons in its name and all of those whom are on the trust can enjoy legally using these items. Learn more about the benefits of having a firearms trust.
By allowing your WA gun trust to purchase NFA items you personally do not have to go through the normal background process that comes with purchasing individual firearms or other regulated items.
A gun trust is not required to submit fingerprints or go through background checks when purchasing NFA items. A gun trust does not have to notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of its purchases. Visit our Washington State Gun Trust page to learn more about how to set up a firearms trust. You may be surprised at the affordability of this legal instrument.
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