The AR Upper in Washington: A Tale of Two Calibers (Maybe) and a Whole Lotta Confusion
Ah, the AR-15 upper receiver. The heartthrob of the tactical tinkerers, the bane of some lawmakers' existence, and now, in Washington state, a question mark wrapped in an enigma. Can you, the discerning citizen, waltz into your local gun store and snag one of these bad boys? Buckle up, because the answer is...well, it depends.
Is it illegal? Not exactly, but...
House Bill 1240, lovingly nicknamed "The Great Assault Weapon Ban of 2023," threw a wrench into the whole "buying-scary-looking-gun-parts" game. The law restricts the sale of "assault weapons" and their parts, but here's the kicker: it doesn't explicitly mention upper receivers. This has created a situation murkier than a Washington mud puddle in November.
So, what's the deal?
- Online retailers: Many are taking a "better safe than sorry" approach. They might be hesitant to ship uppers to Washington, fearing the legal repercussions.
- Brick-and-mortar stores: Here's where things get interesting. Some stores, interpreting the law differently, might still be willing to sell you an upper. Be prepared to answer questions (like "what exactly are you building with that upper, champ?") and maybe sign a waiver that basically says you're not some rogue gunsmith crafting a weapon of mass destruction in your basement.
Important Note: This is not legal advice. If you're serious about buying an AR upper in Washington, consult a lawyer who specializes in firearms law. They can explain the legalese in a way that won't make your head spin faster than a target at a high-powered rifle range (assuming those still exist in this new Washington).
FAQ: Your Burning AR Upper Questions Answered (with a pinch of humor)
How to navigate the legalese jungle?
Lawyer Up! Seriously, a good lawyer can decipher the legalese better than a parrot trained on tax code.
How to convince the FFL guy I'm not a supervillain?
Honesty and charm are your best bets. Maybe bring him cookies?
How to build an AR-15 upper without accidentally committing a crime?
See answer #1. Also, maybe avoid using glow sticks for target practice.
How to deal with the existential dread of possibly not owning an AR upper?
Retail therapy! Buy a new fishing rod, take up knitting, or channel your inner MacGyver and build a spud launcher (disclaimer: spud launchers are probably not a good idea).
How to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing world of Washington gun laws?
Follow reputable gun rights organizations in your state. And hey, maybe this blog post will be updated if anything major changes (fingers crossed, for your sake).