Are threaded barrels legal in Washington state?

Are Threaded Barrels Legal in Washington State?

Washington state is one of the most permissive states when it comes to gun laws, and rifle enthusiasts often find themselves searching for ways to upgrade or modify their firearms to get the most out of them. One common topic of discussion is threaded barrels – are they legal in Washington state? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, as well as delve deeper into the regulations surrounding muzzle brakes, flash suppressors, and other modifications.

**Washington State Gun Laws Overview

Before diving into the specifics of threaded barrels, it’s essential to understand the overall landscape of gun laws in Washington state. Here’s a summary:

• Washington state follows the federal laws as implemented by the National Firearms Act (NFA).
• The state has some regulations that are stricter than federal laws, while others are more lenient.
• The Washington State Patrol is responsible for enforcing gun laws at the state level.

Now, let’s turn our attention to threaded barrels!

**Federal Law: National Firearms Act (NFA)

The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a federal law that regulates certain firearms, such as machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and silencers ( mufflers). Under the NFA, silencers and mufflers are legal provided they are registered and serial-numbered. Here’s the key point: to be legal, silencers and mufflers must have been registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) prior to February 1, 2020.

**Washington State Law: Modified Barrels

Washington state has laws that regulate the manufacture and sale of modified barrels. According to the state code, modified barrels (including threaded barrels) can be legal if they do not exceed the minimum dimensions as specified in the Uniform Machine Gun Act (RCW 9.40.100). Specifically, barrels must meet the following conditions:

• Overall length not less than 16 inches
• Diameter of cylinder not less than.60 inches
• Effective rim diameter not less than 0.45 inches (for rifles)
• Minimum weight of metal and cylinder not less than 60% of the combined total weight of metal and barrel

Threaded Barrels: A closer Look

Threaded barrels in Washington state can be categorized into two types:

1. Muzzle Devices:

• Flash Suppressors: These reduce or eliminate muzzle flash when fired. They are explicitly legal in Washington state, as long as they are installed according to manufacturers’ instructions and not installed on a rifle used to commit a crime.

2. Muzzle Brake/Compensator: These devices reduce recoil, or "brake," muzzle rise, or help disperse gases. Muzzle brakes are common and legal in Washington state, as long as they are installed according to manufacturers’ instructions and not installed on a rifle used to commit a crime.

**What is Regulated?**

It is essential to note what Washington state regulates when it comes to threaded barrels. Any modification that transforms a handgun or rifle into an automatically firing weapon is regulated:

* **Threaded Barrel:** If the thread counts exceed 4 twists in 12 inches or there is a cut in the barrel, it’s illegal.
* **Fused Barrel:** A single shot or multi-shot firing rifle with a threaded barrel may be illegal, as the threads can potentially connect parts of the rifle and form an automatic weapon.
* **Barrel Swap:** Swapping barrels that transform a rifle into an automated weapon is also illegal in Washington state.

**Threaded Barrels with Existing Rifles: Can you install a threaded barrel?**

Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns Now

If you own an existing rifle, and it’s legal under state law, you can generally **install a threaded barrel as long as** it remains a single-shot firing or semi-automatic weapon and there is no change in caliber or overall length of the rifle.

**Conclusion

In conclusion, thread barrels are legal in Washington state, as long as they meet specific guidelines under federal and state law. It’s essential to check the legality of specific firearms and modifications, such as muzzle brakes, muzzle flashes, and threaded barrels before installing them.

Remember that **Washington state takes into account the overall design of firearms and modifications**; not just the parts and equipment themselves. Additionally, understanding the legal nuances around registered and unregistered parts (e.g., National Firearms Act (NFA)-registered silencers or firearms) is crucial when constructing or modifying your own weapon.

**Additional resources**:

* Washington State Patrol: Firearms FAQ (FP-101) for Rifle and Shotgun Information ( PDF)
* Federal Law, Title 26 USC – National Firearms Act
* Washington State Revised Code Chapter 9.40

**Table: Important information**

| Modification Type | Legal/Illegal Status in Washington State |
| — | — |
| Threaded Barrel | Generally Legal, but specific limits exist |
| Muzzle Device (Flash Suppressor) | Explicitly Legal |
| Muzzle Brake | Common and Legal, installed according to manufacturers’ instructions |
| Fused Barrel | Illegal |
| Barrel Swap | Illegal (except for single-shot or multi-shot firing rifles with modified barrels) |

It is crucial to verify your firearms and modifications meet federal, state, and local requirements before installing them or manufacturing your own weapon. We recommend consulting local gun enthusiasts, firearms dealers, and law enforcement agencies to get clarity on specific laws and regulations.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories

0.0

00