08/12/2026
WSP EMAIL TO DEALERS ABOUT SILENCER LAWS IN WASHINGTON STATE THIS MORNING!
Good morning, FFLs –
Several of you have emailed asking about the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF ruling from last week, and how it would affect background checks for suppressors in our state.
The short answer: At this time, nothing has changed in Washington State with regards to silencers, suppressors, or other NFA items.
The longer answer with the reasons why:
The ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF named specific plaintiffs, including 15 states. Washington was not listed among those specific states, and even for those states that were listed, not all citizens of those states were affected.
Washington State does not define a silencer/suppressor as a firearm under RCW 9.41.010(21): "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder. For the purposes of RCW 9.41.040, "firearm" also includes frames and receivers. "Firearm" does not include a flare gun or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling device, or a powder-actuated tool or other device designed solely to be used for construction purposes.
There is no definition in RCW for silencer or suppressor.
The background check requirement in RCW 9.41.113 is specific to ‘Fi****ms’ as defined above.
RCW 9.41.250 points to Federal law/ATF rules for how/when it’s legal to possess a suppressor in Washington State, so there is no ‘state process’ to override or replace it:
(1) Every person who:
(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife;
(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or
(c) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law,
is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
If something changes, we’ll provide more information as we get it.
Thank you,
