Video Highlights
- William Kirk, President of Washington Gun Law, discusses the need for gun owners to understand the evolving political landscape.
- Kirk introduces a flowchart developed by Tom from Security Gun Club to help gun owners determine if their firearms are classified as assault weapons.
- The flowchart begins by assessing if the firearm is semi-automatic and proceeds to examine various components and features.
- The prohibited list contains specific firearms banned under the new law, while pistols and shotguns have additional criteria to be classified as assault weapons.
- Length, ammunition type, detachable magazines, and specific features such as grips, stocks, and barrels are evaluated.
- The flowchart concludes with a clear distinction between regular firearms and assault weapons based on the outlined criteria.
- Additional resources and contact information for Washington Gun Law are provided for further inquiries.
Video Summary
In a recent episode of Washington Gun Law TV, President William Kirk emphasized the importance of staying informed about evolving gun laws and understanding their implications for gun owners. He introduced a valuable resource developed by Tom, an expert from Security Gun Club, in the form of a flowchart that aims to help gun owners determine whether their firearms are classified as assault weapons under Washington's new laws.
The flowchart begins by addressing a fundamental question: Is the firearm semi-automatic? If the firearm is not semi-automatic (e.g., bolt action, pump action, lever action), it has no chance of being classified as an assault weapon under Washington's new law. However, if it is semi-automatic, the flowchart proceeds to evaluate additional criteria.
The prohibited list is a crucial component of Washington's assault weapon laws. Gun owners are encouraged to refer to Section 2 of the flowchart, which provides an extensive list of firearms that have been banned by make and manufacturer. If a firearm is listed as prohibited, it is considered an assault weapon and subject to the restrictions imposed by the law.
For firearms that are not on the prohibited list, the flowchart further examines different types, such as pistols, shotguns, and rifles, to determine their classification as assault weapons. Regarding pistols, the flowchart focuses on whether they have a detachable magazine. If a pistol accepts a detachable magazine, additional criteria such as threaded barrels, second hand grips, or shrouds encircling the barrel come into play. If any of these criteria are met, the pistol is classified as an assault weapon.
The flowchart also clarifies that semi-automatic shotguns can be classified as assault weapons under Washington law. Specific features such as folding or telescoping stocks, pistol or forward grips, thumb hole stocks, fixed magazines exceeding seven rounds, or revolving cylinders determine whether a semi-automatic shotgun falls under the assault weapon category.
Moving on to rifles, the flowchart examines their length and ammunition type. If the rifle's length is greater than 30 inches and it uses centerfire ammunition, further evaluation is required. The presence of a detachable magazine becomes a key factor, and features like pistol grips, thumb hole stocks, folding or telescoping stocks, flash suppressors, silencers, threaded barrels, grenade launchers, or shrouds over the barrel are taken into account. If any of these features are present, the rifle is classified as an assault weapon.
On the other hand, if a semi-automatic rifle meets the criteria of length and ammunition type but does not possess any of the aforementioned features, it is not considered an assault weapon.
Throughout the flowchart, clear definitions of terms and components are provided to ensure clarity for gun owners. The flowchart also directs individuals to Section 4 of the applicable statute for more information on firearm parts.
Gun owners are encouraged to visit the Security Gun Club's website to access the flowchart directly and explore the detailed breakdown of the criteria. The website offers a visual representation of the flowchart and serves as a valuable resource for gun owners who seek to determine the classification of their firearms.
In conclusion, staying informed about changes in gun laws is essential for responsible gun ownership. Understanding the criteria outlined in the flowchart can help gun owners identify whether their firearms are classified as assault weapons under Washington's new legislation. For additional inquiries or to seek further guidance, gun owners are encouraged to contact Washington Gun Law, whose contact information is provided for easy access.
Disclaimer: It is crucial for gun owners to consult with legal professionals and stay updated on the specific laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. The information provided in this article is intended to serve as a general guide and should not be considered legal advice.
