What are gun laws on black powder pistols in Washington state?

Answer 1

Black Powder pistols fall under the same category as modern handguns/firearms in Washington state. You must meet the same requirements to purchase and/or be in possession of one the same as if it were a Glock 9mm. A black powder firearm is regulated under Washington State Law and requires all state mandated transfer requirements (page 9 WA State DOL Firearms Dealer Training Manual) and under Washington State Law, if you are prohibited from owning or possessing a modern firearm, you are prohibited from owning a black powder firearm as well. This is a fairly recent change in Washington (within the last couple of years) and over 90% of the states, including California and even Washington, D.C. have no such requirements in order to purchase, own or possess a black powder firearm be it rifle or hand gun. Prior tothis change, you simply needed to provide i.d to prove you were of age (18), lay down the money and walk out the door.

Answer 2

The CRIMINAL CODE portions of the Federal statutes dealing with felon firearm possession are covered in 18 USC 921 and 18 USC 922. You may read them at your leisure.

BRIEFLY, the important points are these;

Blackpowder arms ARE defined as (prohibited) FIREARMS under the criminal code UNLESS they are considered ANTIQUES manufactured in 1898 or previously. OR they are EXACT REPLICAS of those types weapons. Meaning reproductions which are exact in every respect; appearance - construction - function - etc.

Just because firearm is a "blackpowder" arm does NOT automatically qualify it as exempt under the antique definition.

The BATF definition of blackpowder arms as contained in the portion of the US Code pertaining to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fireams, is NOT applicable for criminal purposes. Disregard any description of blackpowder arms contained in the BATF statute if you are looking for a defense for carrying one.

If caught, you will be prosecuted under the Criminal Code statute not the BATF statute.