The short answer: Yes, the AR‑15 remains legal in Washington after the 2026 gun‑law package, but owners must adhere to new restrictions on magazine capacity, mandatory micro‑stamping, and a broader “assault weapon” definition that affects certain configurations. Non‑compliant rifles must be modified or surrendered, while law‑abiding models can be possessed and transferred provided they meet the updated criteria.
Washington’s 2026 Firearm Law Overview
Effective July 1 2026, the legislature enacted RCW 9.41.040‑2026, expanding the state’s assault‑weapon definition to include any semi‑automatic rifle with a detachable magazine and one or more of the following: pistol grip, folding stock, or flash suppressor. The law also caps detachable‑magazine capacity at 10 rounds, requires micro‑stamping on all newly sold pistols, and adds a universal background‑check extension to private sales.
Impact on Semi‑automatic Rifles
Because the AR‑15’s modular design can accommodate pistol grips, collapsible stocks, and detachable magazines, many factory‑spec models now fall under the assault‑weapon definition. Owners of “pre‑2026” AR‑15s that already possess prohibited features are grandfathered, but they must retain the rifle in its existing configuration and may not add new prohibited accessories. Any post‑2026 purchase must be stripped of at least one listed feature or be equipped with a 10‑round magazine.
What Remains Legal for AR‑15 Owners
A compliant AR‑15 can be lawfully owned if it lacks any of the listed assault‑weapon features and uses a detachable magazine limited to ten rounds. Fixed‑stock rifles, those with a standard (non‑folding) stock, and rifles without a pistol grip meet the criteria. Additionally, rifles that employ a “straight‑pull” bolt or are classified as a “sporting rifle” under the Washington Statutes are exempt.
Steps to Stay Compliant
- Verify your rifle’s configuration against the updated definition.
- Remove or replace prohibited accessories—replace the pistol grip with a “thumb‑hole” style, install a fixed stock, or eliminate the flash suppressor.
- Install a 10‑round magazine or a compliant high‑capacity magazine lock.
- Register any pre‑2026 AR‑15 with the Washington State Department of Licensing if you have not already done so.
- Keep documentation of all modifications in case of future law‑enforcement inspection.
Bottom Line
The AR‑15 is not banned in Washington, but the 2026 reforms impose clear limits on features and magazine capacity. Compliance hinges on adjusting the rifle’s configuration or limiting its accessories to stay within the law.
Can I purchase a new AR‑15 in Washington after 2026?
Yes, but the rifle must be sold without prohibited features and with a magazine that does not exceed ten rounds. Dealers are required to verify compliance before the sale.
Do existing AR‑15 owners need to modify their rifles?
Only if they wish to add the newly prohibited accessories. Pre‑2026 rifles that already have prohibited features are grandfathered, provided owners do not further modify them.
How does the 10‑round magazine limit affect hunting?
Washington’s hunting regulations already restrict magazine capacity for many game species, so the ten‑round limit aligns with existing hunting rules and does not create additional barriers.
Are there penalties for non‑compliance?
Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, forfeiture of the firearm, and up to one year in jail per offense, according to RCW 9.41.040‑2026.
What records must I keep after modifying my AR‑15?
Maintain receipts for parts, photographs of the final configuration, and a written log of the changes. These documents help demonstrate compliance during any future inspection or legal inquiry.