Family member dies, he wished a pistol to go to another family member, but filed no paperwork. How does ffl transfer work?

To follow the intent of 594, the PR or Executor of the will or estate would deliver the pistol to an FFL to which the receiver would show up to and the FFL would perform a check. If all is well, the receiver is given the pistol.

The FFL doesn't care who the seller is, all that matters is that the BUYER is BGC'd.

A person who (i) acquired a firearm other than a pistol by operation of law upon the death of the former owner of the firearm or (ii) acquired a pistol by operation of law upon the death of the former owner of the pistol within the preceding sixty days. At the end of the sixty-day period, the person must either have lawfully transferred the pistol or must have contacted the department of licensing to notify the department that he or she has possession of the pistol and intends to retain possession of the pistol, in compliance with all federal and state laws.

Estate transfer ("by operation of law") is exempt from 594 providing you file the state pistol transfer form (no cost). You can also go to an FFL if you want.

So what exactly is meant by notify? Same as C&R notify? Dear DOL, I am intending to keep pistol. Signed, John It doesn't say fill out pistol purchasing form.

Except the pistol form is "Pistol transfer application" ( buyer and dealer info required ). Signature line specifically states purchasing.

I certify I am eligible to possess a pistol under RCW 9.41.040 and 9.41.045. I understand by signing this application I am waiving confidentiality and requesting the Department of Social and Health Services, mental health institutions, and other health care facilities, to release information relevant to my eligibility to purchase a pistol to a court or law enforcement agency. I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the statements and other information set forth in this application are true and correct. RCW 9A.72.040