I've used your search function but I'm still confused about the practicality of gun shows. Between all the language, confusing ballot measurements, and ordinances I've read through recently, I am a still a bit unclear as to which laws apply when and all that. The Bigtop promotions website (they seem to be the only show people in the state) is not dated so I don't know if its accurate.

I'd like to buy a handgun at a gun show this weekend. I do not have a CCW. I am a Wa resident with no criminal history, complaints, dishonorable discharge, or involuntary mental illness hospitalizations. Can I purchase a handgun at a gun show and walk out with it? Does the gunshow allow me to evade the wait period? I live FAR from a FFL so saving me the trip is part of my motivation.

Also, I don't need anything new or fancy, just looking for a gen2/3 Glock 19, 26, 30, 30s or gen4 43 (though I doubt there are many of those floating around used). Maybe a CZ. I am sure this is a noob-as-heck query so thanks for your patience or limited sarcasm when someone links me to the search result that was right under my nose had I been better apt at negotiating your forums search function, which is unlike any I've encountered.

Gunshow rules are pretty much the same as buying from a gun store.

so the answer is no?

I think without a CPL, (even with one), you may have to wait for a NICS "proceed". NICS seems to be really dragging their feet lately, too.

Also keep in mind, if you're going to a WAC gun show, you have to be a WAC member to buy/sell a firearm(s). Yearly memberships are around $45, I think. You can sign up for a WAC membership at the WAC gun show.


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see rule #6 from this link....https://washingtonarmscollectors.org/event-rules/
In short for WAC shows I believe you are required to be a WAC member to buy or sell a gun at the WAC shows.
At Big Top Shows no membership is required.
I guess it depends on what show your going to this weekend.

Oh, no CCW... will he be able to walk out with the gun? I think not... others know lots more about this than me.. I just hate to see a guy's expectations crushed. Go in to buy the gun, think everything is cool and then be told to come back in 5 days , or whatever.

For practical function.... all laws apply.

An FFL will have to be used to transfer the firearm.

If you are buying from private party. You'll use an FFL at the show (e.g. WAC Show - aka Washington Arms Collectors Show). Pay the fee and pick up from the FFL (store front). Please note to buy or sell at WAC show - you must be a member.

If the seller is a FFL you'll use them and coordinate when to pick up.

Since you do not have a WA CPL (Concealed Pistol License). You will most likely pick up after you have been cleared.
So you'll buy it, fill out the paperwork, Do the background check with the FFL and then wait to pick up in say 2 weeks.

Washington CPL is easy to obtain. Just pay the fee
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconceal.html

NICS proceed and a mandatory 10 day waiting period if you don't have a CPL. So based on your post, you will not walk out of a gun show with pistol in hand.

It is not a mandatory 10 day wait, at least under WA law. After 10 days if there is no background check response they "may" transfer the gun to you.

Short version:

FFL/Dealer at gun show: must do background check.

Private seller at gun show: must do background check through an FFL. They usually have an FFL set up at the show.

In this months GunNews Magazine (Washington Arms Collectors, WAC) there is a new program for WAC Firearm Sellers. There is a free WAC membership for first time buyers at a WAC show. The article says for a limited time Oct-Dec 2016, first time, never been a WAC member show attendees will receive a free membership when they purchase a firearm. So it appears that a non member will be able to purchase.

Also, if you do not have a valid WA driver's license or ID card, or have not been a resident of WA for 90 previous consecutive days, the waiting period is extended to 60 days.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.092

Wow the replies here really exploded. Thanks for all the feedback, I think its been clarified. This was more or less the impression I was under, but given the difficulty in dating all the info I found online, I wasn't so sure. I love Seattle but there are a few things I prefer about Phoenix. This area is one of them.

Happy to help! There are a few vendors at the show who have great prices on new firearms, and you can find some good deals on random tables from time to time. However, for the best deals keep an eye on the classifieds here. Prices on these local forums are almost always lower than you'll find at your LGS, just remember to assume another $20+ for the private transfer fee.

I must have misinterpreted the RCW and gun dealers rules on handgun purchases. Also I know several dealers won't do a private handgun transfer if you don't have a CPL which I also thought was because of the waiting period. I'll go do some Google Fu. ;)

One of the things I miss about Texas, gun laws.