I looked on the RCW and couldn't find any info.

Can I, as a cpl holder, carry a pistol that i did not buy?

Thanks.

Yes.

Well, if you stole it, not such a good idea....

J/K Massive is on top of it

YES (If not stolen) Don't forget I-594.

I was thinking in terms of carrying to try out a potential future purchase.

Are you talking about trying it on while the seller is still there? If so, yes.

If you are talking about taking it for a test drive without the seller there, then yes, you can carry it, but the seller can be in deep trouble (and possibly you) for failing to abide by 594.

Here is the exact scenario.

My friend owns a pistol that I am considering buying. I wanted to carry it for a day or two to test its size and comfortability.

My concern is that if I had to use it, would I be breaking the law. I don't want to take any risks.

Not legal unless you transfer it via an FFL first.

Yep. You cannot simply borrow a gun from a friend under current WA law.

Thanks, 594 assholes!

If you get caught, you would have standing to say the law violates your second amendment rights.

See, there's another (more important) question you should be asking:

How proficient are you SHOOTING the new gun?

Is this a platform you are familiar with--or are you trying on a gun for the heck of it? If you have to use that handgun, the situation is not going to allow you to say, "Hey, wait a minute...I was just trying this one out!"

While comfort is important, the single most important thing is to be EXTREMELY proficient with the gun you're carrying.