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If you're new to guns, or maybe you just haven't bought one in a while, this article will walk you though the steps of purchasing one in 2025 with Rottwiler Firearms.
Firstly, here is what you will need:
- A valid Washington State ID with you current address (Military ID with PCS also accepted)
- The ability to pass a Background check (more on this later)
- Completion of a Gun Saftey Course, such as this free one you can do online: Sporting Systems Gun Course
This part is simple - Pick the one you want and pay for it. If you're local to Tacoma, Washington choose in store pickup at checkout and the gun will ship to us. Once we have logged it in, we will schedule a time with you to begin paperwork. If you do not live in Washington, be sure that the firearm(s) you're purchasing are compliant with your State and enter in the FFL of your choice to have it shipped to. As listed in the Store Policies Page we will only ship firearms to a licensed FFL.
For Washington state residents the firearm must be compliant with HB1240 (Assault Weapons Ban of 2023).
Once our appointment time has arrived, you will bring your valid ID (with your current address) to complete a 4473 form. The 4473 form is a Federally required form which must be filled out everytime you purchase a firearm. While the form has several questions, most of them are super easy to fill out as it's mostly basic personal information. There are also a series of questions you must answer to ensure you are purchasing the firearm legally.
After filling out a 4473 form we also complete the Washington State required paperwork. Currently, this simply consists of all the same questions on the 4473 form, as well as a couple additional questions for Washington State specifically. This form is what prompts your background check through Washington State Patrol (WSP). We will fill this one out on the computer together, then print and sign it.
Both forms usually take a combined total of 15 - 30 minutes to complete.
Once both forms have been completed and signed, we will launch the background check. There is an $18 fee for this background check. While most other states simply run a Federal (NICS) backgound check, as of 2024 all Washington state firearm transfer background checks must be processed through WSP and they have an $18 fee per check for using their services. This fee is to be paid prior to running the background check and is non-refundable.
WSP will run a standard National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) along with some other state based checks, including mental health records.
While the background check is mostly automated and we typically get a PROCEED response within just a few minutes there is now a mandatory 10 day wait period in washington state. It is important to note that this is business days.
Once the mandatory 10 business days have passed and we have a proceed status on your background check only then we can complete the transfer process. When arriving for your scheduled pickup time remember to once again bring your valid ID. The pickup is quick and easy, we re-verify that the 4473 form we previously filled out is accurate (with one quick signature from you), and the gun is yours.
1. Having a Washington State CPL (concealed pistol license) no longer allows you to skip your background check or wait period.
2. A new background check will be ran for every unique 4473 form filled out. This means there is another $18 charge to WSP.
3. There may be changes to this process at any time. Nothing on this page is legal advice.