Senate Bill 6396 before the Washington legislation would bring California-style gun-control to the Northwest and ultimately ban many semi-automatic firearms commonly owned by Washingtonians. 

In fact, SB 6396 is more far-reaching than it appears on the surface and will absolutely impact a gigantic swath of Washington firearm owners, including concealed pistol license holders, hunters and competitive pistol shooters.  As examples, consider the following restrictions that flow from the provisions of this horrendous piece of gun control legislation:

Ø     Every semiautomatic AND PUMP-ACTION rifle and shotgun that has a detachable magazine and has a pistol grip located rear of the trigger (yes, that is just about all of them) is defined as an “assault weapon” and is banned under SB 6396!

Ø      If you and your child/children are out in the woods plinking with his or her Ruger 10-22 and there are more than 10 rounds in the magazine, you are a FELON!

Ø     If you are a Concealed Pistol License holder and your semi-auto self-defense pistol contains more than 10 rounds, you are a FELON!

Ø     The use of firearms defined as “assault weapons” (see first bullet point) are banned for use in hunting!

Ø     Competitive shooters will be impacted as any semi-auto pistol that has a detachable magazine and is equipped with a muzzle brake or compensator is defined as an “assault weapon!” 

Ø     If you own a firearm(s) defined as an “assault weapon” on the date this bill becomes law, you can keep it if you are willing to allow your Sheriff to come into your home once every year to ensure you store your firearm(s) appropriately!

Senate Bill 6396 is proof that the gun-ban groups and politicians are not interested in only banning semi-automatic firearms that happen to look like military firearms.  This bill shows where they really want to go with their agenda!  This gun ban scheme will only punish law-abiding citizens and will do nothing to curb crime or keep criminals from obtaining firearms illegally.  This is not only another attack on our Second Amendment rights in Washington State, but an attack on your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches of your home! 

Brief messages can be left for your legislators by calling the toll-free legislative hotline at 800-562-6000.  Legislators’ direct phone numbers and email access can be found by clicking on their names either here for Senators: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/Pages/default.aspx 

or here for Representatives:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/default.aspx