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May 9, 2026
Best WA-Legal Tactical Firearms After HB 1240 (2026)

WA-legal tactical rifles, shotguns, and large-format pistols ranked for Washington residents after HB 1240. Dark Storm DS-15 Typhoon fixed-mag AR, Ruger Mini-14 Ranch, Ruger PC Carbine, Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol and 1301 Tactical Mod.2, Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, Q Mini Fix bolt-action 300 BLK, Flux Raider 365 / 320, plus Glock and SIG P365 carry pistols. Plus a plain-English HB 1240 cheat sheet.

Best WA-Legal Tactical Firearms After HB 1240 (2026)

Washington's HB 1240 took most modern semi-auto rifles off the shelves on April 25, 2023, but it left a real lane for tactical firearms that meet the law's feature tests, ship with conventional stocks, or run on manual action. This guide ranks the ten WA-legal platforms that actually replace what was banned: a fixed-magazine AR-15 at the top of the list, a bolt-action 300 BLK suppressor host that's statutorily exempt, a Mini-14 with no banned features, the only PCC still for sale in WA, and three tactical shotguns in their conventional-stock configurations. We also cover the Flux Raider 365 and 320 large-format pistols (carried by Securité Gun Club in Woodinville even though Flux itself won't ship to WA) and the Glock and SIG P365 carry pistols that HB 1240 doesn't touch.

By AB|Last reviewed May 2026

HB 1240 Cheat Sheet: What's Banned, What's Legal

Washington's assault-weapons ban tests four things: named firearms (AR-15, AK-47, M16, M4 and 70+ others), a feature list applied to semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines, a separate feature list for semi-auto shotguns, and a third list for semi-auto pistols. Manual-action firearms and rifles with neither named nor banned features are still legal to sell and transfer in Washington.

Semi-auto rifle
Banned FeaturesDetachable mag + ANY of: pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, vertical foregrip, flash hider, threaded barrel, barrel shroud, grenade launcher
What's Still LegalStandard Mini-14, fixed-mag AR (Dark Storm Typhoon), bolt/pump/lever-action, plus pre-2023 grandfathered ARs
Semi-auto shotgun
Banned FeaturesPistol grip protruding beneath action, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, forward grip, fixed mag >7 rounds, revolving cylinder
What's Still LegalConventional-stock 1301 Tactical / Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical (85152) / A300 Ultima Patrol with 7+1 tube
Semi-auto pistol
Banned FeaturesDetachable mag + ANY of: threaded barrel, second hand grip, barrel shroud, magazine outside the grip
What's Still LegalStandard CCW pistols (Glock, Canik TP9, Sig P365), most carry guns. WA 10-round mag cap still applies
Manual action
Banned FeaturesNothing. Bolt, pump, lever, and slide-action firearms are statutorily exempt
What's Still LegalQ Mini Fix bolt-action pistol, all bolt-action rifles, all pump shotguns, lever-action rifles
Length
Banned FeaturesAny semi-auto centerfire rifle under 30 inches overall length
What's Still Legal16-inch barrel rifles with conventional stocks, manual-action pistols, and traditional rifles

Source: RCW 9.41.010(2) as amended by HB 1240, effective April 25, 2023. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify current configurations with your transferring FFL.

Top WA-Legal Tactical Firearms 2026

Ranked by how directly each firearm replaces what HB 1240 took off the shelves: AR-pattern handling, shotgun firepower, suppressor hosts, and PCC backups. Every entry is currently transferable through Washington FFLs.

1

Dark Storm DS-15 Typhoon Fixed Magazine 5.56

Closest WA-legal AR-15 substitute. Top-loaded fixed 10-round mag bypasses HB 1240's detachable-mag rule.

$1,395
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Most direct AR-15 replacement currently for sale in Washington
  • +13" M-LOK handguard, full ambi controls, Magpul DT furniture
  • +16" SOCOM barrel and 1:7 twist run any 5.56 load
  • Top-load reload is meaningfully slower than a detachable mag
  • 10-round capacity is a hard ceiling
  • $1,395 vs $700 for an AR you cannot legally buy new in WA
2

Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

Best home-defense semi-auto under $1,000. Conventional stock, 7+1 capacity, fully WA-compliant.

$950-$1,149
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +7+1 magazine tube is highest in this guide
  • +Conventional 13" LOP stock is unambiguously WA-compliant
  • +Fast cycling and soft recoil compared to pump alternatives
  • No BLINK rotating bolt, slightly slower cycle than the 1301
  • Light birdshot below 1,200 fps can short-stroke
  • Fixed ghost-ring rear is not adjustable
3

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Best optic-ready tactical 12 gauge with WA-compliant adjustable stock.

$1,000-$1,190
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Buy the 85152 with adjustable shim stock, not the SPX pistol-grip
  • +Optic-ready out of the box (most tactical autoloaders need a mount)
  • +12.5"-14.25" LOP adjustment fits gear or bare arms
  • SPX variant has a pistol grip that may not be WA-compliant
  • Refinement trails the Beretta 1301 in cycling speed
  • Requires ammo patterning to find the load it likes
4

Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

Traditional 5.56 semi-auto with no banned features. Detachable 10-round magazine.

$1,099-$1,200
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Genuinely WA-compliant out of the box, no fixed-mag workaround
  • +Self-cleaning fixed-piston gas system, runs in dust and cold
  • +Lightweight 7-pound carry weight for ranch and field work
  • Proprietary mags run $40-$55 each vs $12-$15 for STANAG
  • 1:9 pencil barrel limits sub-MOA accuracy
  • Aftermarket support is a fraction of the AR ecosystem
5

Ruger PC Carbine 19100

Best WA-legal pistol-caliber carbine. The S&W FPC is banned in WA; the PC Carbine is not.

$799-$949
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Replaces the M&P FPC (banned in WA due to folding pistol grip)
  • +Dead-blow blowback action runs softer than typical 9mm carbines
  • +Reversible mag release and charging handle for left or right shooters
  • Direct blowback feels heavier than a delayed-blowback PCC
  • Factory stock is functional but bulky when packed
  • Not compatible with AR-15 triggers or AR-9 chassis parts
6

Q Mini Fix 300 BLK Pistol

Lightest 300 BLK suppressor host shipping. 4 lb 7 oz, folds to 17 inches, AR mag compatible. Manual action, so HB 1240 doesn't touch it.

$3,150
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Genuinely lightweight 4 lb 7 oz pack rifle / truck gun
  • +AR/M4 magazine compatibility (use 10-round for WA mag-cap rule)
  • +Folding brace stows the gun to 17.13 inches for packs and trucks
  • $3,150 MSRP is premium territory
  • Bolt cycling is much slower than semi-auto for follow-up shots
  • 300 BLK ammo is more expensive than 5.56
7

Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod.2

Premium semi-auto tactical shotgun. Buy the conventional-stock variant, not the pistol-grip Mod.2.

$1,599-$1,799
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Fastest cycle time of any defensive shotgun on this list
  • +Excellent recoil management for rapid follow-up shots
  • +Strong reliability across 2.75" and 3" defensive loads
  • The pistol-grip Mod.2 SKU is not WA-compliant
  • Premium pricing vs the A300 Ultima Patrol piston gun
  • Capacity is limited compared to rifles or PCCs
8

Ruger Mini-14 Tactical

Mini-14 with a 16.12-inch threaded barrel. Note the factory flash hider may need to be replaced.

$1,199-$1,299
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Compact 36.75-inch overall length
  • +Threaded barrel removes the suppressor-mounting friction
  • +Synthetic stock and ghost-ring sights handle weather and gloves
  • Factory flash hider is a banned feature under HB 1240; install a thread protector or muzzle brake
  • Verify the variant your dealer can transfer; some SKUs ship without the flash hider
  • Same proprietary-mag cost as the Ranch ($40-$55 each)
9

Flux Raider for SIG P365

Smallest large-format pistol available. Securité Gun Club (Woodinville, WA) carries these in-store.

$799-$899
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Most compact PDW platform available, period
  • +Transforms a P365 into a stabilized two-handed weapon
  • +M-LOK rail accepts compact lights; top rail for micro red dots
  • Requires 17, 21, or 25-round P365 magazines (10-15 round mags will not work)
  • Verify P365 magazine compliance with WA mag-cap rules
  • Brace classification rules can shift; confirm at purchase
10

Flux Raider for SIG P320

Larger Flux PDW for the P320 / M17 / M18 family. Same workflow, more horsepower.

$899-$1,099
Shop at Classic Firearms
  • +Full-size 9mm capability in a folding-brace package
  • +Superior aftermarket and accessory support vs the P365
  • +M-LOK and Picatinny mounting for lights and optics
  • Flux Defense direct sales blocked to WA; must source through a local dealer
  • Heavier and bulkier than the P365 Raider
  • Pistol AWB rules apply: avoid threaded barrels and second hand grips

WA-Legal Carry Pistols Worth Owning

HB 1240's pistol rules only catch semi-auto pistols with a detachable magazine combined with a threaded barrel, a second hand grip, a barrel shroud, or a magazine that attaches outside the grip. Standard duty and carry pistols clear all of those, which is why nothing meaningful changed on the pistol side in April 2023. The Glock 19 Gen5 MOS, Glock 17 Gen5, and SIG P365 XL remain the most-carried defensive pistols in Washington for the same reasons they are everywhere else: massive holster and mag ecosystems, optic-ready slides, and proven reliability. For a comprehensive carry list see the best concealed carry pistols guide and the best 9mm pistols guide.

Subcompact CCW · 12+1 (10 in WA) · $700

SIG P365 XL

  • Industry-standard subcompact for IWB concealed carry
  • Optic-ready slide with Shield RMSc footprint
  • Flat trigger and 3.7-inch barrel for sight radius
$699.00 MSRP
Shop at Classic Firearms
Compact duty · 15+1 (10 in WA) · $620

Glock 19 Gen5 MOS

  • Most-carried pistol in America for a reason: it works
  • MOS plate system fits every common micro red dot footprint
  • Massive holster, mag, and aftermarket ecosystem
$669.00 MSRP
Shop at Classic Firearms
Full-size duty · 17+1 (10 in WA) · $580

Glock 17 Gen5

  • Full-size grip and 4.49-inch barrel for night-stand or duty use
  • Marksman barrel improves accuracy over earlier Gen4
  • Best home-defense pistol when concealment is not a constraint
$549.00 MSRP
Shop at Classic Firearms

Pistols are still subject to Washington's 10-round magazine cap and the WA Department of Licensing pistol transfer process.

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What Actually Changed on April 25, 2023

Governor Inslee signed HB 1240 into law on April 25, 2023, and it took effect immediately. Three things changed for Washington gun buyers. First, sale and transfer of any firearm meeting the statutory definition of an "assault weapon" ended at Washington FFLs that day; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form 4473 stops being completable for those guns. Second, in-state dealers cannot order new inventory of named firearms (AR-15, AK-47, M16, M4 and the rest of the 77-firearm list) or feature-banned configurations. Third, possession was not affected: existing owners continue to own their guns and can pass them on by inheritance, but in-state resale to another private party is closed.

The legal challenges (Brumback v. Ferguson, the SAF/FPC suit filed two days after signing) have not yet succeeded in court. In December 2025 the Ninth Circuit upheld the law's sales ban in another challenge. Plan as if HB 1240 is the floor for the next several years. The buying decisions in this guide work whether or not the courts eventually narrow the statute.

Worth noting: the federal NFA tax on suppressors, SBRs, and AOWs was zeroed out by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and 2026 ATF eForm approvals are running a few days, not the 6-12 months that older guidance still cites. If you go the bolt-action 300 BLK route with the Q Mini Fix, suppressors are realistic and inexpensive. See our suppressor compatibility basics for the host-side requirements.

Penalties and Statute of Limitations

A first violation of RCW 9.41.390 (manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, or offering to sell an assault weapon) is a gross misdemeanor under Washington law. Maximum penalties are up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (RCW 9A.20.021), and each illegal transfer counts as a separate violation, so a dealer running ten illegal sales is exposed to ten counts. Possession of a previously-owned grandfathered assault weapon is not criminalized; the statute only catches new commerce in those guns.

The criminal statute of limitations for a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9A.04.080(1)(j) is two years from the date of the offense, with the clock pausing under RCW 9A.04.080(2) any time the accused is not "usually and publicly resident" in Washington. That two-year window is a hard prosecutorial deadline; it does not extend simply because the gun is discovered later. State and federal regulators (BATFE, WSP, local prosecutors) can also pursue parallel charges under federal law where applicable, and federal limitations periods are separate.

Civil exposure is the bigger practical risk for dealers. Washington's Consumer Protection Act provides a private right of action with treble damages and attorney's fees for unfair or deceptive practices, and HB 1240 explicitly makes assault-weapon sales a per se CPA violation. The Attorney General's office has used CPA enforcement aggressively against firearms dealers since 2023. Buyers themselves face no criminal exposure for purchasing or possessing an assault weapon transferred to them in violation of HB 1240, but the seller's liability does not protect a buyer who turns around and tries to resell. None of this is legal advice; consult a Washington firearms attorney for any specific situation.

How a Fixed-Magazine AR Actually Runs

The Dark Storm DS-15 Typhoon and similar fixed-mag rifles survive HB 1240 because the statute's feature test only applies to semi-auto rifles "that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine." A polymer 10-round magazine pinned and welded into the magwell does not detach. To reload, you lock the bolt back and feed shells through the top of the receiver, similar to the en bloc clip workflow on an M1 Garand or stripper-clip top-loading on a Mini-14. With practice this runs at maybe 30 percent of the speed of a standard mag swap. It is not a competition rifle.

Practical implications: the rifle handles like a normal AR-15 for everything except reloads. Triggers, optics, lights, handguards, controls, and stocks all carry over from your existing AR ecosystem. Avoid any modification that converts the rifle back to detachable-magazine operation; that breaks the compliance and turns the gun into an unregistered assault weapon under WA law. If you want to build a parts-up AR you already own and just need a starting point for accessories, the rifle builder lets you spec a complete AR-15 against any optic, light, or trigger in the catalog.

The other workaround, the Mini-14 Ranch, sidesteps the feature test entirely by simply not having any banned features. No pistol grip, no flash hider, no thumbhole stock, no folding stock, no threaded barrel, no barrel shroud. It is a semi-automatic 5.56 rifle with a detachable 10-round magazine, a hardwood or synthetic conventional stock, and integral scope bosses. That is a fully-compliant configuration that no aftermarket part should be allowed to change. See our Mini-14 upgrades guide for the parts that don't break compliance.

Can I Buy an AR Out of State and Bring It Home?

No. HB 1240 prohibits importation and distribution into Washington, not just sales by Washington FFLs. A standard AR-15 purchased at a Coeur d'Alene gun show or an Idaho FFL and then carried back across state lines for use or storage in Washington violates RCW 9.41.390. The only narrow exception is grandfathered ownership of guns owned before April 25, 2023, which does not help you with a new purchase.

If you want a standard AR for use exclusively at out-of-state ranges, you can buy and store one in Idaho or Oregon, but the practical reality is that a fixed-mag DS-15 Typhoon plus a Mini-14 covers nearly every defensive and recreational use case for in-state ownership without the legal risk. The premium you pay for compliance ($1,395 vs $700 for a standard AR) is the cost of buying a gun that ships to a Washington FFL today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best WA-legal AR-15 substitute after HB 1240?
The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Typhoon Fixed Magazine ($1,395) is the closest replacement for a standard AR-15 currently for sale in Washington. It uses a patented 7075 billet lower with a permanently affixed 10-round magazine, which sidesteps HB 1240's ban on semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines and one or more banned features. Pantel Tactical in Lacey, WA stocks these for in-state pickup. The Ruger Mini-14 Ranch ($1,099) is the alternative if you want a detachable magazine and don't need AR ergonomics.
Is the Ruger Mini-14 legal in Washington under HB 1240?
Yes. The standard Ruger Mini-14 Ranch (model 5816 and similar SKUs) has none of HB 1240's banned features: no pistol grip, no thumbhole stock, no folding stock, no flash suppressor, no threaded barrel, and no barrel shroud. It ships from a Washington FFL with a 10-round magazine to comply with the state mag-cap law. Avoid the 50th Anniversary Mini-14 (5894) variant with the flash hider and bayonet lug; the flash hider is a banned feature.
Can I buy a Smith & Wesson M&P FPC in Washington?
No. The S&W M&P FPC combines a folding stock, a pistol grip, and a detachable magazine, which makes it an assault weapon under HB 1240's feature-based test for semi-automatic centerfire rifles. The Ruger PC Carbine ($799-$949) is the WA-legal alternative: it has a conventional synthetic stock with no folding hinge or pistol grip, ships with a 10-round magazine, and accepts Glock 17/19 magazines through the included Glock magazine well.
Are pistol-grip shotguns legal in Washington?
No. HB 1240 bans semi-automatic shotguns with a pistol grip protruding conspicuously beneath the action, a thumbhole stock, a folding or telescoping stock, a forward pistol grip, a fixed magazine over 7 rounds, or a revolving cylinder. Buy the conventional-stock variant of any tactical shotgun: the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol (factory standard), Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical model 85152 with the adjustable shim stock (not the SPX with its pistol grip), and the Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod.2 with the Magpul SGA or Chisel fixed-stock variant.
Why is the Q Mini Fix legal in Washington?
Because it is a bolt-action firearm. RCW 9.41.010 explicitly exempts "any firearm that is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action" from the assault-weapon definition. The Mini Fix uses a 45-degree short-throw bolt and is therefore not subject to HB 1240's semi-automatic feature tests. It accepts standard AR/M4 magazines (use 10-round mags for WA mag-cap compliance), threads 5/8x24 for direct suppressor mounting, and runs an 8-inch 300 BLK barrel that excels with subsonic ammunition.
Can I get a Flux Raider 365 in Washington?
Not directly from Flux Defense, which does not ship to Washington. You can buy the Flux Raider 365 and 320 through local Washington FFLs that stock them, including Securité Gun Club in Woodinville. The Raider is a chassis system that uses your existing P365 or P320 fire control unit; pairing it with WA-legal magazines (10 rounds for the P320, and the 17-round minimum P365 mags that the chassis requires) is the buyer's responsibility. As with any brace pistol, verify current ATF guidance before purchase.
Does HB 1240 affect my pistols?
Most carry pistols are unaffected. HB 1240's pistol AWB rule only catches semi-auto pistols with a detachable magazine combined with a threaded barrel, a second hand grip, a barrel shroud, or a magazine that attaches outside the grip. Standard Glocks (19 Gen5 MOS, 17 Gen5), SIG P365 / P365 XL, and similar duty pistols clear all of those. Washington's separate 10-round magazine cap still applies to every pistol, however, so all magazines must be 10 rounds or fewer.
What is the penalty for selling or importing an assault weapon in Washington?
A first violation of RCW 9.41.390 is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (RCW 9A.20.021). Each illegal transfer counts as a separate violation, so multiple sales stack. Civil exposure is the bigger practical risk for dealers: HB 1240 makes assault-weapon sales a per se Consumer Protection Act violation, which carries treble damages and attorney's fees. The criminal statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the offense (RCW 9A.04.080(1)(j)), pausing any time the accused is not publicly resident in Washington. Possession by an existing owner remains legal and uncriminalized.
Can I keep an AR-15 I already own in Washington?
Yes. HB 1240 prohibits the sale, manufacture, importation, and distribution of assault weapons in Washington but does not prohibit possession by current owners. You may continue to own, shoot, and inherit existing assault weapons. You cannot sell or transfer them within the state except to a federally licensed dealer or by inheritance through operation of law. Out-of-state dealers may sell to non-Washington residents.
What is the Washington state magazine capacity limit?
10 rounds for any large-capacity magazine sold, manufactured, imported, or transferred in Washington since July 1, 2022. This limit predates HB 1240 (it comes from SB 5078) and applies independently to rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Existing magazines you already own are grandfathered. New purchases must be 10-round capacity, which is why every rifle in this guide ships with 10-round magazines from in-state dealers.
Where can I buy WA-compliant tactical firearms?
Pantel Tactical (panteltactical.com, Lacey WA) is the primary in-state dealer for compliance-engineered firearms including the Dark Storm DS-15 Typhoon and Q Mini Fix. Securité Gun Club (Woodinville WA) is the in-state source for the Flux Raider 365 and 320 chassis systems. Most major Washington FFLs (Federal Way Discount Guns, Wade's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's) stock the Mini-14 Ranch, Ruger PC Carbine, Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol, Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, and Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod.2 with WA-compliant configurations. Verify the exact SKU and stock variant before you commit to a transfer.

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