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State Legality MatrixMagazine Capacity LimitsWashington

Washington Magazine Capacity Limit

Statute-cited, last verified 2026-07-31

Status
Restricted
Effective
2022-07-01
Verified
2026-07-31

Restricted

Yes. Bans manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of magazines over 10 rounds; simple possession is not prohibited. Limit: 10 rounds. Effective 2022-07-01.

Controlling law: RCW 9.41.375

Contested entry

Litigation Status and Details

Ban in effect. The Washington Supreme Court upheld it 7-2 in State v. Gator's Custom Guns (May 2025), holding magazines over 10 rounds are not arms; a cert petition to the U.S. Supreme Court followed. No possession ban, so already-owned magazines are unaffected.

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The statute in practice

Washington Law in Detail

Washington defines a large-capacity magazine as an ammunition-feeding device capable of accepting more than 10 rounds, including a device that can be readily restored or converted. The definition excludes .22-caliber tubular devices and tubular magazines contained in lever-action firearms.

RCW 9.41.370 regulates manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and offers for sale. Its dealer exception is structured around disposition to an eligible out-of-state recipient rather than an ordinary in-state consumer transfer.

What it means for you

Practical Notes

Keep the transaction rule distinct from simple possession. Bringing a device into Washington is an import even when no dealer sale occurs.

Sources

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Federal law

Federal baseline

There is no federal magazine capacity limit; the 1994 federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

Scope: Detachable magazine round-count restrictions for handguns and long guns. States not listed have no capacity limit.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington have a magazine capacity limit?

Yes. Bans manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of magazines over 10 rounds; simple possession is not prohibited. Limit: 10 rounds. Effective 2022-07-01. Controlling law: RCW 9.41.375.

What law covers magazines in Washington?

The controlling law is RCW 9.41.375. Bans manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of magazines over 10 rounds; simple possession is not prohibited.

When did Washington's magazine restriction take effect?

Washington's rule took effect 2022-07-01. Ban in effect. The Washington Supreme Court upheld it 7-2 in State v. Gator's Custom Guns (May 2025), holding magazines over 10 rounds are not arms; a cert petition to the U.S. Supreme Court followed. No possession ban, so already-owned magazines are unaffected.

Is there a federal magazine capacity limit?

There is no federal magazine capacity limit; the 1994 federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

What to buy

Compliant Magazines for Capped States

Living under a 10-round cap does not mean running junk magazines. These are factory and OEM-quality 10-round options that feed reliably and fit flush.

MDT Polymer AICS .308/6.5 Creedmoor 10-Round Magazine
Magazines & Feeding • $39.99

MDT Polymer AICS .308/6.5 Creedmoor 10-Round Magazine

  • 10-round capacity
  • AICS short-action pattern
$39.99
Shop at MDT
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22 LR 10-Round Factory Magazine
Magazines & Feeding • $44.59

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22 LR 10-Round Factory Magazine

  • 10-round capacity
  • .22 LR
$38.49$44.59Save 14%
View at OpticsPlanet
FN PS90 10-Round Compliant Magazine
Magazines & Feeding • $51.59

FN PS90 10-Round Compliant Magazine

  • 10-round capacity
  • 5.7x28mm
$50.89$51.59Save 1%
View at OpticsPlanet
CMMG .350 Legend 10-Round Magazine
Magazines & Feeding • $22.89

CMMG .350 Legend 10-Round Magazine

  • 10 rounds
  • .350 Legend
$33.79
View at OpticsPlanet

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What Washington Residents Can Still Buy

Full 50-State Map

More Washington Gun Laws

Magazine Capacity Limits Laws by State

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