When Can I Legally Display My Firearm in Washington State?

[@rhynod6796]

I live in WA state. I have a CPL. If open carry is legal, why can I not simply tuck my shirt behind the concealed weapon to now be open carrying when I feel threatened? WA State keeps the laws in a grey area because they hate guns. The criminal will almost always be found as the victim, even if they started the altercation.

[@Ace0076]

As a proud cpl always try to walk away. I've been insulted, told off, a victim of road rage. I've walked away with my cpl intact

[@robgrey6183]

"What it really comes down to": In this country you are entitled to exactly as much justice as you can afford at $3-400/hr.

[@rdenzil22]

These laws seem to violate, “right to keep and bear arms”. They seem to be laws designed to separate a person from their gun rights. Have they ever been challenged in a court?

[@theelwhastrummer7166]

Best defense is avoidance. That said, I've seen situations where someone is being terribly bullied by one or more people, and as soon as they pulled their shirt up a little, the bully(s) hit the brakes hard. WA state has become so liberal in last 20 years, that even their gun laws are based on feelings. What a fricken mess. Someone can be a total ass, and get away with it, but if someone is minding their own business, but has a gun, the asinine ones are immediately offended (scared) and will call police. "But I digress".....🙂

[@Troysbuildsnlife]

My basic rule for this situation is don't draw unless use is already justified.

[@jz601]

Man….. A CPL to me seems to be more of a problem than anything. The law does not protect my wife or me. Should I just start open carrying??? Seems the law has responsible CPL and law abiding citizens on the rope in any situation. You almost have to be stabbed, shot, brutally assaulted before you can defend yourself and not see yourself fighting for your life in our corrupt court system.

[@opencarry3860]

I started open carrying daily in 1996 and I wouldn't go back to concealed carry as the primary method of carry ever again. So many good conversations have begun from open carry in public with strangers. Many of them have become gun owners and a few have become open carriers because of these interactions. In 26 years of daily open carry I only have been asked to leave a business five different times, but many businesses have thanked me for open carrying. The See's Candy store in my local mall not only thanked me, but gave me a free pound of candy my first time visiting their store. I can say open carry has been 99+ positive for me, but I am always super polite with everyone for you are representing gun owners in general.

[@1014p]

Its what happens when cowards make law on behalf of criminals to strap down victims.

[@ulisesmartinez6432]

what i deduced from what he was saying from a point blunt matter, if your going pull out your gun. use it. dead men tell no tales.... pepper spray is a good option to most small altercations

[@HABITZER]

That is what they want they want it to become more of a hassle than its worth. They want you to be scared to use your constantutional right to bear arms.

[@nwvideographotographer7186]

This is why I always tell people to give a loud and clear verbal warning. Not I'm gonna kick your ass, blah, blah, but something like " I am scared and feel threatened for my life and safety, stay away from me and get out of my personal space or I will use lethal force to defend myself, this is your first and final warning", in my experience, when you say something like that with you hand on your pistol without even drawing it, people back off really fast and the situation de escalates fast. If they attack you after that, if someone hears you or records it, you are gonna have a really good case in court.

[@hazyskunk420]

Hand on your gun congratulations you just brandished a weapon welcome to jail Unlawful Display of a Firearm or Weapons (aka Brandishing) (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, EXHIBIT, DISPLAY, or draw a firearm or weapon in a manner that either manifests an INTENT TO INTIMIDATE another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.

[@LB-yy7cy]

This is not great advice. At least not “I will use lethal force”. Just say you’ll defend yourself

[@steventrostle1825]

In a bad situation and if you have time, grab your phone put it on record and stick it in your shirt pocket to record what happens. I did so in TX and saved myself a lot of grief, BTW I did not draw my weapon but told the perp that I was armed and Perfectly capable of using it, "I Never Miss" . When the law came to my door to arrest me I showed them the recording where I had both hands out in front of me, still got arrested but when I showed the recording to the judge, he charged the perp with filing a false report and asked me if i wanted to prefer Assault Charges which I did while saying I would not have done if the perp hadn't lied. He got 9 months to think about it and a permanent stain on his record. I went home the same day, actually was driven home by the arresting officers as a courtesy. Do your best to stay calm and think because it is a certainty that the perp WILL LIE. The real problem is no actual proof it comes down to he said he said and with no proof you are in trouble.

[@a-t5380]

You never miss?

[@steventrostle1825]

@@a-t5380 Correct!

[@a-t5380]

@steventrostle1825 interesting? Is that just like a saying or something or you mean that you atcually never have missed a shot? Are you ex military special forces or something? That's vary impressive..

[@bthemedia]

Always such fantastic analysis and explanation of the RCW laws here to help us all be knowledgeable, safe and responsible gun owners!

[@glcartm]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@johnh4957]

Are you aware of someone doing similar service(channel) for Illinois residents? The questions you are answering are exactly the questions I have, appreciate when you differentiate how some of your laws can be different than other states. Excellent information.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Not that I know of

[@opencarry3860]

When you open carry, it is displayed all the time. Never had any issue open carrying in Washington.

[@davidcoleman5860]

I support open carry, but there are several businesses in my area, including Walmart, that will ask you to leave if you open carry.

[@opencarry3860]

@@davidcoleman5860 I have been fortunate that in twenty-six years of daily open carry only seven businesses have asked me to leave so far. One business (See's Candies) located in the Boise Mall, that the manager was so impressed to see me open carry, that she gave my wife and I about a dozen pieces of free candy. She is a big supporter of carry and especially of open carry. 99+ percent of my interactions with people are positive and I have never been contacted by law enforcement because of my open carrying.

[@davidcoleman5860]

@@opencarry3860 Thanks for your reply. If you don't mind my asking, do you live in eastern or western Washington? I live in western Washington.

[@opencarry3860]

@@davidcoleman5860 I grew up and lived in Clark County and then spent 13 years in Spokane before getting out of Washington for Idaho 9 years ago. I still go to Washington to see family and I will open carry there without issues. I do get stared at by some in Clark County, but no one says anything. The secret to open carry is to be confident, be very polite with people and dress nicely as in slacks, dress shirt, etc. Being well groomed is a plus too. I still maintain my Washington carry permit so I don't have issues with vehicle carry since Washington considers that concealed carry, which I find bizarre.

[@davidcoleman5860]

@@opencarry3860 Agreed. I've never understood that requirement.

[@ando77721]

If we just displayed a firearm and it did diffuse the threat and everybody went their own way. Are we required to report it?

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

Well....

[@jamesmoore9511]

This proportional thing is why the police use 10 to 20 cops to arrest a jaywalker. Just part of the two tier justice system we live in. I have also been a witness in a case where the arrested jerk claimed the security officer had pulled his pistol on him ( the officer had a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other no pistol even touched or drawn).

[@notyou6950]

I solved all those legal quicksand issues with me carrying a short spear.

[@brentton6038]

Just found your channel. Great to find someone doing gun law analysis here in Washington. Otherwise I have been watching Armed Scholar who is unfortunately out of California (great channel and analysis though). Looks like you have provided me a good backlog of videos to catch up on. Great job and I appreciate the analysis on the couple of videos I have watched so far. Looking forward to when I-1639 is repealed and Sideshow Bob is shown to have backed an unconstitutional/illegal initiative.

[@glcartm]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@lonniebeal6032]

I see corrupt WA as don't show, don't draw unless you have to pull the trigger.

[@BThrasher]

Thank you Mr. Kirk for doing these videos. Our family tries to make these videos a part of our "firearm studies". We appreciate your time, efforts, and legal knowledge.

[@glcartm]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BradYaeger]

For what it's worth, if God forbid I was in this type of situation I would make sure to phrase it as "I was clearing my garment in case he attacked me" to the police , which is a smart tactic at that range anyhow.

[@codycooper5089]

I like your videos, and others like it. A professional, and honest decipherer. I can point or fire my weapon (without authority) and keep my cpl, but all i have to do is pull it out or show it.... to lose my cpl? sounds like idiots run the government. conflicting laws don't make any sense, aren't we "better than this"? like can we just have a plain, common sense "for everyone" type thing going on? one can wish.

[@scottsent8120]

I am always displaying my weapons. My fists and feet are not regulated. I've got another weapon at the ready in my truck, a club on my floorboard. I also have a Ka-Bar ready when needed.

[@DecloberatorJack]

Pretty sure the club is illegal honestly

[@scottsent8120]

@@DecloberatorJack Not if it's a baseball bat or a gas or plumbing pipe.

[@Ahfurhsb4818]

Great answer

[@oldschool240]

So Bill, I'm a lawful & responsible gun owner, here in the great state of WA. I'm almost 66 years old. I have my CPL. I generally open carry, but conceal in stores, etc. that frown on my 2nd Amendment right, so as not to stir the pot. I am, by no means, a Bruce Lee. I can't wrestle like I used to. My question is, for my safety & the safety of those with me, if I display (not point, not aim at) someone who is threatening me, am I iwithin my rights?

[@PaulBarwick]

Thanks for all the great videos. Knowing the info that you teach us is just as important as knowing how to shoot straight. Q #1: If I do display my weapon and that convinces the threat to leave, do you suggest that I notify LE of such incident? I'm thinking of the saying that "the first to call is considered the victim". Q #2: Am I correct in assuming that something as simple as drawing my unbuttoned shirt back a bit to show that I am armed is enough to be considered "displaying"?

[@glcartm]

.....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hazyskunk420]

So from what I understand someone has to be beating my face in for me to think about a firearm. Many times in my life ive been stopped on the road and screamed at over rumors from others. To the point where they wouldn't let me walk by or walk away but never became physical they just kept moving into my way with there hands down not letting me go by while screaming at me. Then they took things out of my pockets to steal. I wouldn't stop them because i didnt want to throw the first punch and go to jail and dont have confidence id last in a fight im not strong. So in this case theres no physical harm and I have 0 fighting skills so I guess I should just let them take my gun too then sense they are not attacking me.

[@drob8267]

I just subscribed! Been needing a Chanel like yours for a while now. Been in WA all my life. Still don't know all the gun laws.

[@glcartm]

.....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@joemarchinski7798]

Thank you for what you do...you need many many more subscribers.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Please help spread the word, we're working on it. Thanks for supporting WGL TV. Let us know if you have any ideas for a video.

[@glcartm]

.....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@grandpascuba]

Do you have a video about open carry rules, laws and what level of discretion does law enforcement have when someone calls 911 when you are following the law? Or if the officer just doesn’t like that you are carrying?

[@evanwindom3265]

Great content. I found the pounding on the desk to be a little distracting, though. You might consider not doing that.

[@austinpowers3699]

What about a loaded Detached magazine

[@shanesgopro]

Not at costco it’s private property

[@headsupdisplay2189]

Always good information. Thank you!

[@glcartm]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@derektyler5928]

I do have my concealed weapons permit in Washington State. I didn't realize I can legally wear my gun on my hip out in public

[@mudpuddle8805]

It seems like the moment anyone sees a firearm, brandishing will be charged. A gun should be displayed a half second prior to discharging it at the attacking party.

[@joebauers3746]

Question: If I am lawfully concealed carrying and something goes down and all I do in response is to go from concealed to open carry by removing a jacket or other piece of clothing that is concealing my weapon without drawing or even putting my hand on the weapon this would always be legal no matter what, correct?

[@a-t5380]

Great quesrion... did you ever find out the answer to this

[@joebauers3746]

@@a-t5380 I am pretty sure it is legal as long as you don't do it as a threat? Like in someone's face in response to something? I am not 100% sure yet though. I do know we have open carry laws so it must be legal to do it in a casual manner...

[@a-t5380]

@joebauers3746 ya one of my tweaker neighbors came on to my property the other day. I live in Lynnwood so you already know it's pretty woke politicaly.. I had my gun on me and I simply place my hand on my gun as he stepped towards me.. end of the day we got the situation sorted... but it has made me really think about the limits to my rights. I didn't draw the weapon becausei beleive if I'm drawing it I'm using it.. so I came bac to this video once again to see what I can and can't do.. it seems like a lot of Grey area

[@a-t5380]

@joebauers3746 we can open carry here so om pretty sure going from ccw to open carry is fine.. but I'm not lawyer lol

[@joebauers3746]

@@a-t5380 Yea, putting your hand on it may be able to be interpreted as brandishing, I wouldn't do it unless I was going to draw, and I would need a good reason to do that...

[@peterdement]

If a holstered concealed weapon is untouched yet clothing is moved making the weapon visible is this consider "displaying" ?

[@RhysWilde]

It is, unfortunately.

[@peterdement]

So it is the absence of concealment that eliminates "displaying"?@@RhysWilde

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Thank you. I wonder aboutt can you discharge your firearm in your own property.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Most municipalities do not permit discharge of a firearm within city limits. However depending on where you live it may be permitted on your property depending on the size of lot I would check with local officials first. Additionally you have to make sure that it is safe to shoot on your property knowing what lies beyond it and anything that could be struck by a stray bullet.

[@dmark6699]

I sat on a case as a juror on a case of intimidation with a firearm and I would say never open carry in the state of Washington in public. You are asking for trouble because a lot of people do not like the fact people are allowed firearms.

[@PothocketsFPV]

"That warrants alarm for the safety of other persons" is so vague, and people are so soft, couldnt this be used to charge someone who is simply going about their day open carrying?

[@bradmaas6875]

As I told a friend once, don't draw your weapon until you see blood. Here in Seattle, you are behind enemy lines.

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

get out of that shithole and move way east maybe even over the Idaho border. Seattle has fallen.

[@kenbugher1590]

So. The person defending him or herself has to think throughout the whole ordeal, but the bad guy doesn't...

[@hooks4nooks]

Thanks William. I was curious about this and Washington. Great video. Good point between legal or if you should.

[@glcartm]

.....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@dougcobb8114]

So if, do sool position ,(check word), I'm a criminal to display to stop a possibility of a conversation of gun battle, force shown my be a stoptage..for loss of life and to the conflict,,many cop do the stol..display.. to display who is in control,,,,,,something is not right on this legal diffenision..🙄

[@johnscott2972]

Thank you for the follow up video. It's clearly a subjective situation!

[@glcartm]

....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@thecollapsefr]

How much is your retainer?

[@ronirave]

I am so glad I found this, I am so new to all of this.

[@glcartm]

.....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jrtactical2294]

How old do you have to be to buy parts to self assemble and manufacture firearms can anyone above the age 18 buy parts to make their own gun without the intend to sell

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

I just looked at the law I do not think you will be permitted to do that. RCW 9.41.111 requires that all FFL conduct proper background checks for anyone receiving a lower receiver. Since these lower receivers are likely to be for either hand guns or semi-automatic rifles than the required background check under RCW 9.4 1.092 will catch the fact that you are not a proper age to possess the receiver. I believe you could purchase any other part necessary for the build but either a receiver for a pistol or a semi-automatic rifle will be denied of you by a FFL.

[@jrtactical2294]

@@WashingtonGunLaw thank you Mr kirk for the information always great

[@hifiandrew]

Great advice. I have a CPL but choose to not carry because of these gray areas and I use common sense and don't go to risky places. The next question people ask is why do I have a CPL then? Because I want the option if for some reason I have to go to a risky area or may want it in my car. I do like other YT channels like Active Self Protection and they advocate having other less lethal options. If you're gonna carry a gun, carry pepper spray too. I really appreciate the wise advice that it's smart to make a tactical retreat sometimes. Just because you can 'stand your ground' doesn't mean you should if you don't have to. Think with your brain not with your huevos.

[@ryanniksch4174]

Other countries you draw a firearm with intent to kill. You upholster if your life is in danger and you draw to make that threat go away permanently. This is extreme but personally I like this as I see a firearm as an absolute last resort.

[@codemonkeymojo]

That's actually not true, the RCW states you can't OPENLY carry a firearm at a protest or near a protest.

[@ravenglennhomestead]

Thank you...some questions were answered here...

[@glcartm]

....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@PTFO]

I get your teaching. Agree, most times. But this country has become -- you have rights -- but I will ALWAYS find a way to screw you after the fact and NOT UNDER THE SAME STRESS' you had. I will also choose to believe the criminal, because unlike the law abiding they always tell the truth. Attorneys, like yourself, are few and far between. And just like good LEO's, you are fighting an uphill battle because of the bad elements in your respective professions. In my opinion...the modern world has become a "do what you must to survive the moment, and HOPE for the best?" In this video-what I just heard is...if you reach for an item on the top shelf at the store and someone sees the bottom of your holster...you in deep kim-chi. But if you are open carrying a firearm in a non-flapped holster and the firearm is readily visible...NO PROBLEM! That is one of the most ludicrous things I've heard of late. I say again "ONE OF THE MOST!"

[@robertjames4953]

creeping communism, mostly quiet and stealthy but ultimately violent and deadly. say la vie.

[@elknut50]

show of force??

[@Diazmig003]

Quick question can you carry some type of airsoft gun for self-defense something like a pistol airsoft with a CO2 can?

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Airport guns are not considered firearms under Washington law. So yes, you can. But I would caution that as well.

[@hifiandrew]

Do not bluff with a fake gun. If they call your bluff, you're dead. It's just stupid all the way around. Cops will shoot you too if you're holding it. Either get the CPL, get good training, know how or when to use it, or don't carry a gun or fake gun at all. There's plenty of better options like pepper spray or a Taser. I don't know what the lawyer will say but I bet if you point a fake gun or intimidate with it, without lawful justification, you can still be arrested just as if it were a real gun.

[@prr665]

What about not drawing your weapon but telling the offending party you are armed?

[@SanitysVoid]

Lets say the argument becomes heated and then someone picks up a large stick or section of 2X4 then it's on right?

[@TheJBerg]

Blunt object is just as lethal as a sharp object. You only have to prove said object was actively being used in a life-threatening manner at the moment you went for your lethal object.

[@alakazoom87]

Is it illegal to walk down the street with a rifle slung on our back?

[@ronbumgarner5479]

Very good information, thank you young man..

[@glcartm]

....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@usmcsgtdustin102]

It's always good to find information on this stuff and I will just say thank you. Also on a side note, what does the state law say about 3D printed gun parts? I saw they just made it illegal in another state recently.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4DblIOCi66Kf9U.

[@2112user]

So how the F does that work..... you can't exercise your 2nd while your exercising your first? You just have to become mute when your holding a firearm? #lawswrittenbythelowIQ

[@richard3716]

so open carry and let the perp be the one to make all the mistakes?

[@Jamesmoore-mj5ke]

Unless in jeopardy of your life being harmed right charging you or advancing when you say stop.?? Can I display my weapon , sounds correct right just try it your gonna be jailed when a cop comes I wouldn't trust it better to stop a treat charging at you or better yet shoot to the air or ground ??

[@badcompany3057]

Let's start with Lt. John Tueller.

[@lonewolfvega9279]

I cc not only my firearm but I also wear a go pro whenever I'm out & about so I'll always have a witness

[@rexsardinas8713]

Great videos..

[@glcartm]

....🤦🏻‍♂️

[@glcartm]

yes second amendment 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jonathanfish7963]

What about if a guy hit his gf and than u have 4 other people comming up on u

[@mlentsch]

Nice pelvis thumbnail!

[@jimmercer1961]

I know you discourage hypotheticals but…. Say I see a stranger outside my house entering my car and walk outside remaining on my property displaying a handgun merely to deter a violent encounter as I tell the person to leave my car alone. Clearly this is cases that does not rise to the level of a threat a bodily harm and pointing the gun at them gun would not be appropriate. I rather lose a car than shoot someone considering I am only out a deductible. On the other hand I would like to discourage the theft with minimal risk of bodily injury. It would appear the main risk would be the claim of the gun being pointed when in fact is wasn’t. Does the fact that auto theft is a felony assist in the defense for such a claim in anyway? Or am I better off staying in my house waving good buy to my car in the absence of security cameras? The deductible would be far less costly than defending myself against the “he said, she said.” Thanks again, love your dissection and explanations of the laws. Your presentations should be a reference provided by every firearms class in the state.

[@hifiandrew]

My 2 cents -- Amen and damn right it's better to lose a deducible than risk your life, their life, or your freedom or civil liability than an insurance deductible. I wouldn't confront a car prowler. It's not worth risk of you shooting them or they shooting you over property. Call the cops tell them car prowl in progress. Maybe if you wanted to crack your front door and yell the cops are on the way that would scare them off. I'd still stay inside. If for some reason you really had to go outside and want to be armed, I'd come out with a holstered gun. Or say you just hear a noise and don't know what it is, strap a holster on and then investigate. If you've practiced, you can draw real fast if needed but you're not waving a gun around. Remember, the cops might be looking for someone in your area-- you come outside waving a gun around because you heard a noise that turns out to be the cops in your back yard, you might be in a real bad spot. If you're holstered you can put your hands up real fast they say "police, show me your hands". I'd also advise to stay on your property. If something goes down, you have a lot better case on your property than chasing after someone in public.

[@curtiswashington8536]

Open carry is stupid