So if I'm reading this right if I'm in posession of a hunting license I can transport a unloaded pistol to an outdoor recreation area, load it and hunt/shoot with it if I'm under 21 but over 18. I'm 19 and would like to get a handgun, mainly for target shooting but on occasion we see cougar or bear while bird hunting and I have the appropriate tags for them. It would be nice to be able to pull out the pistol and shoot one but I've been told as long as I'm under 21 I cant possess a pistol outside of my own home.

Here is the RCW
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.240

Am I reading this right or way off base? I know I cant apply for a concealed carry until I'm 21 which is fine as I wont be carrying this concealed, it would be holstered on my hip in plain sight. I'd also like to get a pistol before Nobama bans em:laughing:

Thanks.

a person at least eighteen years of age, but less than twenty-one years of age, may possess a pistol only:

(1) In the person's place of abode;

(2) At the person's fixed place of business; or

(3) On real property under his or her control.


If I am reading it right, I think the only place a 19yo can have a pistol is at Your home, Your business or Your land.
It's been a long week, maybe I'm confused, but that is what I see.

Don't know about WA, but in VA the age to own a handgun is 18. You can open carry when your 18. Not 21. It's 18. Pretty amusing how many people will argue that it's 21 till they're blue in the face.

NRA has good summaries of state laws. It looks like it is 18 for possession.

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/#?st=WA

From NRA Washington State guide
The prohibition against carrying concealed without a license does not apply to law enforcement personnel and prison or jail wardens or their deputies; military personnel when on duty; regularly enrolled members of any organization authorized to purchase or receive pistols from the U.S. and regularly enrolled members of target shooting or collectors? clubs and any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity, provided such persons are at or going to or from such activities; gun dealers in the usual or ordinary course of their business; carrying unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper; and qualified retired law enforcement officers.
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