OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on the sale of gun ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
The ban, which became law in 2022, was challenged by a gun shop in Southwest Washington.
Lawyers for Gator’s Custom Guns argued that the ban violates the state constitution, which protects the right for a person to bear arms in defense of themselves or the state.
In a 7-2 ruling, the justices determined that high-capacity magazines are not considered “arms” but are instead a component of a gun.
The court stated that these magazines are not generally used for self-defense, aligning with the arguments made by attorneys for the state during a January hearing.
This decision reinforces the state’s stance on gun regulation and clarifies the legal interpretation of what constitutes an “arm” under the state constitution.
