Posted: 3/6/2026 1:16:07 PM EDT
| Is there a reasonable way to find out when lower receivers were purchased, or would simply inquiring about them put them into some state registration system? |
| You could probably reach out to the manufacturer, they should be able to run a serial and see when it was manufactured. The only record of date of purchase is going to be your receipt, business records, and any background check documents with the state/feds if it was bought from an FFL. |
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I know that the maker of the receivers would have to be able to show the FFL to which they were sold. But after the FFL sells the receiver does the state keep a registration of the receiver? I know that the FFL would be required to keep the form filled out at the time of purchase. The receiver I'm wondering about was purchased over five years ago. |
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The only form kept on file by an FFL for the sale of a lower receiver would be a 4473. If the FFL goes out of business, then those 4473’s and bound book are shipped off to the BATFE. I don’t think the state keeps a record of that except maybe the background check. |
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Originally Posted By Genin: That is what I was wondering about, is the background check and the serial number of the item purchased on record with the state in addition to the 4473 at BATFE? If you bought the lower prior to the WSP doing the background checks, I don’t think the serial number was recorded. They just did a NICS check and what item you were purchasing. Not sure how it works now. |
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Originally Posted By Genin: That is what I was wondering about, is the background check and the serial number of the item purchased on record with the state in addition to the 4473 at BATFE? RCW 9.41.111 specifically addresses this issue with Frames and Receivers. It was originally passed in 2020 as part of HB2555, and it said "takes effect 30 days after the WSP notifies dealers that the WSP SAFE system is established." Receivers and frames have been registered as early as November 2023 (soft launch of WSP SAFE system for some FFLs, like myself), and with all FFLs on SAFE as of February 1st 2024 or thereabouts. So if you bought a frame and/or receiver on 11/2023 to 1/31/2024, then it might be "on file" with the DOL, depending on whether the FFL you used was on the SAFE system at that time. As of 2/1/2024, it most certainly IS on FILE with the DOL. Yes, we are now going back 2+ years.... Same with pistols (for decades now) and "Semi Automatic Assault rifles" as of I-1639 (1/1/2019.) |
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Thanks for the replies...that is the info I was looking for. Is there a web site to find out if a receiver sale pre-dates the 2-1-2024 date, or is the only way to find out to contact DOL? Would DOL even provide that information? I found this: 1. Request Records from the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) Because Washington state mandates that all dealer sales of semiautomatic rifles be reported to the DOL, you can request a record of firearms registered in your name. Action: Fill out the Firearms Record Request Form (often referred to as a "registry" check, though it is legally a record of transfers). Process: The form must be submitted, often requiring it to be taken to a local law enforcement agency for identification verification. Scope: This will show the date of transfer for guns bought through a licensed dealer (FFL) in Washington. |
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Originally Posted By Cops66: If you bought the lower prior to the WSP doing the background checks, I don’t think the serial number was recorded. They just did a NICS check and what item you were purchasing. Not sure how it works now. Originally Posted By Cops66: Originally Posted By Genin: That is what I was wondering about, is the background check and the serial number of the item purchased on record with the state in addition to the 4473 at BATFE? If you bought the lower prior to the WSP doing the background checks, I don’t think the serial number was recorded. They just did a NICS check and what item you were purchasing. Not sure how it works now. FWIW, my understanding for the era before the WSP took over background checks and the more recent SAFE system thing took effect, e.g., when only a 4473 form and instant background check were required for a long gun or frame/receiver, was that the 4473 is kept on file at the FFL where the sale was made. My recollection has also been that if the FFL goes out of business, then the 4473s are acquired by the ATF, and get entered into their system. Pease correct me if I’m wrong. |
“War is a racket….”
Smedley D. Butler, Maj.-Gen., USMC
Smedley D. Butler, Maj.-Gen., USMC
I think the OP is really only concerned if the State knows for sure, for whatever reason….. Look, go here: https://dol.wa.gov/forms/view/652012/download?inline Fill out the form, for whoever has the lowers, and send it in via local LE. If they show up on the list, then you’ll know when. If they DON’T show up, then you’ll know BEFORE when…… |
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Originally Posted By Genin: Thanks for the replies...that is the info I was looking for. Is there a web site to find out if a receiver sale pre-dates the 2-1-2024 date, or is the only way to find out to contact DOL? Would DOL even provide that information? I found this: 1. Request Records from the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) Because Washington state mandates that all dealer sales of semiautomatic rifles be reported to the DOL, you can request a record of firearms registered in your name. Action: Fill out the Firearms Record Request Form (often referred to as a "registry" check, though it is legally a record of transfers). Process: The form must be submitted, often requiring it to be taken to a local law enforcement agency for identification verification. Scope: This will show the date of transfer for guns bought through a licensed dealer (FFL) in Washington. |
Arfcom's own STD
| I had a long gun listed on mine. An AK that I snuck in just under the ban. Also, there were two AR lowers from the old days that I had registered as pistols. Something I noticed in the serial numbers, there were quite a few mistakes S instead of 5, or 3 instead of E. Somewhere along the line I think someone with dyslexia was doing data entry. |