It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of laws and regulations on the books governing how guns can be transported across state lines. For those of us living in the Pacific Northwest near the Oregon/Washington border, knowing which state laws apply to which class of guns can become even more complicated during the buying process. But buying a gun doesn’t have to be that way.
Here’s a quick couple of points that apply to all Oregonians buying in Washington:
- You won’t pay sales tax on your purchases as long as you have the correct, up-to-date identification verifying you are a current Oregon resident.
- Long guns have no waiting period at this time. These items can be purchased or transferred and brought home the same day — with National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) approval.
Handgun, Lowers, Suppressors and Other Firearm Purchases
If you’re an Oregon resident, you can purchase all of these items at Sporting Systems. In accordance with federal law, you must take delivery from an FFL (Federal Firearms License) in your home state of residence. (Exceptions are made for active military members with orders.) We’ll arrange to ship or deliver the purchase to your local dealer to comply with federal law. We partner with Fisherman’s Marine & Outdoor in North Portland’s Delta Park for most of our transfers — with daily deliveries!
For suppressors and SBRs (short-barreled rifles), we complete all the work in store. The item will just be delivered by our Oregon FFL partner at no additional charge after its been approved by ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).
Private Party Purchases or Trades with Washington Residents
For pistols and receivers, if you live in Oregon and want to purchase or trade a handgun from a private party (rather than an FFL) in Washington, you’re required to find an FFL in Oregon to deliver the handgun, lower or firearm. If you’re trading pistols across state lines, you’ll have to visit an FFL in each state.
For rifles and shotguns, you can visit an FFL in either state. Remember, all private-party sales require a background check to be in compliance with state laws of Oregon and Washington.
Jumpstart the Gun-Buying Process
While buying or transferring firearms across state lines may seem confusing, it doesn’t need to be. Sporting Systems is your resource for any questions you may have and offers a wide variety of common and specialty firearms for the new and seasoned shooting enthusiast. We welcome visitors of all levels of experience and are happy to help you handle our products, use our workbench and tools, or just browse and ask questions.
