Free HB1143 Firearms Safety Training Program | Vancouver, Washington

With passage of HB1143, Washington residents are now required to take a safety training class covering 8 specific topics before purchasing or transferring any firearm. This course is designed to address each of those 8 topics covered under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW9.41.090).

We have designed this course to meet the MINIMUM statutory requirements, to the letter of the law. We have included additional topics that are critical to protecting your civil rights and the rights of future generations. We believe firearms training is extremely important for the safe and responsible use of firearms, but should never be mandatory to exercise your Second Amendment rights.

Upon completion of this course, you will PRINT OR SAVE your Certificate of Completion which is valid for 5 years from the date of completion. The State of Washington does not track or certify this information, so keep your certificate in a safe place and only use a copy for any purchase. You are required to show proof of this training when purchasing or transferring any firearm after January 1, 2024.

You’re joining 108,892 Washington citizens who have completed our free 1639 training course, saving approximately $5,444,600 in training fees. This class now provides you with the Permit to Purchase certificate at no charge, saving Washington citizens millions more in Unconstitutional fees. Please support your local gun shops, gun clubs, gun ranges, active gun rights organizations and the Second Amendment. Thank you, good luck and carry on.
© 2023 - Sporting Systems Vancouver. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or reproduced whole, in part, or otherwise distributed by any means without express written permission. Contact Sporting Systems Vancouver, 7415 NE HWY 99 STE 104, Vancouver WA. 98665

Requirements of HB1143 training as required by RCW - 9.41.090.2.a

Dealer deliveries regulated—Hold on delivery—Fees authorized. (Effective January 1, 2024.)

In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, no dealer may deliver any firearm to the purchaser thereof;
- The purchaser provides proof that he or she has completed a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years that, at a minimum, includes instruction on:
- Basic firearms safety rules
- Firearms and children, including secure gun storage and talking to children about gun safety
- Firearms and suicide prevention
- Secure gun storage to prevent unauthorized access and use
- Safe handling of firearms
- State and federal firearms laws, including prohibited firearms transfers.
- Use of deadly force laws in Washington state
- Avoiding criminal attack and conflict resolution
"The training must be sponsored by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or a firearms training school with instructors certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training". This training program was developed, implemented and maintained by an NRA certified trainer from Sporting Systems. The proof of training shall be in the form of a certificate that states under the penalty of perjury the training included the minimum requirements mentioned above.
ANY retailer whom refuses to accept this certificate as proof of training, is making up their own law and you should reconsider patronizing their business.

Firearms and your Constitutional Rights

Our Federal and State Constitutions provide explicit protections of your personal right to keep and bear arms. This is an individual right, as provided by our founding fathers and affirmed by the United States Supreme Court. The Second Amendment is not about hunting or self-defense, it is about protecting your inalienable civil rights, and all of your civil rights are equally as valuable. It provides you, the individual, the ability to protect yourself and your community from criminal behavior, assist in the national defense, and from an overbearing, tyrannical government. It gives you, the citizen, the right to keep firearms for whatever lawful reason you desire.

Laws like HB-1143, are written to appeal to an emotional “need” to solve a criminal problem by impairing law abiding citizens rights to purchase, keep and use firearms. These laws do not stop criminal behavior, curb evil intent, or make our communities safer. These laws just impair law abiding citizens rights to purchase, use and keep firearms. We have tried to make this law easy to comply with and at no cost to you.

If you’d like a really good breakdown of the Second Amendment and its origins, you might choose to watch this video. It's optional...

Basic Firearms Safety Rules

There are no firearm accidents, only careless or negligent discharges. Firearms don’t fire themselves, and do not have the ability to think or reason. They are simply tools that when used safely can provide recreation, for competition, fill a collection, protect your animals, provide self defense or put food for your table. Knowing and applying the basic safety rules is the most important aspect of responsible firearm use.

Safety always comes first when handling or using firearms. Always apply these principals;
- Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Trust but verify. Please don't be an Alec Baldwin.
- Never point firearm at anything you’re not willing to shoot or destroy. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Be sure of your backstop and what is behind it.
If you choose to watch this little video, help yourself.

Firearms & Children
Children by nature, are curious. If you have firearms in your home, you should take appropriate measures to be sure they are appropriately secured. Part of responsible firearm ownership, is preventing unwanted access to them, from children, prohibited persons and others.

Children should be educated about firearms, so the mystery is removed. Firearms can be dangerous if used improperly, illegally or unsafely. Education about the safe use of firearms is critical to children respecting the power of a firearm. Teach them that life is precious, and unlike video games, you don't get extras. Take your kids to a non live fire safety class. Take them range, and teach them how to safely use firearms. If they enjoy firearms, encourage training and practice, and always emphasize firearm safely. Investing a little time in their education and learning, could save a life or prevent an injury. We teach kids about stranger danger, household chemicals, traffic and other dangers in our daily lives, we should do the same with firearms. Remove the mystery and teach them to be responsible at an early age. Yes, we're asking YOU to take an active role in protecting our greatest assets.

We routinely offer free kids firearms safety classes in Southwest Washington with our partner in safety, Kids Safe Foundation The National Shooting Sports Foundation has some great resources in their Project Child Safe program
Teach children this basic rule if they find a firearm;
- Stop!
- Don’t touch!
- Run away!
- Tell an adult!
This video was produced by the NRA Eddie the Eagle Program. It is intended for kids, but watch it if you wish.

Secure Gun Storage — RCW 9.41.360

Unsafe storage of a firearm. (Effective July 1, 2019.)

“WARNING: YOU MAY FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION IF YOU STORE OR LEAVE AN UNSECURED FIREARM WHERE A PERSON WHO IS PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS CAN AND DOES OBTAIN POSSESSION.“

Under Washington law, you are responsible for safely storing your firearms from access by a prohibited person.

“9.41.360.5 “For the purposes of this section, "prohibited person" means a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.”

The irony of this law is that it has been ruled unconstitutional by the federal court and because of that, the new RCW is vague at best.

941.360.6 reads as follows “Nothing in this section mandates how or where a firearm must be stored”. Now, isn't that clear as mud? The Supreme Court Decision of Heller vs District of Columbia (2008) established that secure storage requirements were illegal, and this was further defined by another Supreme court case of MacDonald vs City of Chicago. The state cannot tell you how to safely store a firearm, because that’s been judged to be illegal. However, they leave you open to prosecution if your firearm is taken from you. You have a duty, under Washington law, to report a stolen firearm to law enforcement, so be sure to file a police report to prevent potential claims against yourself at a future date.
This a good resource for understanding some basic types of firearm storage.
Penalties under RCW 9.41.360
- (1) A person who stores or leaves a firearm in a location where the person knows or reasonably should know, that a prohibited person may gain access to the firearm:
  - (a) Is guilty of community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the first degree if a prohibited person obtains access and possession of the firearm and causes personal injury or death with the firearm; or
  - (b) Is guilty of community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the second degree if a prohibited person obtains access and possession of the firearm and: (i) Causes the firearm to discharge; (ii) Carries, exhibits, or displays the firearm in a public place in a manner that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons; or (ii) Carries, exhibits, or displays the firearm in a public place in a manner that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons; or (iii) Uses the firearm in the commission of a crime.
- (2)(a) Community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the first degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
- (b) Community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

Firearms and Suicide Prevention

Suicide is an unfortunate and completely avoidable human condition. People have no limits to the creative approaches used over the millennia to commit suicide. In Washington, 78% of all firearms deaths are by suicide, not criminal violence or negligence. The US has a similar suicide rate to other industrialized nations around the world, the firearm is just the tool chosen more often in the USA. Firearms will be lethal when used for this purpose, however, firearms do not cause suicide, any more than medications, poisons, ropes, or gravity, it's merely the tool employed.

Suicide rates among many industrialized nations are all very similar to the United States (Graph 1), even those countries with extremely low rates (or zero rates) of firearm ownership. Suicide rates in the US have been steadily increasing for the past 2 decades, with a sharp increase in the Covid years, while worldwide suicide rates have fallen in the same time frame (see Graph 2). We must as a society, understand why there is an increasing rate of suicide and address those underlying mental health issues with treatment and compassion.
Suicide is often preventable with recognition, intervention and appropriate mental health care. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please get them some help. Common sense would indicate that you can take numerous measures to prevent suicide by securing access to firearms, knives, drugs, or alcohol. Most importantly, get involved.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

For more information, Visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center

State and Federal Firearms Laws
There are approximately 20,000 firearms laws across the country, including federal, state, county, and municipal codes. Understanding them all is a futile endeavor. Within the State of Washington, here are some important laws to be aware of.
- All firearm transfers in Washington require a background check conducted by a Federally Licenses Dealer. A transfer to an immediate family member is legal without the background check, as long as they are not a prohibited person AND a resident of Washington.
- It is illegal to provide a firearm to a prohibited person (convicted felon, active restraining order, non citizen, mentally adjudicated, or a domestic violence conviction.
- It is illegal to purchase a firearm for a prohibited person because they cannot pass a background check (Straw Purchase).
- In Washington, to carry a loaded handgun concealed on your person or in your vehicle, you’re required to have a Concealed Pistol License. Washington does recognize several states concealed carry licenses as well.
- You must be 21 years of age to purchase semiautomatic rifles, handguns, receivers or “other” firearms.
- You may not carry a firearm into numerous buildings in the state, including; schools, secured sections of airports, federal buildings, post offices, courthouses, jails or prisons, the State Capitol grounds, some state government buildings, arenas and within 250' of a permitted protest or demonstration.
- It is illegal to be under the influence and in possession of firearms, it is also a really bad idea. Please don't do that.
- Private property owners may post “no firearms allowed” signs and if you refuse to comply, they may have you trespassed from that property. This can include hospitals, shopping malls, private businesses, or private residences.
- You may travel on airplanes with firearms in your CHECKED baggage. Be aware of airlines and TSA rules about locking your firearms and ammunition as well as the laws in your destination location. Ammunition and firearms are NOT allowed on your person during air travel, they must be in checked baggage. Watch our video on traveling with firearms for more info.
A great resource for more state laws can be found here.

Use of Deadly Force in Washington State
Deadly Force - Defined (RCW - 9A.16.010 ) "1) "Necessary" means that no reasonably effective alternative to the use of force appeared to exist and that the amount of force used was reasonable to effect the lawful purpose intended. (2) "Deadly force" means the intentional application of force through the use of firearms or any other means reasonably likely to cause death or serious physical injury."
In the simplest terms, deadly force is authorized if you have a legitimate fear of serious injury or death. That said, you will be faced with an investigation, possible criminal prosecution, and potential civil procedures from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the perpetrator or their family. Deadly force is not something to be taken lightly. You're also responsible for every round discharged, so while you may stop an active threat, if a round causes injury or damage elsewhere, it's on you.
- "Use of force—When lawful. (RCW 9A.16.020) 3) Whenever used by a party about to be injured, or by another lawfully aiding him or her, in preventing or attempting to prevent an offense against his or her person, or a malicious trespass, or other malicious interference with real or personal property lawfully in his or her possession, in case the force is not more than is necessary"
- "Homicide—By other person—When justifiable. RCW 9A.16.050 . Homicide is also justifiable when committed either: (1) In the lawful defense of the slayer, or his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister, or of any other person in his or her presence or company, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design on the part of the person slain to commit a felony or to do some great personal injury to the slayer or to any such person, and there is imminent danger of such design being accomplished; or (2) In the actual resistance of an attempt to commit a felony upon the slayer, in his or her presence, or upon or in a dwelling, or other place of abode, in which he or she is."
Washington Gun Law, produced this useful video on the use of deadly force laws, it can be found here here.

Avoiding Criminal Attacks, Managing Violent Confrontations with Conflict Resolution
80% of firearms deaths occur from gang and drug activity (FBI statistics). That tidbit just resolved 80% of gun violence, don't engage in the illicit drug trades or participate in gang activity. That was easy! Outside of that, being aware of your surroundings at all times, avoiding high crime areas, being in control of yourself in public spaces (not drunk or high) and not making yourself an easy target by showing off money or goods. You have to take responsibility for your own safety, or you may become a victim of criminal activity. It would be helpful if local prosecutors, our state legislature and administration would punish violent criminals, rather than enabling their anti societal behaviors with lax laws, no jail time, reduced sentencing and early releases.
- Managing violent confrontations and conflict resolution. Best way to manage a violent confrontation, is to avoid them altogether. You cannot possibly mentally prepare yourself for every possible scenario, nor physically prepare or train for every possible situation. You will have to make a split second decision, fight, flight or compliance. That will be different for every person, their own abilities and situations.
- Here are six fundamentals to remember during a violent confrontation:
  1. Keep your eyes open. Our natural reaction is to close our eyes, you have to fight the urge and keep your eyes open. This is the only way to react appropriately.
  2. Watch their hands. Hands are the most dangerous part of your attacker, they hold a weapon, can punch, strike, grab or otherwise harm you.
  3. Do something. Run, kick, scream, but do something. The worst thing you can do is to do nothing. If you allow fear to paralyze you, you have minimized your chances of survival. Doing something isn't always a physical response. Maybe it's talking to the aggressor in hopes of descalation, calling law enforcement, moving bystanders to safety, you can always do something to alter the outcome of the event.
  4. Maintain presence of mind. It's easy to panic and get tunnel-vision, when you are focused only on what's in front of you. Fear, pain and exhaustion are just some of the factors that keep us from thinking clearly. When you have presence of mind, you are able to make decisions and act. You may even find ways to outsmart your assailant. If you stop thinking, you're giving up. Never give up!
  5. Don't turn your back to the assailant. Unless you have enough room to get a good head start and run away, do not turn your back. You are completely exposing yourself, and you can't see what the assailant is doing. You cannot react and defend yourself if you don't know what's going on.
  6. Keep your will to survive. Never give up. The mind is capable of defying physical boundaries. We've all heard of stories of people surviving situations that would have killed a regular person. They're not superhuman nor do they possess special abilities. They just refuse to give up.
Washington Gun Law, produced this video on the use of deadly force laws, it can be found here here.

Understanding Gun Control laws and how they come to be
The Second Amendment is under non-stop assault from the anti-gun forces inside and outside Washington state. They are well funded, well organized. They effectively move the goal posts, use propaganda, spin, and utilize a compliant media to promote their emotional plea for gun control. Their argument for gun control is rarely based in fact, but primarily an emotional plea. Their emotional stories are heartbreaking, and we do not wish that pain and suffering upon anyone, yet we also do not want to suffer the same heartbreak because we are unprepared to be our own first responder.
Even the smallest gain by the anti-gun crowd is the reason for them to celebrate that victory. It’s big business for some, a divisive “platform” for politicians, and make no mistake, there are huge sums of money involved on all sides.

Your civic involvement is more critical now than ever before in the State of Washington. The State legislature has a super majority that is committed to passing additional firearms regulations on the law-abiding citizens of Washington. They do so with full knowledge that these laws will be found unconstitutional, yet proceed anyways. What can you do?
- Call, email , write or visit your local legislators and express your disapproval of the firearm regulations being passed and the non enforcement of criminal violations.
- Introduce family, friends, neighbors, and other people to the safe and responsible use of firearms.
- Support gun rights organizations with donations of time, money and sharing their message with the public.
- Support local firearm businesses that are fighting for your rights. Online retailers are cheap and easy, but they are not invested in your rights here in Washington state, support those businesses that are fighting for you.
- Be a good firearm advocate by practicing safe and responsible firearm use at all times.
- Get involved with firearm clubs, activities, hunting, recreational shooting and competitions.
Finally, you must vote against anti-gun candidates that support these restrictions. Voting for a legislator that is committed to restricting your freedom, will only lead to more of these laws. This is why Washington has moved so far left on firearm issues. You MUST vote! It does matter.

To stay connected to local gun legislation issues, click here.

To find your local legislators, click here.

Building a Stronger Foundation - Introducing New Shooters to Firearms

Firearms owners and businesses are being marginalized in the mainstream media, made to feel like second class citizens because you wish to own and use firearms. School systems, PTAs, mass media, Hollywood, political parties, celebrities, and anti-gun groups all vilify firearm use. They associate suicide and criminal use of firearms with your right to lawfully possess and responsibly use firearms.

Introducing new people to the safe and responsible use of firearms is critical to protecting civil rights for our future generations. Firearms owners should be educating new shooters about how ineffective guns laws are at preventing crime or stopping suicides.

Next time you go to the range, take a new shooter with you. Introduce a family member, friend or coworker. It can just be a safety lesson. It can be target practice. It can be to watch a sport shooting event. Find out where their interest lays and help them explore that interest. Not everyone will be a life long hunter, Speed Steel champ or tack driving long range competitor, but everyone can enjoy the safe and responsible use of firearms.

Be smart about this endeavor. Start with low recoil firearms like an bolt action 22 rifle. Get comfortable with the basic safety rules and the firearm, before advancing to larger calibers. Scaring someone away with an impressive large caliber doesn't grow the sport, it can just turn people off to the safe and responsible use of firearms.

Learn to have respectable, well-informed discussions about firearms laws and engage in those discussions. You won't change some peoples minds, some won’t even consider your point of view, but others will. Respect their choice to disagree, remember in the end, you have the Constitution, common sense and case law on your side. You win, but no need to rub it in

You are the single best part of the Second Amendment. It’s your individual right and you should value that freedom.

Talking with Anti Gun Citizens

First, you must be educated about firearms laws and uses. Most anti-gun people are totally unfamiliar with the process to purchase, possess or use firearms. They get their information from a biased media, who is gleefully uninformed. Don't guess if you don't know the facts, or you're falling into the same intellectually dishonest mind trap as the anti-gunner you're talking too.

Educate yourself about the criminal use of firearms, and be able to provide good examples of criminal gun use rates in big cities, with high unemployment, serious drug and gang problems. Don't let suicide, 78% of firearm deaths in Washington, be included in gun violence statistics.

Here’s a thought: 75% of firearms deaths are from suicide, that leaves about 10,000 deaths from firearms. The FBI has estimated that 80% of those deaths are gang and drug-related, leaving 2000 firearms deaths. Of those 2000, that includes lawful self-defense, justified police shootings, accidents and finally criminal use. Any death is terrible, but remember that firearms are used to prevent hundreds of thousands of crimes every year, without a shot fired, saving citizens across the country from death or injury. Do we have a gun problem, or do we a suicide and drug problem?

The Justice Department Bureau of Prisons survey of inmates showed that 96% of inmates obtained their firearms illicitly.

Understand and be able to discuss the difference between a civil right and privilege.

Understand that many people have deep seeded beliefs about firearms, or perhaps a terrible experience with them. Respect their "lived" experience, just ask they value your choice to own a firearm without your rights being infringed. Respect your "lived" experience.
Personally, as the author of this program, I use a firearm everyday to defend myself. That doesn't mean I have EVER drawn it, presented it or discharged it. It's like a lifeboat, a parachute or an insurance policy, I don't need it every moment, but I'm sure happy to have it when the time arises.

Who’s fighting for your rights in Washington?

plenty of grifters in the pro 2A community, but who’s actually working hard for you?
Gun Rights Organizations to support in Washington

Second Amendment Foundation based in Bellevue Washington, has over 40 lawsuits pending at any given time, they fight nationally but are leading the HB1240 and 1639 challenges, as well as numerous other actions against the State of Washington.

Washington Civil Rights Association founder's GoFundMe has raised nearly $180,000 to fight 1639 since 2018 and now we are working to take challenge these laws in court and resist the Legislative efforts. We self funded for the past 6 years, but are accepting financial help with our legal and operating costs.

Support those local gun shops, ranges and foundations that are actively in the fight, testifying in legislature, filing lawsuits, and rallying for Pro 2A causes. Beware of groups that raise funds but cannot publicly account for what they have actually done.
This is the end of the training program, continue to the next page to complete the course.
Do you feel safer now?

Please complete the following form to receive your certificate. Once you submit this form, the next page has your name on your certificate of completion, that is dated and valid for 5 years.
Please PRINT or SAVE the file, it will NOT be emailed to you and we do not retain certificate copies. We do maintain a list of whom completed the program and on what day.
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This training program has been provided free of charge by Sporting Systems, Vancouver Washington. We spent our own funds to provide you this free service, because we believe no citizen should have to pay for a class, to exercise an inalienable Constitutionally protected right.

We do not require any payments or donations for this training program. If you choose to voluntarily support the Washington Civil Rights Association, who is unabashedly fighting for your Second Amendment rights here in Washington, you may choose to do that, you may donate here.

With passage of HB1143, Washington residents are now required to take a safety training class covering 8 specific topics before purchasing or transferring any firearm. This course is designed to address each of those 8 topics covered under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW9.41.090).

Requirements of HB1143 training as required by RCW - 9.41.090.2.a

Dealer deliveries regulated—Hold on delivery—Fees authorized. (Effective January 1, 2024.)

Firearms and your Constitutional Rights

Basic Firearms Safety Rules

Firearms & Children

Secure Gun Storage — RCW 9.41.360

Unsafe storage of a firearm. (Effective July 1, 2019.)

Firearms and Suicide Prevention

State and Federal Firearms Laws

Use of Deadly Force in Washington State

Avoiding Criminal Attacks, Managing Violent Confrontations with Conflict Resolution

Understanding Gun Control laws and how they come to be

To stay connected to local gun legislation issues, click here.

To find your local legislators, click here.

Building a Stronger Foundation - Introducing New Shooters to Firearms

Talking with Anti Gun Citizens

Who’s fighting for your rights in Washington?

plenty of grifters in the pro 2A community, but who’s actually working hard for you?

This is the end of the training program, continue to the next page to complete the course.Do you feel safer now?

This is the end of the training program, continue to the next page to complete the course.
Do you feel safer now?