What Washington’s New Gun Law Means for the Second Amendment

On May 20, 2025, Washington State policymakers took another swing at law-abiding gun owners by passing legislation that now requires citizens to obtain a permit before purchasing any firearm. This latest mandate, which unnecessarily burdens responsible gun buyers, goes into effect in 2026. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe this kind of legislation is not only misguided but a dangerous step toward eroding our constitutional freedoms.

Another Layer of Bureaucracy for Law-Abiding Citizens

The newly-passed legislation demands that any prospective gun buyer in the state of Washington must complete a firearms safety training course, undergo fingerprinting, and pass a background check before even being granted permission to purchase a firearm. The audacity of this overreach is staggering. Targeting law-abiding citizens with onerous paperwork and unnecessary delays won’t reduce crime—it only empowers criminals who never follow laws in the first place.

This law fundamentally misunderstands the real issues behind gun violence. And worse, it continues to attack those who respect and follow existing firearm regulations.

What the Permit Process Entails

Washington’s new law mandates the following requirements before a person can purchase a firearm:

• Completion of a state-approved firearms safety course
• Submission of fingerprints to law enforcement
• Approval through an undefined criminal history check
• Application through the applicant’s local law enforcement agency

For anyone who has ever taken firearms training at Fortress Firearms Training, these mandates aren’t just redundant—they’re a needless obstacle. We already ensure our students understand safety, storage, handling, and legal responsibility. That’s part of responsible gun ownership, not something the state should dictate.

A Slippery Slope Toward Gun Registration

While proponents of the new law claim it will make communities safer, history tells us otherwise. First, they require permits for purchases. Next, it’s registration of all firearms. Then come bans on certain models deemed “too dangerous” by bureaucrats who’ve never held a firearm in their lives. The language in the legislation doesn’t offer clear guidelines about how applicants can challenge a denial, nor does it set a cap on how long law enforcement can take to process a permit.

This is not about safety—it’s about control.

It’s easy to see how this can morph into a de facto gun registry, something civil liberties advocates should be deeply concerned about. In fact, even local officials are unclear how to execute the law or what standards apply, acknowledging that implementation “will be a challenge.” Translation? They don’t know what they’re doing, but they’re moving full speed ahead anyway.

Why Fortress Firearms Training Stands Firm on the 2nd Amendment

At Fortress Firearms Training, we do more than just teach people how to shoot. We prepare citizens to legally and effectively defend themselves, their families, and their communities. We instill a sense of moral responsibility and purpose in every student who trains with us. And we do it because we believe the Second Amendment is essential to a free people.

Training should be voluntary, not coerced through legislation designed to limit access to firearms. Instead of restricting rights, states should be encouraging more responsible ownership and providing better education—not punishing the millions of Americans who never misuse their weapons.

The South Carolina Standard of Firearms Instruction

In stark contrast to what’s happening in Washington, South Carolina continues to uphold the rights of gun owners. Our state trusts its citizens to make informed decisions about their safety, and institutions like Fortress Firearms Training help ensure those decisions are sound. Our classes are:

• Open to all legal gun owners
• Focused on practical, real-world self-defense applications
• Centered on both legal understanding and moral responsibility
• Led by experienced professionals who emphasize safety without infringing on rights

Rather than making gun ownership more difficult, we make it more effective. We don’t believe in infringing on liberty—we believe in enhancing your readiness.

The Real Impact of Laws Like Washington’s

Let’s be honest. Criminals aren’t going to sign up for state-mandated training and fingerprinting. They’re not applying to the local sheriff’s office. These laws will only hinder one group: law-abiding citizens. In the name of “public safety,” Washington is creating more red tape and disincentivizing personal protection.

And the politicians pushing these laws have shown again and again that their endgame isn’t safety—it’s disarmament. They claim these steps are “common sense,” but there’s nothing sensible about denying Americans their constitutional rights under the pretense of oversight.

Freedom Requires Vigilance

We must remain vigilant. Because when you’re restricted on what you can legally buy, forced into lengthy bureaucratic mazes, and left at the mercy of unclear federal or state standards—your freedom is no longer yours to defend. It’s on loan from your government.

A Call to Action for Responsible Gun Owners

If you’re in South Carolina, now’s the time to double down on your commitment to your own safety. Fortress Firearms Training is ready to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to navigate these shifting legal waters. From concealed carry classes to advanced tactical training, we are here to help you exercise your rights responsibly and effectively.

And if you’re outside the state, especially in places like Washington, understand that these laws are paving the way for broader, national measures. Your voice matters. Stand up against laws that criminalize law-abiding citizens, and support organizations and training centers that fight for real solutions—not bureaucratic feel-good regulations.

Protecting your rights means being informed, trained, and proactive. Join us at Fortress Firearms Training and invest in your Second Amendment liberties before legislation chips away at what should never be negotiable.