Close-up of a handgun with the barrel facing the camera, placed on a plain white surface.

Welcome to the gun world

First time buyers guide.

Black gun safe door with five locking bolts resting on a printed document with handwritten notes and a black stylus pen.

in addition to the guide, we have

an exclusive offer

just for first time buyers,  that helps get

you started and saves you some cash.   

Below we have an extensive

how to guide on how the

process works, and what

you’ll need to get started.

How  TO  buy 

Buying a gun in Washington state isn’t as hard at you may think but the process is a more tedious than how our lovely politicians may make it seem.

Basically you need to pay for the gun, complete the background check paper-work, and wait 10 business days.

AND WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Everything you need and need to know is listed below.

Close-up of multiple black and colored thermal transfer ribbons with different colors, arranged in a row
Top view of a black semi-automatic handgun with a silver barrel, positioned horizontally against a plain white background.

What documents you’ll need, if you’re a:

    • Current/Valid Washington state I.D. or Drivers license. (with current address)

    • If the address on your ID or DL is not current you will need some for of government document (state or federal) that has your current address on it.

      • We can help you update your address with the DOL on our computer in the shop for use with validation if necessary.

    • Current/Valid Washington state I.D. or Drivers license. (with current address)

    • Green card

    • If the address on your ID or DL is not current you will need some for of government document (state or federal) that has your current address on it.

      • We can help you update your address with the DOL on our computer in the shop for use with validation if necessary.

    • Current/Valid Washington state I.D. or Drivers license. (with current address)

    • Valid Alien Firearms License

      • (obtainable through your county sheriff’s office)

      • The range does help with competitive club memberships that can be used to satisfy the requirements for the application.

    • i-94 Document Printout

    • Valid / Current Visa

      • Temporary documents claiming the validity of visa from Immigration office MAY suffice

    • Valid Passport'

    • Hunting License or Gun Club Membership

    • If the address on your ID or DL is not current you will need some for of government document (state or federal) that has your current address on it.

      • We can help you update your address with the DOL on our computer in the shop for use with validation if necessary.

A black stamp pad and a black pen are placed on top of a filled-out firearm transaction record form.

What the Process Looks Like:

  1. Pick out and purchase your gun.

    -Talk to a salesman and figure out what works best for your needs. They’ll get the necessary documents from you (listed to the right) and start you on the process.

  2. Fill out the ATF Form 4473.

    -Our salesman will give you the federal form and give you instructions on how to properly fill it out.

    • You can NOT pre-fill out the 4473 or any other documents.

    • You can not have anyone else fill out the form for you, if you need assistance talk with us and we’ll figure a way to help you.

    • You can NOT use any digital/written or any unauthorized assistance resources including phone translators or other 4473’s

  3. Once the 4473 is complete and reviewed, we will print off a state form for you to verify and sign. We will then submit your background check to Washington State Patrol.

  4. Pay for your gun and wait the state mandated 10-business day waiting period.

    • We will give you the date it should be ready for pick up

    • 10 BUSINESS DAYS which is ABOUT 14 DAYS

    • No, there is no to make this go faster and/or skip the ten BUSINESS day, waiting period

    • 10 BUSINESS DAYS - 十个工作日 - 10 días hábiles - 10 рабочих дней - 10 วันทำการ - 10 व्यावसायिक दिन - Entay usinessbay aysday -

  5. While you’re waiting you must complete the free training course on sporting system’s website (HERE) to satisfy the HB 1143 purchase requirement and save or print the certificate at the end to give to store at pick up.

    • (It only take a few minutes and it’s free, thank you sporting systems)

  6. Once the waiting period is complete and you’ve received an approval, we will call you and let you know it’s ready to pick up.

  7. Come in. Sign some stuff. It’s yours.

    Now go take a class, train and have some fun.

    Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Responsible.

Open passport with visa pages showing stamps, resting on a flat surface.

  • Paper work expires 30 days after it’s been filled out. That means you have roughly a 2 week window to pick up your firearm from the time we call you until we have to resubmit the forms and the waiting period restarts.

  • If you get denied on the background check we will reach out to you with the appeals form and will hold onto your purchase until you either complete the appeal or tell us you’d like to cancel.

  • There is a restocking fee for cancelled purchases

  • If we feel uncomfortable at any point in the purchase process for ANY reason, we have the legal right to cancel the transaction. Whether you’ve paid for it, been approved, whatever, we have the right to cancel your purchase if we deem it necessary.

  • Lying on the 4473 is a crime in itself

important things to note

First timer pistol recommendations

  • A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip and slide, resting on a white surface. There is a visible serial number and manufacturer markings on the side of the gun.

    Glock 19 17 45 & 48

    The most purchased handguns in the world and the pinnacle of durability. Reliable and customizable you can’t go wrong with a glock.

  • A black semi-automatic handgun with a mounted red dot sight, positioned on a plain white surface, viewed from a low angle.

    Hk Vp9

    German manufactured pistol with excellent ergonomics and built to handle home defense, duty or competition.

  • A semi-automatic pistol with a black grip and a gray and black slide, laying on a light-colored surface.

    Walther PDP

    Best trigger out of the box. Accurate, ergonomic and reliable, the PDP is designed to easily adapt to defense or competition.

  • A black and white handgun inside a white plastic case with a foam interior.

    Ruger RXm

    Best bang for your buck. Fairly new to the market Ruger and Magpul designed this handgun to use Glock19 parts and supersede reliability expectations.

  • A semi-automatic pistol with a silver and black patterned finish resting on a white surface.

    S&w m&p9

    Classic Glock alternative. Lots of variations, reliable and the only option on the list that has a thumb safety option.

Handguns

are like shoes

they fit everyone differently.

While this is a good starting point, and the pistols above are by far not the only options.We always recommend coming in and talking with our sales guys and getting some guns in your hands to get a better idea and more specific details for what may best fit your needs.Just because your “gun-friend” likes a specific thing, does NOT mean it’s automatically whats best for you.

First Time buyers Bundle.

$199

comes with Everything

you need for your first gun!

products included

  • 250 rounds of 9mm range ammo

  • 2 boxes of 9mm Defensive ammo

  • Full Cleaning Kit

  • Eye Protection & Ear Protection

  • Holster or Case

& MOst importantly

  • 15% off a used gun

  • or 10% off a brand new gun

  • 10% off a beginners course or private instruction

  • 1 time discounted range access

After purchase, go to the retail store and buy your discounted firearm. After background check is clear, your package will be ready for pick up along with firearm.

Disorganized collection of gun shells, a sticker reading 'WADE'S EASTSIDE GUNS,' a firearm, and a gun cleaning kit.