The legal battle over Washington state’s law prohibiting the sale, attempted sale, manufacture, and distribution of high-capacity magazines will soon reach the Washington Supreme Court.
The case, State of Washington v. Gator’s Custom Guns Inc., centers on Gator’s Custom Guns in Kelso, which has refused to comply with the law, arguing it is unconstitutional. The law, which took effect on July 1, 2022, does not prohibit the possession of high-capacity magazines, only their sale.
In 2023, a brief reprieve occurred when a Cowlitz County judge ruled the ban unconstitutional, only for the Washington State Supreme Court to stay the ruling. During this brief window, Gator’s Guns sold high-capacity magazines, resulting in long lines of customers eager to purchase them. The upcoming Supreme Court hearing is set for January 14.
The case is seen as a significant challenge to gun control laws, with national implications for similar laws across the country.
The Second Amendment Foundation and the National Rifle Association have filed amicus briefs in support of Gator’s, while the Alliance for Gun Responsibility argues that the ban on high-capacity magazines is necessary to prevent mass shootings.
Gator’s Guns owner, Walter Wentz, is prepared for a prolonged legal battle, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. Legal supporters, including the Silent Majority Foundation, maintain that stricter gun laws do not address mass shootings effectively and cite data that suggests gun-free zones may be contributing factors.
Despite the challenges, Wentz remains committed to continuing the fight, backed by strong customer support.