Brief Window Of Sales: ‘High-Capacity’ Magazine Ban Temporarily Lifted In Washington

KELSO, WASHINGTON — On a chaotic day in Washington this past Monday, a temporary legal loophole allowed the sale of “high-capacity” gun magazines, leading to a brief but intense period of sales at Gator’s Custom Guns in Kelso. The store’s owner, Wally Wentz, took advantage of a Cowlitz County judge’s ruling that momentarily deemed the state’s ban on these magazines unconstitutional. Hundreds of customers flocked to Wentz’s store during this window, purchasing numerous magazines before the Washington Supreme Court reinstated the ban following an emergency stay requested by the state’s Attorney General.

The legal flip-flop resulted in the continuation of the prohibition against the sale, manufacture, distribution, and import of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The ongoing legal battle is set to escalate, with a critical hearing scheduled for April 17, which could potentially move to the state Supreme Court.

The fate of the ban is now poised for a more decisive legal examination, with implications that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, heralding a significant showdown on gun control and regulatory measures.