Weekly Spotlight 7/25/25 – 8/1/25
Concealed Carry Permits in Washington Reach Record High as Gun Ownership Broadens
Newly released state data from late June shows that Washington has reached a record number of active concealed pistol licenses (CPL), with 709,334 residents now legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm. This milestone reflects not only a significant increase in lawful gun ownership but also the growing diversity of the concealed carry community across the state. For Second Amendment advocates, it marks a notable achievement in a state where restrictive gun legislation is frequently proposed.
Since December, there has been an increase of over 10,000 permits, a trend that coincides with legislative efforts like HB 1163, the “Permit to Purchase” bill passed by the Washington Senate in April. Set to take effect in 2027, this new law will require prospective gun buyers to complete live-fire training, undergo fingerprinting, and obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm. While proponents frame the bill as a public safety measure, the timing of the surge suggests many residents are acting now to secure their rights ahead of tighter regulations.
This growth in concealed carry is also reshaping the demographic profile of gun owners. Approximately 20% of CPL holders in the state are women, and some of the largest increases in permits have come from urban and suburban counties traditionally less associated with gun culture. Notably, King County—home to Seattle—now leads the state with nearly 114,000 active CPLs.
Washington is also among the top 10 states with the highest percentage of concealed carry permit holders. In a state often characterized by its progressive policies, the uptick in lawful concealed carry signals that Washingtonians from a wide range of backgrounds are choosing to take personal safety into their own hands amid rising crime rates, slower police response times, and continued legislative efforts to restrict gun rights.
As the concealed carry landscape evolves, Washington’s gun owners are adapting—becoming more prepared, more informed, and more engaged. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder: the right to self-defense must be exercised, protected, and never taken for granted.
As new requirements like those in HB 1163 take effect, responsible training becomes more important than ever. The USCCA is proud to support Washingtonians with education and training that meets state standards—helping ensure that lawful gun owners continue to carry safely, confidently, and legally.
OTHER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
The Truth About Guns: Federal Government’s Latest Move Signals Support For Young Americans’ 2A Rights
The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) decision not to appeal a recent ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals concerning young adults purchasing handguns is another sign of the current government’s respect for the Second Amendment. In late January, the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit court ruled that the law barring handgun sales to young adults ages 18, 19, and 20 was facially unconstitutional. The case, Reese v. ATF, was brought by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), along with Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Louisiana Shooting Association, and two private citizens, Emily Naquin and Caleb Reese.
The Reload: DOJ Drops Appeal In Pistol Brace Ban Case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will no longer defend a Biden-era rule that restricted the sale of guns equipped with specialized braces. On Thursday, DOJ joined the Mock v. Bondi plaintiffs in requesting a dismissal in the case. The filing halts the government’s appeal of a 2023 Fifth Circuit ruling that vacated a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule reclassifying pistol-braced guns as short-barrel firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA). “Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(b)(1), the parties hereby stipulate to the dismissal of this appeal, with all parties to bear their own costs,” the parties wrote in the Stipulation of the Dismissal.
The Truth About Guns: Congressman Tony Wied Introduces The FIRE Act To End Magazine Capacity Bans
Here are a few simple principles. First, “shall not be infringed” is straightforward, specific, and easy to understand. Second, the United States legal system was never meant to play “gotcha games” with American lives. It is with these basic concepts in mind that Congressman Tony Wied of Wisconsin introduced the Freedom from Improper Regulation and Enforcement (FIRE) Act on July 17, seeking to prohibit federal, state, and local governments from enacting and enforcing laws that restrict the capacity of firearm magazines.
Washington Examiner: Big 2A Victory As Trump Pulls Biden Threat To 20 Million Gun Owners
Millions of gun owners can breathe a sigh of relief today after the Justice Department yanked a Biden-era order that could have criminalized some 20 million owners of the popular AR-style “pistol.” Last night, the department agreed to give up fighting a lawsuit filed by one of those 20 million and the Second Amendment advocacy group, Firearms Policy Center, in a major win for plinkers and hunters.
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