The battle over Washington State’s magazine ban is heating up at the U.S. Supreme Court. In Gator’s Custom Guns, Inc. v. Washington, a coalition of 27 states, along with the Arizona Legislature, has filed a powerful amici curiae brief urging the Court to strike down Washington’s unconstitutional restriction on magazines holding more than ten rounds.
This case could be a turning point for Second Amendment rights, not just in Washington, but nationwide.
Latest Developments
The petition for certiorari in Gator’s Custom Guns v. Washington was filed on August 6, 2025, and officially docketed two days later. The Supreme Court requested a response from Washington by October 6, but on September 9, the State filed a motion requesting a 25-day extension, citing workload constraints and overlapping litigation (likely because they’re so busy suing the Trump administration for just about everything).
Washington’s strategy appears to be one of delay, buying time to manage competing deadlines and prepare a more robust defense. The motion notes that the small team of attorneys handling U.S. Supreme Court matters is also responsible for other briefs and active cases in both state and federal courts. If the extension is granted, Washington’s response will be due October 31, 2025, potentially pushing back the Court’s decision on whether to hear the case.
This move signals that Washington is taking the challenge seriously and may be preparing a vigorous defense of its magazine ban. But it also underscores the urgency of the issue—and the growing national pressure to resolve it.
Why This Case Matters
Washington’s law bans the sale, manufacture, and distribution of magazines holding more than ten rounds, equipment that millions of Americans use legally and responsibly every day. These aren’t fringe accessories or tactical luxuries; they’re standard components of widely owned firearms, including the Glock 19, which comes factory-issued with a 15-round magazine. For countless gun owners, these magazines are essential for self-defense, competitive shooting, and lawful recreation.
The coalition of 27 states and the Arizona Legislature joined this case because they recognize the broader constitutional implications. If Washington’s ban is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent that invites other states to restrict commonly used firearm components under the guise of public safety. These states argue that such bans violate the Second Amendment by targeting items in common use for lawful purposes, precisely the standard laid out in District of Columbia v. Heller and reaffirmed in New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen.
Their involvement signals a national stand against judicial activism and legislative overreach. It’s not just about defending gun rights in Washington—it’s about protecting constitutional freedoms across the country from erosion by states that refuse to follow Supreme Court precedent.
The 27-state coalition argues:
- Magazines are protected “arms” under the Second Amendment.
- Plus-ten magazines are in common use for lawful purposes.
- Washington’s law lacks historical precedent and misinterprets constitutional standards set by Heller and Bruen.
What This Means for Washington State
If the Supreme Court grants review and rules in favor of the petitioners, Washington’s magazine ban could be struck down entirely, restoring the right of law-abiding citizens to own and use standard-capacity magazines without fear of criminalization. This would be a landmark victory not only for gun owners, but for every Washingtonian who values constitutional integrity. It would signal that the Second Amendment cannot be selectively applied or reinterpreted by state legislatures and courts. A ruling in favor of the petitioners would reaffirm that fundamental rights are not subject to shifting political agendas, and that lawful self-defense remains protected under the highest law of the land.
We stand with the coalition. We stand with Gator’s Custom Guns. And we stand with every law-abiding citizen who refuses to let their rights be redefined out of existence.
Support Our Mission
Conservative Ladies of Washington is a grassroots 501(c)(4) organization committed to defending liberty and protecting constitutional rights. Your donation helps us educate, mobilize, and advocate for policies that reflect the values of everyday Americans.