Washington gun store sold hundreds of high-capacity ammunition magazines in 90 minutes without ban

KELSO, Washington (AP) — A Washington state gun store owner said he sold hundreds of high-capacity ammunition magazines in the short span of time Monday between a judge ruling a ban on the sales unconstitutional and the state filing an emergency appeal to the Washington Supreme Court.

Wally Wentz, owner of Gator’s Custom Guns in the small city of Kelso, opened his store Monday when he heard about the ruling, KGW-TV reported. Wentz is behind the court challenge to Washington’s high-capacity magazine ban, with the help of the Silent Majority Foundation in eastern Washington. A post on the gun store’s Facebook page said the store was adjusting hours to stay open longer and that it would be open daily “UNTIL WE GET TOLD WE CANT SELL MAGS AGAIN.”

Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor ruled that Washington’s ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds violates both the Washington state and U.S. constitutions. He issued an immediate injunction to stop the state from enforcing the ban, which has been in place since 2022.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson then filed an emergency appeal to the state Supreme Court seeking to keep the law in effect during the appeals process. That was granted Monday evening.

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