I'm in WA and CCW -
Packing.org is a good place to start. From there you can get to the state legislature's site that has full listings of the RCWs and any revisions. (
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx) Pay special attention to
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41, firearms laws, and
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.32, definitions of homicide.
To the best of my knowledge, WA
isn't a "Stand Your Ground" state - in other words, if you can escape a life threatening situation, you should first make any reasonable attempt to do so. In other words, if you can run and get away, do so. (Regardless of law, generally good advice for a civilian - the best gunfight is the one you don't get into.) This may vary, though, on whether or not you're in your own residence or place of business.
You may know this already, but the standard procedure in WA is to file the application at your local sheriff's dept., pay your $60, and wait 30 days. WA is a "Shall Issue" state, so unless you have disqualifying reasons, the sheriff must grant it - and the burden isn't on you to prove to them why you need a CCW. Another upshot of having a CCW in WA is that you're no longer subject to the 5 day waiting period on handguns. (So nice to be able to pay for something and actually take it home the same day - what a novel concept
) When you're at the sheriff's dept., ask if they have the firearms pamphlet published by the WA dept. of Fish and Wildlife, "Firearms Safety, the Law and You". It's basically a reprint of the firearms regulations, but a handy reference. The staff there probably won't be able to tell you much more than that, as they're not neccessarily in a position to give legal advice on the job.
I commend your interest in lawfully possesing, and potentially using, a gun for self-defense. And yes, the laws can be a bit ambiguous.. Keep in mind that even if you use a gun in self-defense in good faith, you're still potentially exposing yourself to, at least, manslaughter charges. Whether or not that actually happens is dependent on the situation, and to some extent, the local DA, but the possbility is there. It's not unheard of at all for well-intentioned, good people to serve hard time for using a gun when the law said they shouldn't. My own rule of thumb - don't shoot until you have absolutely no other choice. And, of course, half the trick is avoiding a situation where you have no other choice. So attempt to escape or de-escalate the situation if at all possible, and consider lethal force a last resort.
(The preceding is not intended to be legal advice, as the author makes no binding claims or representations as to the accuracy of the preceding information nor is the author a practicing lawyer or counsel. User of the above information assumes all liabilty for any use of said information, and agrees to not hold the author liable for any actions or consequences arising from the above text. The reading of the above text, and/or this disclaimer constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer. )