Well, at the pawn shops I don't know how they determine whether it's "hot" or not, but I don't think that if it is you'd be in any trouble if it was determined that it was stolen. And I'm pretty sure these days the way people look at gun ownership, that those who do sell them professionally will mind their P's & Q's.

With regards what to look for, it can be a crap shoot, but all in all with your knowledge of military weapons, that would transition over to civilian models too. You may find a guy who'll just like a car, let you take it to a gunsmith and let him check it out? But' I've bought used guns before, in fact I have one pistol, a shotgun, and a .17 cal rifle that I got new, evrything else I have or had had was used and killed a decent amount of game with those. My best shooting gun was a Howa 30-06 that was roughly worth about $150 on the market but at 100 yards I could group 3-5 shots within a quarter.

Rnages, there are afew close to your home, Renton has one, Black diamond, and another one or two out towards Ravensdale. Or like me I most of the time just find an old gravel pit out in the woods somewhere. I know the B.D. gun club can shoot out to 300yards. There's also Paul Buyan out in Tacoma.