Washington State: Stolen Firearm, Do I Get it Back? LET'S TAKE A LOOK

I had 3 handguns stolen 28 years ago. I had all serial numbers recorded so I provided them in the police report.

Roughly 15 years later, I received a letter asking if the 3 guns were still missing. I signed and returned the letter. Over the next 5 years I received the same letter every year, which I signed and returned.

Shortly after I signed the last one, I received another letter to come pick up my property. Woohoo! I really loved one of those guns (S&W 686). So, I make an appointment to pick up my property.

I arrive, check in, and provide them the letter and proof of who I am. A few minutes later I am handed a small box and told I cannot open it in the building.

I head out to the pickup. The tag on the box shows they found the gun around 6 months after it was stolen. I open the box and there is one of the guns, completely disassembled and missing the hammer. It was disassembled carefully as there is no scratches in the bluing, and the screws are undamaged. I tried to go back in and ask if this is normal, but it is a locked facility.

So yes, sooner or much later, you will get it back. If it is usable or complete, in the State of Washington, your guess is as good as mine.