You say that the order MUST have expired ... well, maybe it has NOT expired.
Have you confirmed whether a protective order exists or not? If one exists, then that easily explains why the gun has not been released to you.
A quick read of RCW 9.41.098 seems to indicate that only the court can determine whether this firearm can be returned to you. As such, it makes sense that you are being told that the case has not gone through the process. It may take a judge's order to return the firearm.

