Maryland Firearm Definitions

Firearm
(1) "Firearm" means a weapon that expels, is designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; or 
(2) The Frame or Receiver of such a weapon. 
(3) "Firearm" includes a Starter Gun. 

Regulated Firearm
(1) "Regulated Firearm" means a Handgun or BANNED Assault Pistols; or 
(2) A Firearm that is any of the following specific BANNED BANNED Assault Weapons/Copycats, or their copies, regardless of which company produced and manufactured that Assault Weapon. 

Handgun
(1) "Handgun" means a Pistol, Revolver, or other Firearm capable of being concealed on the person

Federal Law (N.F.A.) defines “Concealable” as a Rifle or Shotgun with an OAL under  26.00”.

; or
(2) "Handgun" means a Firearm with a Barrel less than 16 inches in length; or
(3) "Handgun" includes a Short-Barreled Shotgun if the BArrel is shorter then 16.00" in length;

(4) "Handgun" includes a Short-Barreled Rifle;

(5) "Handgun" includes a Any Other Weapon;
(5) "Handgun" does not include a Shotgun, Rifle, or Antique Firearm;
(6) "Handgun" includes Signal, Starter, and Blank Pistols. 

Rifle
(1) "Rifle" means a weapon that is designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder; and
(2) Designed or redesigned, and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed Metallic Cartridge to fire only a single Projectile through a Rifled Bore for each single pull of the Trigger.

Short Barreled Rifle
(1) "Short Barreled Rifle" means a Rifle that has one or more Barrels less than 16 inches long; or
(2) A Weapon that has an overall length of less than 26 inches and that was made from a Rifle, or Handgun whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise.

Shotgun
(1) "Shotgun" is designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder; and
(2) Designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed Shotgun Shell to fire through a smooth bore one or more projectiles for each pull of the Trigger.

Short Barreled Shotgun
(1) "Short Barreled Shotgun" means a Shotgun that has one or more barrels less than 18 inches long; or 
(2) A Weapon that has an overall length of less than 26 inches long and was made from a Shotgun, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise.

 

Semi-Automatic Assault Pistols are BANNED in Maryland. (Unless OWNED and Registered with the MSP by June 1, 1994)

Assault Pistol means any of the following firearms or a copy regardless of the producer or manufacturer:
(a)   AA Arms AP-9 semiautomatic pistol;
(b)   Bushmaster semiautomatic pistol;
(c)   Claridge HI-TEC semiautomatic pistol;
(d)   D Max Industries semiautomatic pistol;
(e)   Encom MK-IV, MP-9, or MP-45 semiautomatic pistol;
(f)   Heckler and Koch semiautomatic SP-89 pistol;
(g)   Holmes MP-83 semiautomatic pistol;
(h)   Ingram MAC 10/11 semiauto pistol & variants including the Partisan Avenger & SWD Cobray;
(i)   Intratec TEC-9/DC-9 semiautomatic pistol in any centerfire variation;
(j)   P.A.W.S. type semiautomatic pistol;
(k)   Skorpion semiautomatic pistol;
(l)   Spectre double action semiautomatic pistol (Sile, F.I.E., Mitchell);
(m)   UZI semiautomatic pistol;
(n)   Weaver Arms semiautomatic Nighthawk pistol; or
(o)   Wilkinson semiautomatic Linda pistol.
 


Semi-Automatic Assault Rifles are BANNED in Maryland. (Unless OWNED BEFORE 10/1/2013)

Assault Rifle means any of the following firearms or a copy regardless of the producer or manufacturer:
(i)        American Arms Spectre da Semiautomatic carbine;
(ii)       AK-47 in all forms;
(iii)      Algimec AGM-1 type semi-auto;
(iv)      AR 100 type semi-auto;
(v)       AR 180 type semi-auto;
(vi)      Argentine L.S.R. semi-auto;
(vii)     Australian Automatic Arms SAR type semi-auto;
(viii)    Auto-Ordnance Thompson M1 and 1927 semi-automatics;
(ix)      Barrett light .50 cal. semi-auto;
(x)       Beretta AR70 type semi-auto;
(xi)      Bushmaster semi-auto rifle;
(xii)      Calico models M-100 and M-900;
(xiii)     CIS SR 88 type semi-auto;
(xiv)     Claridge HI TEC C-9 carbines;
(xv)      Colt AR-15, CAR-15, and all imitations
***except Colt AR-15 Sporter H-BAR rifle;*** PER the M.S.P. an HBAR is defined as a AR15 that is MARKED BHAR on the Barrel or Receiver or is Marketed/Advertised by the Manufacturer as a HBAR Rifle.
(xvi)     Daewoo MAX 1 and MAX 2, aka AR 100, 110C, K-1, and K-2;
(xvii)     Dragunov Chinese made semi-auto;
(xviii)    Famas semi-auto (.223 caliber);
(xix)      Feather AT-9 semi-auto;
(xx)       FN LAR and FN FAL assault rifle;
(xxi)      FNC semi-auto type carbine;
(xxii)     F.I.E./Franchi LAW 12 and SPAS 12 assault shotgun;
(xxiii)    Steyr-AUG-SA semi-auto;
(xxiv)    Galil models AR and ARM semi-auto;
(xxv)     Heckler and Koch HK-91 A3, HK-93 A2, HK-94 A2 and A3;
(xxvi)    Holmes model 88 shotgun;
(xxvii)   Avtomat Kalashnikov semiautomatic rifle in any format;
(xxviii    Manchester Arms Commando MK-45, MK-9;
(xxix)    Mandell TAC-1 semi-auto carbine;
(xxx)     Mossberg model 500 Bullpup assault shotgun;
(xxxi)     Sterling Mark 6;
(xxxii)    P.A.W.S. carbine;
(xxxiii)   Ruger mini-14 folding stock model (.223caliber);
(xxxiv)   SIG 550/551 assault rifle (.223 caliber);
(xxxv)    SKS with detachable magazine;
(xxxvi)   AP-74 Commando type semi-auto;
(xxxvii)  Springfield Armory BM-59, SAR-48, G3, SAR-3,-21sniper rifle, M1A,
***excluding the M1 Garand;***
(xxxviii) Street sweeper assault type shotgun;
(xxxix)   Striker 12 assault shotgun in all formats;
(xl)        Unique F11 semi-auto type;
(xli)       Daewoo USAS 12 semi-auto shotgun;
(xlii)       UZI 9mm carbine or rifle;
(xliii)      Valmet M-76 and M-78 semi-auto;
(xliv)      Weaver Arms Nighthawk semi-auto carbine; or
(xlv)       Wilkinson Arms 9mm semi-auto Terry.

 

NOTE: An Assault Long Gun CAN NOT be a Copycat.

CR § 4-301(e)
(e) (1) “Copycat weapon” means:
(i) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has any two of the following:
1. a folding stock;
2. a grenade launcher or flare launcher; or
3. a flash suppressor;
(ii) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds;
(iii) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 29 inches;
(iv) a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds;
(v) a semiautomatic shotgun that has a folding stock; or
(vi) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
(2) “Copycat weapon” does not include an assault long gun or an assault pistol.


 
Semi-Automatic, Centerfire, Copycat Rifles are BANNED in Maryland. (Unless OWNED BEFORE 10/1/2013)

A "Copycat" is any Semi-Automatic, Centerfire Rifle that has was not grandfathered in Maryland prior 10/1/2013, has an OVERALL Length LESS THAN 29.00"+, and has more than ONE of the following features on a Rifle:
A) Grenade Launcher
B) Flare Launcher
C) Flash Hider (Silencer Qualifies as a Flash Hider)
D) Folding Stock
E) ANY Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifle not grandfathered prior to 10/1/2013 that has an Overall Length shorter than 29.00 is BANNED in the State of Maryland.


Semi-Automatic, Centerfire Rifles AND Pistols that have a FIXED (Non Detachable) Magazine that holds greater than 10 Rounds of Ammunition is BANNED. (Unless OWNED within Maryland BEFORE 10/1/2013).

 

Semi-Automatic Assault Shotguns are BANNED in Maryland. (Unless OWNED BEFORE 10/1/2013)

An Assault Shotgun is any Semi-Automatic Shotgun that has was not grandfathered in Maryland prior 10/1/2013, and has just ONE of the following features:
A) Folding Stock (Not Collapsible)
B) Revolving Magazine (A.K.A. "Street Sweeper")

 
The Transfer, Sale, Trade, Gift, or Manufacturing of Detachable Firearm Magazines that will accept more than 10 Round is BANNED in Maryland.

You can POSESS a Detachable Firearm Magazine in the State of Maryland that holds MORE than 10 Rounds.

*Active or Retired Law Enforcement Officers are EXEMPT.

*Do NOT loan a 11+ Capacity Magazines in the State of Maryland.

 

Regulated Handguns Short Barreled Rifles, and Short Barreled Shotguns have a Maryland MANDATORY 7 Day Waiting Period.

By MD Law a Dealer may release a Regulated Handgun Purchase on the 8th day (Unless that day falls on a Sunday or Holiday) after MSP 77R Submission.

 
Transfers of Regulated Handguns must be completed by a Maryland Licensed Firearms Dealer or at a Maryland State Police Barracks.

 
The MSP requires anyone who wishes to purchase a Handgun, Short Barreled Rifle, or Short Barreled Shotgun to fill out a Mental Health Form Release and submit it along with their Regulated Paperwork.

 
In order to purchase a Handgun, Short Barreled Rifle, or Short Barreled Shotgun, in Maryland you MUST be a Maryland Resident, and have a Maryland Issued Identification. The ONLY exceptions are:
Members of the U.S. Armed Services that are stationed in Maryland (Military Orders). Military Members DO NOT have to have a Maryland Issued I.D., but they MUST when filling out the paperwork show and have leave a copy of their Utility Bill (With Maryland Address) or U.S. Armed Forces Orders showing a Maryland Duty Station. State of residence. The State in which an individual resides. An individual resides in a State if he or she is present in a State with the intention of making a home in that State. If an individual is on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces, the individuals State of residence is the State in which his or her permanent duty station is located. An alien who is legally in the United States shall be considered to be a resident of a State only if the alien is residing in the State and has resided in the State for a period of at least 90 days prior to the date of sale or delivery of a firearm.

 

If a Handgun,  Machinegun (With a Barrel Shorter then 16"), Short Barreled Shotgun, or Short Barreled Rifle was made after 1985 is MUST be on the Maryland Handgun Roster in order to make a Purchase. Click HERE to view the Maryland Handgun Roster.

 
All Handguns, Short Barreled Rifles, and Short Barreled Shotguns, made BEFORE December 31, 2002 MUST be sold with a Cable Lock or Trigger Lock.

 
All Handguns, Short Barreled Rifles, and Short Barreled Shotguns made after January 1, 2003 it MUST have a Maryland Approved Internal or External Lock sold with the Firearm (Cable and Trigger Locks DO NOT Count).
The Maryland Handgun Roster Board has approved the following Integrated mechanical safety devices for factory, distributor, importer aftermarket installation, or by licensed firearms retailers. Installation of any of these listed devices in an approved handgun when sold satisfies Maryland law.

-Bersa Lock (Firestorm)
-Bond Arms Derringer Lock (not the Allen Key version)
-Charter 2000
-Cimarron-Aldo Uberti System for SAA
-Ghost,Inc. (for Glocks only)
-Glocks Lock
-GSI Internal Gunlock
-Heckler & Koch System
-Interbore Gun Lock
-Omega Gunlock (for revolvers)
-Omega Gunlock (for semiautomatics)
-Saf-T-Trigger by Saf-T-Hammer
-Sig Arms (only on model 229 at this time)
-Sig Sauer Lock (for semi-automatic pistols)
-Smith & Wesson Lock
-Smith & Wesson Integrated Lock (for semi-automatic pistols)
-Springfield Armory, Integral Locking System
-Steyr Integrated Limited Access Device
-Strahan Firing Pin Lock
-Sturm Ruger Key Lock
-Swiss Safety by Aldo Uberti
-Taurus Systems (separate systems for revolvers and semi-automatics)
-VisuaLock
-Walther 22

 

Per Maryland Law a person may NOT purchase more than one Handgun, Short Barreled Rifle, or Short Barreled Shotgun in 30 days, (Or 2 Handguns, S.B.S., or S.B.R. in 60 Days if both Firearms are submitted on MSP Paperwork at the same time).

*Approved Maryland Designated Collectors are EXEMPT.

*Federal Law requires that purchasers of Multiple Handguns fill out a Handgun Multiple Purchase form which is submitted to the BATFE.

To purchase a Handgun, Short Barreled Rifle, or Short Barreled Shotgun in Maryland you MUST have one or more of the following (Curio and Relic Handguns, Short Barreled Shotguns, and Short Barreled Rifles are EXEMPT):
A) Maryland Handgun Purchase License (HQL)
B) Current Maryland or Federal Law Enforcement Officer (Arrest Powers)
C) Employed in Maryland by an Armored Car Company and Possess Valid Maryland Handgun Permit
D) Active Member or Retired Member of the United States Armed Forces
 

New Resident Regulated Firearms Registration

As part of the Firearms Safety Act of 2013 effective October 1, 2013, a person who moves into Maryland with the intent of becoming a resident shall register all regulated firearms with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police within 90 days after establishing residency.


The new resident registration shall include the make, model, manufacturer’s serial number, caliber, type, barrel length, finish, and country of origin for each regulated firearms.

 

The electronic registration fee will be $15, regardless of the number of firearms registered.

 
Regulated Firearm F.A.Q.:

-A Person MUST Register a Handgun/s made 1898 or later.

-A Person MUST Register a Banned Assault Long Gun/s, IF and ONLY if they were Possessed by the Registrant PRIOR to October 1, 2013.

-A Person MUST Register a Banned Copycat Long Gun/s, IF and ONLY if they were Possessed by the Registrant PRIOR to October 1, 2013.

-A Person MUST Register a Banned Assault Shotgun/s, IF and ONLY if they were Possessed by the Registrant PRIOR to October 1, 2013.

-A Person MUST Register a Semi-Automatic, Centerfire Rifle with an OVERALL LENGTH shorter than 29.00”, IF and ONLY if they were Possessed by the Registrant PRIOR to October 1, 2013.

-A Person MAY NOT register Banned Assault Pistol/s

-A Person MUST register a Semi-Automatic, Centerfire Rifle/s or Pistol/s that have a FIXED (Non Detachable) Magazine that holds greater than 10 Rounds of Ammunition, IF and ONLY if they were Possessed by the Registrant PRIOR to October 1, 2013.

-A Person MUST Register Regulated Handguns, Short Barreled Rifles, and Short Barreled Shotguns not on the Maryland Handgun Roster but the Registrant MANY NOT sell them in MD unless they are on the Maryland Handgun Roster.

-A Person MUST Register a Machinegun with the MSP 24 hours after moving into Maryland.


N.F.A./Class 3 Devices are LEGAL to own in Maryland (With Appropriate ATF Tax Stamps).

 
Purchase and Transfer of a Destructive Device based off a Shotgun Design that has a REVOLVING Cylinder is BANNED as of 10/1/2013.

 
Adding a Destructive Device, Grenade Launcher, to a Semi-Auto, Center-Fire Rifle, DOES count as a "Assault Weapon" feature. 2 or more "Features" make the HOST FIREARM a BANNED "Copycat Assault Rifle" if purchased AFTER 10/1/2013.

 
Adding a Silencer (Sound Suppressor), to a Semi-Auto, Center-Fire Rifle, DOES count as a "Assault Weapon" feature. 2 or more "Features" make the HOST FIREARM a BANNED "Copycat Assault Rifle" if purchased AFTER 10/1/2013.


Maryland Machine Gun Registration

A person who acquires a machine gun shall register the machine gun with the Secretary of State Police within 24 hours after acquiring the machine gun; and in each succeeding year during the month of May.

The Secretary of State Police shall prepare and furnish an application form for registration under this subsection. The initial and renewal applications are available below.

Each application for registration filed with the Secretary of State Police shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable registration fee of $10.

Possession or use of a machine gun is presumed to be for an offensive or aggressive purpose when the machine gun is not registered as required under § 4-403, Criminal Law Article.  A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

Maryland Firearm Child Access Laws

Maryland law provides that a person “may not store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised child would gain access to the firearm. "Child" means an individual under the age of 16 years. "Firearm" means a handgun, rifle, shotgun,
short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun, or any other firearm. "Firearm" does not include an antique firearm.

This section does not apply if:

A) The child’s access is supervised by an individual age 18 or older.

B) The child’s access was obtained as a result of unlawful entry.

C) The firearm is in the possession or control of a law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in official duties.

D) The child has a certificate of firearm and hunter safety.


Maryland Regulated Firearm Access Laws

Maryland law provides that a person who is under the age of 21 years may not possess a regulated firearm or ammunition solely designed for a regulated firearm.

Unless a person is otherwise prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm, this subsection does not apply to:


1) The temporary transfer or possession of a regulated firearm or ammunition solely designed
for a regulated firearm if the person is:
A) Under the supervision of another who is at least 21 years old and who is not prohibited by
State or federal law from possessing a firearm.
AND
B) Acting with the permission of the parent or legal guardian of the transferee or person in
possession.

2) The transfer by inheritance of title, and not of possession, of a regulated firearm.

3) A member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard while performing
official duties.

4) The temporary transfer or possession of a regulated firearm or ammunition solely designed
for a regulated firearm if the person is:
A) Participating in marksmanship training of a recognized organization.

AND
B) Under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

5) A person who is required to possess a regulated firearm for employment and who holds a
Maryland Handgun Permit issues by the MSP.

6) The possession of a firearm or ammunition for self-defense or the defense of others against
a trespasser into the residence of the person in possession or into a residence in which the person
in possession is an invited guest.

Maryland Law in Lost or Stolen Regulated Firearms

Under Maryland law, a gun dealer must advise a purchaser or recipient at the time of transfer that the purchaser or recipient is required to report a lost or stolen regulated firearm to the proper local law enforcement agency.

If a regulated firearm is lost or stolen, the owner must report the loss or theft to the local law enforcement agency within 72 hours after the owner first discovers the loss or theft.


On receipt of a report of a lost or stolen regulated firearm, a local law enforcement agency must report to the Secretary of State Police and enter into the National Crime Information Center database, to the extent known, the caliber, make, model, manufacturer and serial number of the regulated firearm as well as any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the regulated firearm.

For purposes of the above provisions, “regulated firearm” means a handgun or one of any specified models of grandfathered 10/1/2013 pre-ban "assault" weapons.

Maryland Handgun Carry Permit Law

Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18 years of age or over) who meets the following criteria:

1. Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year has been imposed.

2. Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
3. Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;

4. Based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others.

5. Has a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.

6. As of October 1, 2013, has successfully completed prior to application and each renewal, a firearms training course approved by the Maryland State Police.

What constitutes a good and substantial reason? Based on the guidance provided by the Maryland Public Safety Code, handgun permits may be issued to applicants based on the following circumstances:

1. Owner or employee of a business. You must submit photocopies of the Trader’s License or Business License to support a request based on business ownership or as an authorized employee. You must also submit photocopies of six random deposit slips for the business showing the deposits within a year of the application submission date or a letter from the bank attesting that your business has a monetary flow, along with photocopies of ten receipts showing purchases for supplies and/or payments received for services. If you are an employee, you must submit a letter from your employer on the business stationary, explaining in detail why you need to carry a firearm as part of your duties.

2. Professional Activities. Doctors, pharmacists, etc., must show evidence of legitimacy of business activity and valid certification or license applicable to your activities.

3. Correctional Officers. Must submit verification of employment and documentation of threats and/or assaults (ie., police reports, facility incident reports, and intelligence reports).

4. Former Police Officers. If you have resigned or have retired, you must provide a photocopy of your retired I.D. card (front and back) and produce a letter from your former agency advising that  you resigned/retired in good standing, your official resignation/retirement date and how many years of service. NOTE: Permits are issued based on the "immediacy" of the application and years of service.

5. Private Detective/Security Guard/Special Police/Armored Car Guards. All applicants who are employed as Private Detectives, Security Guards, Special Police Officers and Armored Car Guards must submit a certification of qualification with a handgun obtained from a Maryland State Police Certified Handgun Instructor on a State Police form.  A copy of the form letter supporting “good and substantial reasons,” ownership of weapon, and location where the weapon will be maintained, is also required.  (This form can be obtained from your employer). Submissions of dual applications will be processed by the Handgun Permit Unit.

6. Personal Protection. There must be documented evidence of recent threats, robberies, and/or assaults, supported by official police reports or notarized statements from witnesses.

Beginning October 1, all Wear and Carry Permit holders and new applicants will be required to successfully complete a mandatory firearms training course before a permit will be issued or renewed. For more information regarding training, details, and exemptions, please consult the Firearms Safety Training Course page found HERE. UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Handgun Permit Unit will only accept applications completed HERE. Please answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly. Once completed, the PDF form should be printed, and all documentation required and clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your application should be included.  Too much is better than too little. The application, and all applicable documents, must be signed and notarized.

Mail the application packet to the Licensing Division at the address provided above. Allow 90 business days for the completion of the application process. If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application.

The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the handgun permit.  Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder.  The Licensing Division does not send out renewal reminders.

Remember the fingerprint mut be performed via Live Scan and the applicant must include two (2) color passport type photographs depicting the applicant from the shoulders up must be submitted with the application.  The photographs must be no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches.  The applicant should not be wearing a hat or sunglasses in the photograph.

Live Scan Service Providers can be found HERE

Fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to the Maryland State Police. Checks must be drawn on active accounts with sufficient funds. If the check is returned for insufficient funds or due to a closed account, the applicant will be required to pay for future requests of the Licensing Division by cashier’s check or money order.

Original/Initial – $75.00 - Fingerprint Fees not included
Renewal – $50.00 - Fingerprint Fees not included
Duplicate/Modification – Total $10.00

Retired Law Enforcement Officers of this State or a County/ Municipality – $0.00

The initial Handgun Permit expires on the last day of the holder’s birth month following two (2) years after the date the permit is issued. Permits that have been modified or are a duplicate expire on the date provided on the initial permit.

A Handgun Permit may be renewed for successive periods of three (3) years each if, at the time of an application for renewal, the applicant possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit and pays the renewal fee as established in the subtitle.

The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the permit.  Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder.  The Licensing Division does not send out renewal reminders.  The expiration date is on the face of the permit.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change.  You must mail this change to the same address as you would mail an application.

Loaning Firearms

To loan a Rifle and/or Shotgun the person receiving the firearm must be a Maryland Resident, 18 years of age, and be legally permitted to own/possess a Firearm.

To loan a Handgun the person receiving the firearm must be a Maryland Resident, 21 years of age, and be legally permitted to own/possess a Firearm (Has a VALID Maryland HQL).

It would be prudent to loan a suitable Lock and Case for the firearm/s so the Firearm/s can be Stored and Transported to comply with Maryland Transport and Access/Storage Laws.

Todd Lin Chow v. State of Maryland, July, 2006

The Court of Appeals found that the temporary gratuitous exchange or loan of a regulated handgun between two adult individuals, who are otherwise permitted to own and obtain a regulated handgun, does not constitute an illegal “transfer” of a firearm in violation of § 442(d). The plain language of § 442(d), when construed in harmony with the rest of the subheading, reveals that “transfer” can only refer to a permanent exchange of title or possession and does not include gratuitous temporary exchanges.

It is not legal to loan a person a BANNED Assault Pistol/s, BANNED Assault Rifle/s, BANNED Copycat Rifle/s, BANNED Assault Shotgun/s, or a Magazine/s that have a capacity of 11 Rounds or more.

It is not legal to loan a person a N.F.A. Firearm/Device. A N.F.A. Firearm or Device is a Machinegun, Short Barreled Rifle, Short Barreled Shotgun, Silencer, Any Other Weapon, or Destructive Device.
 

Maryland Firearm Transport Laws

Maryland Law does allow transportation of UNLOADED Rifles and/or Shotguns in a vehicle.

A person may not possess in or on an automobile or other vehicle a loaded Shotgun, or a Rifle containing any ammunition in the magazine or chamber.

There's no legal requirement for the Rifle or Shothun to be cased.

Maryland Law generally prohibits the wearing, carrying or transporting of handgun
(FYI, Any Other Weapons, Short Barreled Rifles and Short Barreled Shotguns, are considered handguns per MD Law) , loaded or unloaded, concealed or openly:

1) On or about one's person

2) In a vehicle traveling on a road or parking lot generally used by the public, highway, waterway, or airway of the State.

Individuals who have been issued a permit to carry a handgun by the Maryland Department of State Police (Handgun carry permits issued by other states are not effective) are exempted from this law.

The following activities are also exempted:

1) The carrying of a handgun on the person or in a vehicle while the person is transporting the handgun to or from the place of legal purchase or sale, or to or from a bona fide repair shop, or between bona fide residences of the person, or between the bona fide residence and place of business of the person, if the business is operated and owned substantially by the person if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster.

2) The wearing, carrying, or transporting by a person of a handgun used in connection with an organized military activity, a target shoot, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, hunting, a Department of Natural Resources-sponsored firearms and hunter safety class, trapping, or a dog obedience training class or show, while the person is engaged in, on the way to, or returning from that activity if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster.

3) The moving by a bona fide gun collector (Maryland Designated Collector) of part or all of the collector's gun collection from place to place for public or private exhibition if each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster.

4) The wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a person on real estate that the person owns or leases or where the person resides or within the confines of a business establishment that the person owns or leases.

5) The wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun by a supervisory employee: in the course of employment; within the confines of the business establishment in which the supervisory employee is employed; and (iii) when so authorized by the owner or manager of the business establishment.


The federal law (18 USC 926A) applies to the interstate transportation of a firearm (handgun or long arm) and supersedes Maryland law. It has no bearing on the transportation of a firearm where the origin and destination are both within Maryland. It allows for the transportation of a firearm through the State of Maryland regardless of the Maryland law cited above.


For purposes of the exceptions to Maryland law, a handgun may be transported within the passenger compartment of the vehicle provided it is unloaded and in an enclosed case or holster. For purposes of the federal law exception, the firearm must be unloaded and not readily accessible from the passenger compartment.

Transporting a LOADED Magazine/s is LEGAL in Maryland.


In Maryland it is LEGAL to transport a LOADED Firearm Magazine in your vehicle as long as ALL Firearms in the vehicle are UNLOADED (No Ammunition in the Chamber or having a LOADED Magazine in the Firearm).