Can I Build an AR-15 in Maryland?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Building an AR-15 in Maryland is legally complex due to the state's assault weapon ban. You can build one, but it must comply with specific feature restrictions and magazine capacity limits.
What This Means for You
Maryland's Firearm Safety Act restricts certain semi-automatic rifles including many standard AR-15 configurations. However, the law allows for compliant builds that avoid banned features. Understanding these restrictions is crucial before starting any build project in the state.
The Detail
Maryland law generally prohibits assault weapons, but allows AR-15 builds that comply with specific feature requirements. The key is avoiding the combination of features that would classify your rifle as a banned assault weapon under state law. This typically means limiting certain cosmetic and functional features.
Your AR-15 build in Maryland cannot have more than one of the following features: a folding or telescoping stock, a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action, a bayonet mount, a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one, or a grenade launcher. Most builders focus on the pistol grip restriction, as this is the most common feature that pushes a standard AR-15 into banned territory.
Magazine capacity is another critical factor. Maryland restricts magazines to 10 rounds for rifles, so any magazines you use must comply with this limit. This applies regardless of when or where you acquired the magazines.
The regulations around receivers and lower builds follow federal guidelines, meaning you can build from an 80% lower or purchase a stripped lower through an FFL. However, the completed rifle must still meet all state compliance requirements. Some builders opt for featureless builds or use fixed stocks and modified grips to stay compliant.
I recommend verifying all current requirements with Maryland State Police or consulting with a local FFL dealer familiar with state compliance builds. State firearms laws can change, and local interpretations may vary.
Build Impact
Your build will need to be designed around Maryland's feature restrictions from the start, likely requiring non-standard grips, stocks, or muzzle devices. Planning for compliance upfront is much easier than trying to modify a standard configuration later.