What Are the Assault Weapon Laws in Maryland?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Maryland bans many semi-automatic rifles by name and feature, requires registration of regulated firearms, and prohibits high-capacity magazines over 10 rounds. The state has some of the strictest assault weapon laws in the nation.
What This Means for You
Maryland's Firearm Safety Act significantly restricts what you can legally own, build, or transfer in the state. Understanding these laws is critical before starting any build project, as violations carry serious criminal penalties. The state maintains a prohibited list that goes beyond federal restrictions and includes both specific models and feature-based definitions.
The Detail
Maryland defines assault weapons through both a named list of prohibited firearms and a features-based test similar to other restrictive states. The law covers semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines that have certain combinations of features like folding stocks, flash hiders, or bayonet mounts. Semi-automatic pistols with detachable magazines and specific features like threaded barrels or magazine wells outside the grip are also restricted.
The state requires registration of regulated firearms that were legally owned before the ban took effect. New purchases of banned assault weapons by civilians are prohibited, though law enforcement and military exemptions exist. Private transfers of regulated firearms must go through licensed dealers with background checks, and there are specific requirements for how these firearms must be stored and transported.
Maryland also restricts magazine capacity to 10 rounds for most firearms, with some exceptions for .22 caliber tubular magazines and certain competition firearms. The magazine restriction applies to both sales and possession, making it illegal to bring higher capacity magazines into the state even if legally owned elsewhere.
Certain semi-automatic rifles remain legal if they lack the prohibited features or fall under specific exemptions. However, the law is complex and has been updated multiple times, so what might seem like a minor modification could potentially change a firearm's legal status under state law.
Build Impact
Any build project in Maryland requires careful attention to feature combinations and the state's prohibited list before you start ordering parts. You should verify current legal requirements with Maryland State Police or consult with a firearms attorney, as these laws have specific technical definitions that may differ from your interpretation.