What Are the Gun 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 has some of the strictest gun laws in the US, including assault weapon bans, magazine capacity limits, licensing requirements for handguns, and mandatory background checks for all sales.
What This Means for You
Maryland's firearms laws significantly impact what you can legally build, own, and transfer in the state. The Firearm Safety Act of 2013 created broad restrictions that affect common rifle configurations and standard capacity magazines. Anyone building firearms in Maryland needs to understand these restrictions before starting any project to avoid inadvertently creating an illegal firearm.
The Detail
Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License for purchasing, renting, or receiving handguns. This involves completing a firearms safety training course, submitting fingerprints, and passing a background check. The process can take several weeks to complete, and you must renew the license periodically.
The state bans what it defines as assault weapons, which includes many common semi-automatic rifles with certain features like detachable magazines combined with features such as pistol grips, folding stocks, or flash suppressors. Maryland also maintains a list of specifically banned firearms by name. Additionally, the state limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds for purchase and transfer, though possession of higher capacity magazines acquired before October 2013 remains legal.
All firearm sales and transfers in Maryland must go through a licensed dealer with a background check, including private sales between individuals. There are limited exceptions for transfers between immediate family members and temporary transfers for hunting or sporting purposes. Maryland also has a seven-day waiting period for handgun purchases.
Maryland is a may-issue state for concealed carry permits, meaning authorities have discretion in approving applications. You must demonstrate a "good and substantial reason" beyond general self-protection to obtain a permit. The state does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states.
Build Impact
If you're building in Maryland, you need to carefully verify that your completed firearm won't fall under the assault weapon definition or banned firearms list. Magazine restrictions mean you should plan around 10-round capacity limits for any new purchases or transfers within the state.