Maryland Gun Laws

No. Maryland does not require a Firearm Owners ID or other special identification to purchase firearms.  However to purchase a handgun or other regulated firearm in Maryland, you must show a certificate of completion for approved Maryland safety training requirements.  More information about those training requirements can be found at this link: http:/www.mdgunsafety.com/faq.htm

It depends on the gun.

False. Maryland requires a permit to carry a firearm, both in a concealed and open manner.

With a handful of exceptions, Maryland residents are restricted to making one regulated firearm purchase per 30 days. You may purchase two regulated firearms at the same time, but cannot make a subsequent regulated purchase for 60 days. Fortunately, Maryland law places no such restriction on so-called "Designated Collectors." You can register with MSP as a Designated Collector by filling out the form at this link:  http://www.mdsp.org/downloads/Collec…_Affidavit.pdf

If you are buying/selling a C&R eligible handgun from/to another Maryland resident who is a C&R license holder within state borders, you cannot sell the gun in a face-to-face transaction. MSP requires, perhaps erroneously, that you complete the transfer through either MSP or a FFL. You will be subject to all of the restrictions associated with a regulated firearm purchase. However, if the sale takes place outside of Maryland, you may proceed as with any normal C&R transaction.

You may not sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive or transfer any detachable firearm magazine with a capacity of more than 20 rounds in Maryland. As possession is not specifically outlawed, you may take possession of higher capacity magazines outside of the state and then legally bring them back for use within Maryland.

An unofficial opnion was issued by the Attorney General's office stating that "Maryland law does not prohibit an individual from transporting a loaded magazine in a vehicle while transporting an unloaded handgun under the provisions of 4-203(b)."

No. Maryland has no reciprocity with any other state.

In general; there are two main requirements. 

1.) Identification. You will need identification that both proves your identity and establishes residency. Generally you may purchase rifles and shotguns in any state that allows you to; but handguns and other "regulated" weapons must be purchased or transferred in Maryland. See additional FAQ's for information on regulated weapons or transfers across state lines.

Note: Residency for those on Active Duty or who live in dual states can be complex. Generally speaking, you may purchase firearms in any state you can prove residency, including the one you are on active duty in. States requiring firearm owner ID cards can be the exception to this rule. Please consult a gun store for more information. 

2.) To purchase handguns; you must complete the Maryland Handgun Safety Training Course. The course is offered at some gun stores, or can be taken online at http://www.mdgunsafety.com/. Certain documentation such as military DD214 and police commissions can be used in lieu of this course.

You may buy a handgun in any state, but it must be shipped to a FFL 01 holder in Maryland who will then facilitate the transfer for you. You must pass the same background checks and wait the required seven days before taking possession. There is no legal way to directly purchase a handgun outside of your state of legal residence, excepting C&R eligible transactions.

Provided your friend ships the gun to a FFL 01 in Maryland to transfer the firearm, yes. All firearms transactions involving members from two different states require a FFL holder to complete the transfer for the buyer. Failure to involve a FFL when conducting an interstate transfer of any firearm is a felony.

If the firearm is C&R eligible and the buyer possesses a C&R (FFL03) license, the transaction may be completed legally.

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

What you have described is a STRAW SALE.

This is a FELONY and you will go to jail. 

Straw sales put guns in the hands of criminals. They will in return commit crimes that will fuel politicians to pass gun control laws. We must all do our part to prevent criminals from obtaining guns. 

MSI is proud to support Don't Lie For the Other Guy: a national program to prevent straw sales.