Navigating Maryland’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in Maryland. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Maryland
Summary: Maryland has strict gun laws, with an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 7-day waiting period for handguns, red flag laws, and universal background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
13% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Maryland
Maryland enforces a ban on certain firearms defined as assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Maryland
Maryland restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Maryland
Maryland regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Maryland
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Maryland is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Maryland
Maryland enforces a 7(hg)-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Maryland
Maryland has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Maryland
Requirement Level: Medium (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Maryland has moderate safe storage requirements, potentially involving locking devices in certain situations.
Background Checks in Maryland
Maryland mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Maryland
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Maryland, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Maryland
In addition to assault weapons, Maryland may regulate other specific types of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Maryland
- Bianchi v. Brown (ongoing): Assault weapons ban challenge (Source: Giffords Law Center)
- Maryland v. Charles (2018): Handgun qualification laws
- Kolbe v. Hogan (2017): Assault weapons ban upheld
- Maryland v. Smith (2016): Firearm possession violations
Our Opinion on Maryland’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds Maryland’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 13/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. Maryland has strict gun laws, with an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 7-day waiting period for handguns, red flag laws, and universal background checks—a litany of restrictions that stifles the freedoms of law-abiding citizens while doing little to address actual crime. The right to bear arms is a cornerstone of American liberty, and Maryland’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge Maryland to reconsider its stance, particularly on measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks, which disproportionately burden responsible gun owners. The Second Amendment exists to protect against such overreach, and Maryland must work to dismantle these barriers to ensure its citizens can exercise their rights without fear of government intrusion. Liberty demands nothing less.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
