Whether you’re thinking about purchasing your first fire arm, or you’re the proud owner of multiple personal fire arms, simply continue reading to discover 5 of Maryland’s personal handgun laws.
5 of Maryland’s, most important, personal handgun laws:
- By law, residents are required to present a permit in order to purchase a handgun
In Maryland, a permit is required to purchase a handgun. However, a permit isn’t required to purchase a long gun such as rifle or a shotgun. In order to be approved for a permit, individuals must undergo basic firearm training and must be willing to undergo a background check. In most cases, applicants will also be asked to be fingerprinted.
- By law, resdients much register each of their handguns
Not only do Maryland residents have to present a permit, in order to purchase a handgun but they are also required to register their handguns with the state police. If an individual plans on selling a handgun, they must inform the state police of the sale of their handgun. Residents who purchase a long gun, however are not required to register their firearm.
- By law, residents may only carry a concealed handgun if they have obtained a carry permit
Residents who plan to carry a concealed handgun must be able to demonstrate a fair reason for carrying a concealed weapon, in order to be granted a carry permit. Less than 10% of applicants are issued a carry permit. Carry permits are generally only issued to law enforcement officers and everyday citizens are rarely granted a carry permit to carry a concealed handgun.
- Individuals are permitted by law, to carry both concealed long guns and openly displayed long guns
Residents who own a long guns such as a rifle or a shot gun are permitted to carry a concealed long gun. As carry permits for long guns do not exist, individuals are not required to carry any documentation whilst carrying a concealed long gun. As a bonus, individuals in Maryland are also permitted by law to openly carry a long gun.
If you ever run into complications with the law, for carrying a legal fire arm, you may want to find out why it’s well worth your while, to speak to an attorney. As if you’re aware of your legal rights, you’re far less likely to be falsely charged by a law enforcement officer.
- Individuals who plan on selling a firearm must process their sale through a licensed dealer or a law enforcement agency
An individual who plans on selling a long gun or a hand gun, cannot process their sale on their own. Instead, they must have their sale processed through a licensed fire arms dealer or a local law enforcement agency. It is the job of the licensed fire arms dealer or the law enforcement officer, who processes the sale to run a background check on the buyer of the fire arm.
If you plan to purchase a fire arm, it’s crucial to keep up to date with Maryland’s gun laws as you don’t want to run the risk of being charged for an offence, that you’re unaware of.