Maryland Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Maryland Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Maryland gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Maryland can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Maryland State Constitution

The Maryland state constitution contains nothing specific related to the right to bear or keep arms and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.

Maryland Constitution Declaration of Rights, Article 1

That the People of this State have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof, as a free, sovereign and independent State.

Maryland Constitution Declaration of Rights, Article 4

That all persons invested with the Legislative or Executive powers of Government are the Trustees of the Public, and, as such, accountable for their conduct: Wherefore, whenever the ends of Government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the People may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a new Government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.

Maryland Constitution Declaration of Rights, Article 6

Maryland Gun Laws

Maryland Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Maryland Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)<
Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit (Source: Maryland State Police)
Maryland Firearms FAQs (Source: Maryland State Police)

Maryland Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting in Maryland (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Maryland Online Licensing and Registration Service (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Maryland Hunter Education (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

Maryland Shooting Ranges

Shooting Ranges in Maryland (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Maryland Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Maryland NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Maryland NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Maryland "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Maryland State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Maryland Citizens for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
National Capital Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Lehigh Valley Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Safari Club International Chesapeake Chapter (SCI-Affiliated)
Maryland Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Maryland Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Maryland NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Maryland Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Maryland Gun Shows and FFLs

Maryland Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Maryland Gun Shows (Source: GunShowTrader.com)
Maryland FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Maryland's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Maryland Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Maryland Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Maryland Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Maryland State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Maryland State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Maryland Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Maryland Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Maryland State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Maryland State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Maryland (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo