Laws re: AR15s in MD AND looking for an FFL for a transfer

[nico]

As I understand the law, all non-HBAR AR variants are grouped in with handguns (don't remember the exact name) and require a waiting period, etc. HBAR ARs, however, are viewed as being no different than other rifles.

I'm planning on buying a stripped lower within the next few weeks and using it to build a complete rifle in the distant future when funds permit. Since a stripped lower doesn't have a barrel, in which of the above categories would it be grouped? ie: is a stripped lower viewed as an HBAR or not? If it is, would that mean I couldn't use a non-HBAR barrel when I assemble the gun?


I'm also looking for an FFL to do the transfer for me, or a Stag/RRA dealer with decent prices in the Baltimore area.

 

[Norton]

nico,

The stripped lower is treated as a regulated firearm, just like a handgun or scary black rifles that aren't an HBAR.

If you're looking for someone honest to do a transfer for you, I would recommend John and Chris Rhines, both of whom are THR members. They're just on the other side of the Beltway from you're part of the world.

If you don't get a response from them here, shoot me a PM and I'll give you an email.

 

[alucard0822]

I maryland they concider an AR a plain rifle as long as the barrel is at least 16", or if shorter has a permanently attatched flash hider (pinned and welded) that makes it 16" doesn't matter if it's an ultralight or heavy anything shorter would be classified as an SBR (short barreled rifle) and is basically treated like a handgun, of course RRA or Bushmaster will ship any upper to MD but no mags over 20rds. As far as RRA dealers you have atlantic guns in silver spring, Continental arms in timonium, Whitemarsh Arms in Reisterstown, Just guns in parkville, Arundel arms and Barts in Glen burnie, also the camrod Gun show is coming to Timonium in Feburary. As for mags Maryland has a max of 20 rds, but for a short trip to PA or Virginia you can legally buy standard 30rd mags and legally own them in maryland (law says you can't buy or sell IN Maryland), Of course any of this can change soon now that O'malley is Governor.

 

[readyfire]

To simplify it,if it has the m4 mil profile its"bad" and requires a wait,if it has a heavy barrel its ok cause its a sporting rifle and thus requires the nics check!I can also point you to an ffl if these gentleman havent already.And piss on o malley while im here!Sorry

 

[readyfire]

Seems i missed the real question here i apoligize!Not privy on buying lowers i will shoosh now!

 

[MikeH]

I maryland they concider an AR a plain rifle as long as the barrel is at least 16", or if shorter has a permanently attatched flash hider (pinned and welded) that makes it 16" doesn't matter if it's an ultralight or heavy anything shorter would be classified as an SBR (short barreled rifle) and is basically treated like a handgun.

Sorry to do this to a fellow MDer, but I think we need to get things straight here:

* The law regarding 16" barrel and SBR classification is federal, not MD.

* With the exception of Colt Sporter HBAR, all AR15s are regulated firearms in MD. This includes stripped lower receivers. The law regarding their possession and transfer are the same as handguns: MDSP background check, waiting period, 30 days between purchases, etc.

* Colt HBAR is a regular rifles in MD. They can be bought on just a 4473 from a dealer or FTF without MDSP paperwork.

http://mdgunsafety.com/mspfaq.htm
http://www.mdsp.org/downloads/assault_weapons.pdf

 

[MikeH]

When I was filling up papers at Atlantic Guns for my stripped lower, the guy told me that a customer figured out a perfectly legal way to get your AR on the same day: buy a complete HBAR, then go back to buy a non-kosher upper.

I wish I had that kind of money to spend ... :banghead:

 

[nico]

Thanks for the replies.
Norton, I know who Chris is and have talked to him a few times via pm, but forgot that he has an FFL. I'll drop him a line.

Personally, I'm such a big fan of o'malley that I'm going to buy my lower as a way to "celebrate" his inaguration just in case :banghead:. I'm trying to convince my parents that a mid-length kit from Del-Ton would be a good birthday present, but won't be finishing the gun any time soon otherwise. If it looks like we're gonna get an AWB, I might have to buy an additional lower just to have it around.

Personally, if the state changes as much under omalley as the guys on WBAL radio seem to think it will, I don't know if I'll be staying here after I get done with school.

 

[aspade]

I did a transfer through Bill's Bullseye in Boyds a little over a year ago. He's listed on Gunbroker.com's FFL Locator. A bit of a drive from Baltimore but he's a great guy and doesn't rip you off on fees like some folks will try to.

 

[CrazyIrishman]

This is from the MARYLAND AR15 SHOOTERS SITE

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/ar15sthelaw.msnw

Q: I thought AR-15s were banned? Well, yes and no. Some states & municipalities have banned them (check your local regulations). Some bans specify by name, some by features, others by commonality of parts. Manufacturers changed names and deleted features to comply with the bans.

Buying & Selling an AR-15 in Maryland: Since this is a site devoted to Maryland shooters I'll let you in the legalities in Maryland. In Mayland most AR-15 style rifles are considered 'regulated' weapons (like handguns). You must pay an extra $10 fee, and have the 8 day waiting period before you can pick up your rifle. You are also limited to one (1) Rifle (or Lower Receiver) in a 30 day period. This also prevents you from buying a handgun during this period, since you are limited to 1 'regulated weapon' per 30 day period (either a handgun or so-called 'assault weapon'). Private transfers of AR-15s are PROHIBITED - they must either go through an FFL (max fee he can charge is $20 per law) or you can go to the local State Police barracks and they can do the transfer. There is an EXCEPTION for Colt Sporter H-BAR Rifle; Eagle Arms EA-15 (probably due to differences with internal parts). These are treated just like any other rifle; private transfers are permitted, there is no waiting period, no limit to how many you can buy at a time, nor will it interfere with your purchase of a handgun. State Police consider any rifle with an HBAR barrel (like the Bushmaster) to be identical. Note: the State Police have indicated HBAR Bushmasters are NOT considered 'regulated' - they are treated like the HBAR Colts. As such you are not required to have a 'safety class' to purchase one. Most dealers don't know this and don't bother to check it out (so expect to pay the fee, wait the time, and take the 'class').


In addition you now pay Md. SALES TAX along with the usual transfer fee if you buy out of state .

 

[Norton]

* With the exception of Colt Sporter HBAR, all AR15s are regulated firearms in MD. This includes stripped lower receivers. The law regarding their possession and transfer are the same as handguns: MDSP background check, waiting period, 30 days between purchases, etc.

The sacry thing is that there are some FFL dealers in MD who are selling M4gery rifles like this one as cash and carry HBARS because it has the heavy barrel under the hand guards

This one is what the state considers an HBAR, in addition to the Bushmaster

 

[Spot77]

State Police consider any rifle with an HBAR barrel (like the Bushmaster) to be identical. Note: the State Police have indicated HBAR Bushmasters are NOT considered 'regulated' - they are treated like the HBAR Colts. As such you are not required to have a 'safety class' to purchase one

Correct. I bought my Bushmaster HBAR several yars ago, exactly like this. I thought I'd change the upper on it, but I guess I'm one of the few that like the
20" HBAR

 

[alucard0822]

Uh Oh, I did ask the guy at the gun shop about the sbr/regulated firearm law when I bought my m-4 w a 16" barrell in Maryland cash and carry, that is where I got my info, not sure if the law has changed recently or not,

 

[MikeH]

I'm not sure how long the MD regulated firearms law has been in effect. Probably before the federal AWB sunset.

Regardless, if we want the correct 14.5" M4 barrel, we have to register it as an SBR with ATF. MD doesn't care one way or the other.

 

[Norton]

alucard,

A rifle that looks like this is a regulated firearm in MD and has been for many years now.

A dealer that sells those rifles as a cash and carry item is doing us all damage. I'm not agreeing with the law...at all....but the fact is that for the time being it is the law and when a dealer cirumvents the law it makes trouble for the rest of us.