Moving to MD from VA, gun law questions

[roguejestyr]

Hi all. Moving from VA to MD, and would like some info on the gun laws in MD. I've read the MD gun laws WRT purchasing guns, and I didn't see anything using Search that pertains to my questions. So here goes:

Let's say I have 4 handguns already, all purchased in VA, when I move to MD. Will I have to register all 4, or does that only apply to guns purchased in MD?

Additionally, let's say I have a STAG AR-15, a Colt AR-15, and a Mossberg 500 shotgun. I know the shotgun is ok, will I have to register the two ARs, which were also purchased in VA?

Finally, the area I will be living in looks to have its fair share of break-ins. While I plan on having an alarm system, my two small dogs, and the shotgun handy, are there any weird "castle doctrine" laws in MD?

It's really too bad that I didn't research these important gun laws before deciding on MD. On the plus side, after my year lease is up I plan on moving back to the VA side.

Any info will be appreciated, thanks.

 

[kingpin008]

Hey Rogue - lemme see if I can lend a hand here.

Let's say I have 4 handguns already, all purchased in VA, when I move to MD. Will I have to register all 4, or does that only apply to guns purchased in MD?

There is no gun registration in Maryland. You're fine to bring in pretty much any pistol, as long as it's not a "machine pistol". If you're still unsure, have a look at the link below and look for your gun. It will tell you whether it's legal or not.

http://msp.maryland.gov/services/handgun.asp

Additionally, let's say I have a STAG AR-15, a Colt AR-15, and a Mossberg 500 shotgun. I know the shotgun is ok, will I have to register the two ARs, which were also purchased in VA?

Once again, there is no registration. All of those are fine.

I think what you might be thinking of when you say "registration" is the process for purchasing handguns and certain rifles. They are considered "regulated" by the state of MD, and as such are not as easily obtained from gunshops. However - even though they are "regulated", the process is still very simple.

Finally, the area I will be living in looks to have its fair share of break-ins. While I plan on having an alarm system, my two small dogs, and the shotgun handy, are there any weird "castle doctrine" laws in MD?

Ok, here's the thing. Technically, we are a "duty to retreat" state, meaning that if someone breaks in and is coming at you, you are legally required to do your best to escape first. Once you have exhausted all "reasonable" methods of escape, you are allowed to shoot.

I say technically because I've never heard of a legitimate self-defense shooting in MD being put to that particular test. In fact, most SD shootings that were "good" shoots seem to be left alone. But there it is.

Hope this helped! Whereabouts are you moving to? I might be able to recommend some decent gun shops and ranges, depending on the area.

 

[627PCFan]

delete

 

[roguejestyr]

kingpin008,

thanks for the informative answers. i do not have any "machine pistols," and don't plan on getting any.

i will be moving to Landover, MD, near FEDEX Stadium, and now that i've done some research about the area, i'm not thrilled at the rate of break-ins and car thefts/vandalism in the area. yet another reason why i will be moving back to VA once my lease is up.

 

[kingpin008]

Not a problem at all.

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the Landover area - I tend to hang around the Columbia/Laurel/Ellicott City areas, so I can't help you with range advice.

I hear ya about moving back once your lease is up. Maryland is a great state, and yeah, our gun laws are kinda dumb, but lots of folks have it worse, ya know?

Anyway, glad to help. You might want to check out www.mdshooters.com from time to time as well. THR is great, but MD Shooters is a Maryland-specific gun board.

 

[atblis]

If you have any plans to build ARs in the future, pick up some stripped lowers before moving.

 

[kingpin008]

Atblis - why is that? Has there been a run lately?

 

[cavman]

Don't need to do anything regarding the guns you are bringing to MD. However, your first purchase in MD of a gun, you will have to watch a "safety video".

Other than that you are good to go. MD does have a wait of seven or so days from the time you fill out your paperwork (including the mandatory, "voluntary" registration of the new gun before you can actually take possession, however.

 

[mgkdrgn]

kingpin008,

thanks for the informative answers. i do not have any "machine pistols," and don't plan on getting any.

i will be moving to Landover, MD, near FEDEX Stadium, and now that i've done some research about the area, i'm not thrilled at the rate of break-ins and car thefts/vandalism in the area. yet another reason why i will be moving back to VA once my lease is up.

You're moving to PG county? May God have mercy on your soul.

What ever you move into, change all the locks, and consider having more installed. "Out and About" you are pretty much AMFYOYO, 'cause there a snowballs chance in hell of getting a carry permit in MD.

 

[atblis]

Just easier and cheaper. FFLs tend to be more expensive in Md (most things are actually). A stripped lower is considered a regulated weapon in Md. There's extra paperwork, an extra $10, and a waiting period for each lower. The law only covers the transfer, so if they're already in your possession before you move to Md,...

 

[bikerdoc]

Check the law regarding mag capacity. IIRC no 30 rd mags allowed - I may be wrong, -check the law.

 

[atblis]

The possession of mags over 20 rounds in capacity isn't illegal. It's the transfer that's illegal. You can't buy, sell, or even give away 30 round mags.

You can buy as many as you want out of state though.