Possessing a gun in Maryland as a non-resident.

[Cloverthief]

So here's where I'm confused: Let's say I'm a Delaware resident, but I work in Maryland and have an apartment there. When in my apartment in MD, can I possess firearms that I purchased in DE? In a casual conversation with a county police officer, he said that what I was describing is fine as long as the guns are registered in DE (doesn't sound right, and DE doesn't require firearm registration anyway.) From the research that I have done, MD doesn't require registration unless its a "regulated" firearm... what we would be talking about here is a handgun and a shotgun.

Am I missing something? Any thoughts?

 

[kingpin008]

Maryland has no registration, period. If the guns are legally owned by you, and they are not on the list of "prohibited" firearms (no machine pistols, basically) you're good to go.

However, we do NOT have CCW in this state. When transporting, they must be unloaded, cased, and not readily accessible to the driver or passengers. You must be going directly to or from your home to a range, gun shop, or shooting event. If you are pulled over while transporting, I've never heard of an instance where our cops have caused a problem.

And honestly, when in search of legal info, don't ask a cop. They're generally not knowledgeable about the finer points, and can/will lie to you if they feel like it. Ask a lawyer, or look up the relevant statutes yourself.

 

[medalguy]

Well, as far as federal law goes, as long as you maintain dual residences, you may purchase, sell, or possess any kind of firearm in either state. However, I don't know about the state laws, could be a problem there. Don't be surprised about the LEO saying they needed to be "registered"-- he may have been watching too much TV. Chack into your various state laws. Here's one place to do so:

http://www.gunlaws.com/links/

 

[Sam1911]

When transporting, they must be unloaded, cased, and not readily accessible to the driver or passengers. You must be going directly to or from your home to a range, gun shop, or shooting event.

The NRA's site says this about long guns: "Rifles and shotguns being transported in motor vehicles must be unloaded."

Regarding handguns they say:
"A person may transport a handgun if they can demonstrate that the handgun is being carried, worn or transported:
• To or from a place of legal purchase or sale, or repair shop;
• Between a person’s bona fide residences, or between his residence and place of business, if the business is operated and substantially owned by that person;
• While engaged in, or traveling to and from a target shoot, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, hunting, trapping, or dog obedience training class or show; or
• By a bona fide gun collector who is moving any part or all of his gun collection from place to place for public or private exhibition.

During transportation to and from the above places the handgun must be unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or enclosed holster."

There is no residency requirement for possession, use, or transport of the firearms. Just follow the laws the same as a resident would.

 

[Cloverthief]

Thanks everyone!