Maryland Gun Laws: Maryland-Compliant AR-15s, Handguns, & More

What Makes A Gun Maryland-Compliant?

A Maryland-compliant gun is any firearm that does not violate the state’s restrictions against the sale, purchase, or ownership of banned firearms or related accessories.

Maryland law requires that all handguns be listed on the Maryland Handgun Roster to be considered compliant. Rifles and shotguns do not have a roster, but they must still comply with the state’s restrictions on magazine capacity, prohibited features, and banned “assault weapons” to be considered Maryland-compliant.

Certain makes and models are expressly banned, along with copies or duplicates of those firearms. Additionally, guns with specific features or combinations of features may be classified as prohibited “assault weapons” or other regulated firearms under Maryland law.

Maryland's Statewide Magazine Restriction

Maryland limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds for all long guns and handguns, except for rimfire rifles with a fixed tubular magazine. Law enforcement are exempt from this requirement.

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Magazines lawfully owned by private citizens before October 1, 2013, are grandfathered, but may not be loaded beyond the legal limit outside the owner’s residence unless otherwise permitted by law.

Maryland's Statewide Assault Weapons Ban

Maryland law prohibits certain firearms classified as “assault weapons” under the Firearm Safety Act of 2013. This includes:

• Specific named firearms and all copies or duplicates
• Semi-automatic rifles that can accept a detachable magazine and have two or more prohibited features, such as a folding stock, flash suppressor, or grenade/flare launcher
• Semi-automatic rifles with a fixed magazine holding more than 10 rounds or an overall length under 29 inches
• Semi-automatic pistols with a fixed magazine exceeding 10 rounds
• Semi-automatic shotguns with folding stocks
• Shotguns with revolving cylinders

As with the magazine restriction, firearms lawfully possessed before October 1, 2013, are grandfathered, but new purchases of prohibited assault weapons are illegal.

How To Buy A Gun Legally In Maryland

To purchase a firearm in Maryland, individuals must meet the minimum legal age (21 for handguns and 18 for long guns) and must not be prohibited by state or federal law from owning firearms. Prohibited persons include those who:

• Have certain felony or domestic violence convictions
• Are subject to protective or restraining orders
• Have been involuntarily committed or adjudicated as mentally incompetent
• Are addicted to controlled substances or otherwise restricted by law

Background checks are required for all firearm purchases to ensure these restrictions are enforced.

All handgun buyers must obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), which requires completing a state-approved firearm safety training course, undergoing a background check, and submitting fingerprints.

Rifle and shotgun buyers do not need a license, but all firearm purchases must be made through a Maryland-licensed dealer, who will conduct the required background check to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

MD-Compliant Rifles

Rifles with a capacity greater than 10 rounds are expressly prohibited, as are all AK-47 variants. A list of regulated and otherwise banned guns in Maryland can be found here.

To be considered legal in Maryland, semi-auto centerfire rifles must not have an overall length under 29". Semi-auto rifles with a detachable magazine must not have two or more of the following features:

• A folding stock (does not include telescoping or collapsible stocks).
• Grenade or flare launchers.
• Flash suppressors.

AR-15 style rifles that are not otherwise prohibited are legal to own, provided they have a heavy barrel contour with no cutouts. Stripped lower receivers and complete prohibited features without prohibited features are also permitted.

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MD-Compliant Shotguns

Most types of shotguns are permitted in Maryland, so long as they do not have any of these features:

• A detachable magazine with a capacity over 10 rounds.
• A revolving cylinder.
• A folding stock, not including telescoping or collapsible stocks (semi-autos only).

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Maryland also restricts "Other" firearms, including firearms with a barrel length under 16" that expel a shotgun shell. Essentially, this means that models like the Mossberg Shockwave and the Remington Tac14 (which are on the approved list) must be listed on the Maryland Handgun Roster to be compliant.

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MD-Compliant Handguns

All handguns purchased in Maryland must be listed on the Maryland Handgun Roster and must comply with the state’s magazine capacity and feature restrictions. To be considered legal:

• Magazine capacity cannot exceed 10 rounds, including both fixed and detachable magazines.
• Semi-automatic handguns must not have features that classify them as “assault weapons” under Maryland law, such as threaded barrels or combination features that would otherwise make them regulated.
• Handguns that are explicitly banned or copies of banned models are prohibited.

Maryland’s HQL program ensures that all handgun buyers meet legal and safety requirements before purchase, including completing a firearm safety course and passing a background check.

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Other Prohibited Items

Additionally, the following items are expressly prohibited:

• "Rapid-fire trigger activators" including binary triggers and other devices which increase rate of fire.
• Tannerite or similar exploding targets / compounds.
• Stun guns, TASERs, and defense spray (City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, and Howard County only).

Why Are Some Guns Not Available In Maryland?

Certain firearms are unavailable in Maryland because state law classifies them as assault weapons, regulated firearms, or otherwise prohibited models. This includes firearms with specific features or combinations of features, firearms explicitly named on banned lists, and those with magazines exceeding the 10-round limit.

Maryland’s restrictions are designed to balance public safety with lawful ownership, limiting access to firearms deemed particularly dangerous while still allowing residents to purchase compliant rifles, shotguns, and handguns through licensed dealers.

How To Ensure Your Firearms Are MD-Compliant

Follow these steps to ensure that your firearms are fully compliant and legal to own in Maryland. To make sure your firearms comply with Maryland law:

• Check The Maryland Handgun Roster: For handguns, only approved models may be sold to civilians.
• Verify Magazine Capacity: Handguns and long guns are generally limited to 10 rounds, excluding rimfire rifles with a fixed tubular magazines.
• Review Firearm Features: Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns must not have two or more prohibited features, such as folding stocks, flash suppressors, or grenade/flare launchers.
• Avoid Banned Models: AK-47 variants, certain AR-15s with prohibited features, and other firearms listed under Maryland law cannot be purchased or possessed.
• Follow All State & Federal Laws: All firearms transfers must be facilitated by a Maryland FFL dealer who conducts required background checks.
• Stay Updated On Local Laws: Some counties may have additional restrictions, and compliance with state law does not override local ordinances.

Shopping For Legal Guns In Maryland? Look No Further

Maryland gun laws may be stricter than most states, but they are still much less strict than other anti-gun states. Classic Firearms is here to answer all your questions about Maryland-compliant guns so you can find everything you need in one convenient place.