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MD gun purchase laws

S

savery

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
201
Location
, Virginia, USA
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One of my co-workers that lives in MD is interested in getting a pistol for protection, which I think is great. The only problem is that as a Virginian, I really don't know the laws. what must one go through in order to buy a pistol? Someone told me that you had to take a class or some such nonsense (just to buy the damned thing) is this correct? Is there a waiting period, etc.?

Also, if anyone knows of a good gun shop with reasonable prices, a good selection, and is run by good people, within about an hour of Frederick, I'd love to know!


Thanks guys!
 
N

nickerj1

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Joined
Jun 18, 2007
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, , USA
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They need to take an awareness course to buy a gun. It can be live instructor based, but no one ever does that. There's video based training as an alternative, which is what everyone does. Most gun shops have a tv and the video sitting around and will let you watch it for free and an employee there is a MSP licensed "instructor". You sit down, watch the video (it's only about 20 minutes), and then fill out a form that the MSP conveniently keeps a copy of.

Do not make fun of this video. 90% of the content on the video is a state prosecutor telling you what is legal and what is not. When you can defend yourself and when you can't. They define the exact bounds of the "duty to retreat", etc. In my opinion, it is very informative on Maryland law.

Since this "course" is administered by the MSP, it also passes as a non-resident certified training course for states that require training when applying for a CCW permit. I got my non-res FL permit with the official looking paperwork you get from it.


7 day waiting period. However, from my talkings with some gun shop owners it's considered as a "minimum of 7 day waiting period" by the MSP. Sometimes it takes longer and the gun store may tell you to come back in 10 days just to be safe.


I got my handgun at Bart's Sports World in Glen Burnie. But that's because I know the guys there and have shot with them for the past 5 years. They have a decent selection of handguns and rifles, but they charge MSRP for them. That'd be pushing your "hour within Frederick" requirement too. It shouldn't be hard finding a dealer out there, though. All the other shops I frequent are on the Eastern Shore and way out of your travel range.
 
S

savery

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
201
Location
, Virginia, USA
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Thanks Nicker!

At least the "training course" wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

One more thing - do you know of ay websites taht have a godd synopsys of MD gun laws?

Thanks!
 
C

Conundrum

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2006
Messages
37
Location
Frostburg, Maryland, USA
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The training course is not administered by MSP. It is administered by the MPCTC (Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission) and can be taken for free here: http://mdgunsafety.com/

The seven day period is just that, seven days. It starts from the day the forms are forwarded to MSP. If the seventh day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, the seventh day is extended to the next day that isn't a Sunday or holiday. MSO is usually good at faxing the papers back to me by the 7th day. If not, I call them and see what is up. They are "usually" on top of things but once in a while I have to bug them.

I was at Continental Arms this past Saturday. Nice shop. Try them or their other shop in Reisterstown called White Marsh.

Anymore questions on MD law, these guys can help: www.mdshooters.com
 
F

fritz_monroe

New member
Joined
Feb 2, 2008
Messages
4
Location
, Maryland, USA
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I'm also in the market for my first handgun. I did take the online course, but since I'm a veteran, I wouldn't have to take it. A veteran is exempt and only needs to present their DD-214 when making the purchase.

Has your friend looked in Bass Pro Shop? Really good prices, but it is hit or miss with getting a knowlegable sales guy. Be warned that he needs to add $30 to the price of the gun. $10 covers the MD and fed paperwork, but MD says the cable lock that often comes with a handgun is not acceptable, so you have to buy a thru the barrel lock for $20. Yes, a $2 lock for $20. That lock is only on handguns that do not have integrated locks.
 
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