AR15 Transportation in MD

[ShadowByte]

I wanted to go shooting with a friend in MD at some point, yet I am having trouble finding exact laws regarding the AR15, aside from the obvious: unloaded, locked in the trunk with the ammo locked in the glove box.

I could only find information regarding the transportation of handguns, and that you can only carry them to/from the place you are going shooting, residence or gunsmith without any stops inbetween. Since the AR15 is a regulated firearm, does this apply to the AR15? I have family that lives near there, if I drove straight there to drop off the firearms and then went to run my errands before shooting, would this be in accordance with the law even though it isn't my residence, its a family related residence.

My main concern is if I had to stop some place else or wanted to get something to eat, run to stores, etc.

Thanks!

[OakRidgeStars]

No reason you can't transport an AR15 the same way you would transport any other rifle. However, MD doesn't like high cap magazines that hold more than 20 rounds.

Q. Can I legally transport firearms interstate? (From the MD State Police)

A. Yes, under Title 18, Section 926A, of the United States Code, a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console.

Q. Can I legally transport my regulated firearm to the range? (From the MD State Police)

A. Yes, provided the regulated firearm is unloaded, in an enclosed case or enclosed holster with no ammunition accessible.

For MD laws go to the following website and click on Criminal Law then Title 4-203 regarding wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun.

http://www.michie.com/maryland/lpext.dl ... -h.htm&2.0

[Diomed]

No reason you can't transport an AR15 the same way you would transport any other rifle. However, MD doesn't like high cap magazines that hold more than 20 rounds.

I'd be a little more careful, maybe check with the folks over at mdshooters.com to see if AR-15 possession is regulated (I know certain types of ARs are hard or impossible to obtain in MD).

Don't worry about your mags. The limits are on acquisition and transfer, not possession. Most MD gun nuts drive into VA or PA to buy high caps and take them home, perfectly legal.

[ShadowByte]

The AR-15 I have is regulated, but from what I can understand it is more of how someone goes to purchase one. They have to go through the process much like a person does for a handgun there, with the waiting period, etc., it doesn't mean it is banned or has to be registered there when brought in etc.

The hi-cap magazines are like Diomed said too, you can possess, but not purchase/transfer them there. I have one friend who sees people with them there all the time at one range.

I was more curious if the police treat it like a handgun or a rifle. From what I gather, the rules on a handgun there are don't take it anywhere except directly to/from the range/gunsmith/place of residence, don't even stop to get gas (though I don't know if they go this crazy). Where as the rifle/shotgun rules and reactions don't seem nearly as bad. It seems to be hard to find information relating to that, so I am wondering if it boils down to the LEO encounter more than anything.

Though I suspect since it is on the "Regulated" list, that it'll fall under much of the same rules as handguns there.

[m4a1mustang]

I've been looking for something concrete about transporting my stuff to MD to shoot with some friends up there. I'd be bringing an AR-15 and a pistol or two.

[ShadowByte]

I decided to call the MSP yesterday @ 410-653-4500. After being transferred a few times, I spoke with a Trooper Coleman I believe.

I asked him if there were any special stipulations with regard to transporting an AR15 like there are with handguns. Specifically was it OK to make a few stops between my house and the range for food or picking up ammo.

Aside from the normal: keep it unloaded, locked in the trunk and separate from the ammo, there was nothing else and that I "should be OK as long as the rifle remained locked in the trunk during those extra stops."

I might try and stop by an MSP Barracks if I have the chance, just to confirm this, as it would be nice to get a second confirmation just in case.

[m4a1mustang]

Thanks for the update, Shadow. I'm going to try to do some digging myself.

My friends in MD say that they have people come from out of state for shooting events, so that should be OK, but I want to be 1000% sure before I cross state lines!

[Diomed]

Cops are a terrible source for legal info. They're probably worse than the errornets.

If you want a real answer, ask a lawyer.

[ShadowByte]

Cops are a terrible source for legal info. They're probably worse than the errornets.

If you want a real answer, ask a lawyer.

You know, that is funny, I told my friend the *exact* same thing yesterday. I was thinking about what that officer said and I still wasn't 100% comfortable with trusting it completely. I figured if I at least confirmed it with a lawyer, then if I were to get harassed/arrested and/or have the AR taken, I would be able to come back at them with legal recourse.

Where as that Trooper could simply just deny he said such a thing. I spoke with others and they generally concur with what the Trooper said, but I think I will have to ask a Public Defender friend of mine just to be 100% for sure.

[jrswanson1]

Where in Maryland are you going to shoot? I asked a similar question on Maryland Shooters and was told to leave the pistol at home. Especially since I was going to Prince George's County.

[dsr30]

It isn't just about handguns

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/maryland.pdf

No need to nuke it.