There seems to be a little misunderstanding and incorrect info in the original thread. This is the current state of things (to the best of my understanding).
The good:
- you can legally bring a handgun into MD (the handgun registry and HQL only apply to purchasing/transferring, not possession)
- you can legally bring regular-capacity (e.g. over 10-round) magazines into MD (the mag ban only applies to purchasing/transferring, not possession)
- there is no required registration of handguns for possession (again only for transferring/purchase)
- there are no ammo type restrictions in MD (hollowpoints are fine)
The bad:
- restrictive rules on transport, the firearm must be unloaded and cased and carried in a separate compartment of the vehicle from ammo
- MD law is peculiar (and obviously stupid) in that you can only transport a firearm between residence, to a gunshop/smith or range, or a business you own
The guy
should be perfectly safe transporting (in the prescribed manner) a handgun directly to a residence, without stopping for gas/food/rest and directly back out of the state, and any direct trips to/from range or gunshop while here. But, as plenty of others have noted, the safest bet is not to try, for as we know the state police here have absolutely no compunction about tossing people in jail for minor or inadvertant violations of the state code, or whatever they currently interpret it to mean.
Also, it would be good to ask the same question on mdshooters.com, the site has thousands of well-informed members who can probably give more in depth information.
Relevant excerpt of state code on capacity limitation (
http://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/20 ... 4-305.html):
4–305. (a) This section does not apply to:
(1) a .22 caliber rifle with a tubular magazine;
(b) A person may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a detachable magazine
that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.
From the MD State Police website (
https://www.mdsp.org/Organization/Suppo ... cense.aspx and
https://www.mdsp.org/FAQs.aspx):
Unless otherwise exempt, as of October 1, 2013, a Maryland resident must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License before he/she may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. Details on exemptions may be found below. You do not need a Handgun Qualification License to own a gun you already have. The Handgun Qualification License is only needed for purchasing, transferring, or renting a regulated firearm after October 1, 2013.
How can I legally transport firearms within / through Maryland?
Answer: They must be unloaded, in a carrying case, holster with a flap and the ammunition should be separate. It would be best to keep the unloaded weapon in the trunk where you do not have access to it. There are further regulations but essentially you can only transport a handgun between residence, to and from a repair shop, a shooting sporting event, between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. For more information please contact our Licensing Division.