Buying guns in Maryland (for sale, transfer, sales tax)

[HurricaneDC]

I want to pick up a new hobby. I've always been interested in guns and I'd like to start shooting. I've got two questions about buying guns in MD:

1) Do you need to register a firearm like a Ruger 10/22 (what I'd probably buy first)?
2) Can US permanent residents buy firearms in Maryland?

[goldenage1]

If you don't get an answer here, try a more specialized forum like this: http://www.mdshooters.com/forum.php

The local gun dealer could probably better answer the question about a non-citizen buying.

[westsideboy]

I would second that advice. Go onto mdshooters.com and ask. I will say that gun laws in Maryland are strict and can be confusing.

[reiflame]

Maryland gun laws are weirdly strict and not-strict at the same time. They regulate pistols and "assault rifles" but there's no actual registration and you could walk into Dicks and walk out with a shotgun in 10 minutes.

Hand guns are considered "regulated" firearms and require you take a class before you can buy one. The class is a 30 minute video on gun safety. You can take it online here: MD Firearms Safety Training

Mdshooters is a fine board for information but its also full of racist/sexist/homophobic bigots. They are generally pretty anti-immigrant, so don't be surprised if you get some not-terribly kind answers on the 2nd question (unfortunately I can't help you with that one).

[HurricaneDC]

Okay, thanks for the info!

[ToneGrail]

To buy a handgun in MD, you must be a MD resident. There is a 7 way waiting period. Now if you buy a gun before you move here you can just bring it with you. There is no registration.

[Henry Bowman]

Originally Posted by reiflame

Maryland gun laws are weirdly strict and not-strict at the same time. They regulate pistols and "assault rifles" but there's no actual registration and you could walk into Dicks and walk out with a shotgun in 10 minutes.

Hand guns are considered "regulated" firearms and require you take a class before you can buy one. The class is a 30 minute video on gun safety. You can take it online here: MD Firearms Safety Training

Mdshooters is a fine board for information but its also full of racist/sexist/homophobic bigots. They are generally pretty anti-immigrant, so don't be surprised if you get some not-terribly kind answers on the 2nd question (unfortunately I can't help you with that one).

Sounds like someone must have gotten their feelings hurt.

[Henry Bowman]

Originally Posted by HurricaneDC

1) Do you need to register a firearm like a Ruger 10/22 (what I'd probably buy first)?

If you buy it through a dealer, it's on a federal 4473 and is cash and carry after the NICS check is phoned in. Maryland is not involved in the purchase in anyway beyond the sales tax.

There is no registration of firearms in Maryland, technically, though there is a recordation of sale/transfer for all regulated firearms (handguns and a list of long guns like the AR15, etc).

The Ruger 10/22 is an unregulated firearm. If you find one for sale from an individual, you can purchase it face to face with no dealers or state involvement whatsoever.

[spr1975wshs]

I have sold guns in 6 different states over the years as a retail employee.

Under federal law, a person with a permanant, resident alien card (so-called 'Green Card') can purchase longarms (ie rifles and shotguns), but not handguns, as I recall. Maryland law may vary in particulars. As the other folks recommended, check with an active, local gun shop rather than a "big box" like Dick's. Having worked for them, I have to admit that they aren't the best depository for complete information.

The 10/22 is a good little rifle with which to start your shooting hobby.

[reiflame]

Originally Posted by Henry Bowman

Sounds like someone must have gotten their feelings hurt.

Great attitude there, buddy.