No Profanity *** No Flaming *** No Advertising *** No Anti Trappers ***NO POLITICS
No Non-Target Catches *** No Links to Anti-trapping Sites *** No Avoiding Profanity Filter


Home~Trap Talk~ADC Forum~Trap Shed~Wilderness Trapping~International Trappers~Fur Handling

Auction Forum~Trapper Tips~Links~Gallery~Basic Sets~Convention Calendar~Chat~ Trap Collecting Forum

Trapper's Humor~Strictly Trapping~Fur Buyers Directory~Mugshots~Fur Sale Directory~Wildcrafting~The Pen and Quill

Trapper's Tales~Words From The Past~Legends~Archives~Kids Forum~Lure Formulators Forum~ Fermenter's Forum


~~~ Dobbins' Products Catalog ~~~


Minnesota Trapline Products
Please support our sponsor for the Trappers Talk Page - Minnesota Trapline Products


Print Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Owning a Handgun in Maryland #8431511
07/06/25 06:54 AM
07/06/25 06:54 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
HobbieTrapper Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"
HobbieTrapper  Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"

Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
Can you count the number of infringements?

“To legally own a handgun in Maryland, you'll need to follow a process that includes meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining a Handgun Qualification License (HQL).
Here's a breakdown of the steps:
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
Be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
Meet federal and state criteria for firearm ownership, including a background check to confirm you're not prohibited from owning firearms due to factors like criminal history or mental health status.
Complete a Firearm Safety Training Course (if applicable):
First-time handgun buyers in Maryland must complete a certified firearm safety training course covering topics such as handgun safety, state laws, and proper handling.
There are exemptions to this training requirement, including for honorably discharged members of the armed forces or National Guard, qualified handgun instructors, and those who lawfully own a regulated firearm.
If exempt, you must provide proof of exemption.
Obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL):
The HQL is a license specifically required for purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun in Maryland.
You'll apply for the HQL through the Maryland State Police (.gov) licensing portal.
The process includes submitting an application, providing proof of completing the required training (or exemption), submitting fingerprints, and paying the application fee.
The application fee for an initial HQL is $50 (plus fingerprint fees).
The Maryland State Police will notify you of the final disposition of your HQL application within 30 days of receiving the completed application and fee.
Choose a Licensed Firearm Dealer:
Handgun purchases must be made through a licensed dealer in Maryland.
Complete the Necessary Paperwork:
Complete the Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm (MSP 77R), which can be done through the licensing portal.
Complete the federal ATF Form 4473.
Pass a Background Check:
A background check will be conducted as part of the application process to verify your eligibility for firearm ownership.
Observe the Waiting Period:
Maryland has a mandatory 7-day waiting period for handgun purchases, which allows time for the background check to be completed.
Receive Notification of Approval:
You will be notified by the Maryland State Police once your MSP 77R application is approved.
Complete the Purchase:
Once approved, you can complete the purchase of the handgun from the licensed dealer.
Important Notes:
Handgun Registration: Upon purchasing a handgun, it must be registered with the Maryland State Police.
Concealed Carry: To carry a handgun (concealed or open) outside of your home or business, you need a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP). Open carry is prohibited in Maryland as of October 1, 2023.
Possession in Your Home: You can possess a handgun within the confines of your own real estate or business without a carry permit.
This process can be complex, and it's essential to follow all Maryland state laws and regulations carefully. You may also consider consulting with a Maryland gun attorney for assistance.”


-Goofy
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431513
07/06/25 06:56 AM
07/06/25 06:56 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
SW Pa
KKS Offline
trapper
KKS  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jul 2010
SW Pa
That's a ton of hoops!

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: KKS] #8431515
07/06/25 06:59 AM
07/06/25 06:59 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
HobbieTrapper Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"
HobbieTrapper  Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"

Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
Originally Posted by KKS
That's a ton of hoops!


Like a Final Four bracket challenge. lol


-Goofy
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431516
07/06/25 07:01 AM
07/06/25 07:01 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
MD
D
DaveP Offline
trapper
DaveP  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Jan 2007
MD
"You will be notified by the Maryland State Police once your MSP 77R application is approved."

You are NEVER " approved" in Maryland.
You are " Not Disapproved"

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: DaveP] #8431523
07/06/25 07:20 AM
07/06/25 07:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
HobbieTrapper Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"
HobbieTrapper  Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"

Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
Originally Posted by DaveP
"You will be notified by the Maryland State Police once your MSP 77R application is approved."

You are NEVER " approved" in Maryland.
You are " Not Disapproved"


That’s good to know prior to entering the gauntlet. lol

Last edited by HobbieTrapper; 07/06/25 08:03 AM.

-Goofy
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431528
07/06/25 07:53 AM
07/06/25 07:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
MD
D
DaveP Offline
trapper
DaveP  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Jan 2007
MD
Youre 30 years late, lol.
Back when private sales w/out The Guv were normal.
Like in America!

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431529
07/06/25 07:56 AM
07/06/25 07:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Iowa
T
trapdog1 Offline
trapper
trapdog1  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Feb 2015
Iowa
Wow, That is crazy.

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431533
07/06/25 08:12 AM
07/06/25 08:12 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
Law Dog Offline
trapper
Law Dog  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
I see where handguns need to be MD approved to be sold there that’s a big red flag when the industry needs to manufacture any item to comply with just one state. Ive been told the State Police actually run the state not sure if that accurate or not just what another Officer said once.

Last edited by Law Dog; 07/06/25 08:14 AM.

Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!

Jerry Herbst
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431535
07/06/25 08:16 AM
07/06/25 08:16 AM
Joined: Dec 2024
AR
J
J Staton Offline
trapper
J Staton  Offline
trapper
J

Joined: Dec 2024
AR
I think I would go out of state and purchase a handgun from an individual, rather than try to comply with MD requirements.

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431536
07/06/25 08:17 AM
07/06/25 08:17 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
L
Lugnut Offline
trapper
Lugnut  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
It makes me feel somewhat lucky to be a PA resident.

Carrying a handgun is legal but becomes a major felony if I cross state lines to the north (NY), the east (NJ) or the south (ME).

Can't even go into Delaware. They have decent carry laws but no reciprocity agreement with PA.

Ohio and WV do have reciprocity agreements with us. So out of six border states I can only enter two legally while carrying.

This highlights the need for something like H. R. 38 (The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act) although it would only help me with Delaware. And I haven't heard anything about it since March.

What we really need is to start removing and/or prosecuting lawmakers that ignore constitution rights and pass or uphold infringing legislation/laws.

I won't hold my breath...


Eh...wot?

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431543
07/06/25 08:37 AM
07/06/25 08:37 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
williamsburg ks
D
danny clifton Online content
"Grumpy Old Man"
danny clifton  Online Content
"Grumpy Old Man"
D

Joined: Dec 2006
williamsburg ks
Whew. Glad I never got searched in MD driving OTR.


Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431544
07/06/25 08:40 AM
07/06/25 08:40 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
Law Dog Offline
trapper
Law Dog  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
Even with the Officer Safety Act retired officers can carry in all 50 states with an ID and proof of annual qualification but states have different regulations that can be a problem if your not up on that states rules. Some stuff is petty nanny stuff like ammo, magazine capacity just to give them their little piece of control.

You need to be careful that some nimrod that does not know the law or won’t honor it as written will not play reindeer games or pull on you for the drama of it. We have a Trooper here that acts like it’s 3AM Saturday night in Chicago anytime a gun is involved we had our run ins before he needs to be off of the road he’s a clown.

Last edited by Law Dog; 07/07/25 08:03 AM.

Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!

Jerry Herbst
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: danny clifton] #8431549
07/06/25 08:54 AM
07/06/25 08:54 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
L
Lugnut Offline
trapper
Lugnut  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
Originally Posted by danny clifton
Whew. Glad I never got searched in MD driving OTR.


Yeah, you ain't kidding. I work in Jersey a lot. I used to ignore the ridiculous infringement until I read a story about a PA women caught in Jersey with her PA legal handgun. It's a mandatory two-year minimum sentence for possession. The mother of two ended up being pardoned by then Governor Christie or she would have served the minimum two years.

Now I leave my handgun at home.

She pushed for changes under the incoming Trump administration but the never happened.

Women Pushed for Change in U S Gun Laws


Eh...wot?

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431550
07/06/25 08:56 AM
07/06/25 08:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
HobbieTrapper Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"
HobbieTrapper  Offline OP
"Chippendale Trapper"

Joined: Dec 2008
Eastern Shore of Maryland
I see the Baltimore Mayor is taking credit for the major drop in crime there, however, even with all the hoops folks have to jump through handgun ownership has jumped from 50,000 in 2023 to 200,000+ 2025. I know, it’s crazy to think that might have something to do with it. lol

Last edited by HobbieTrapper; 07/06/25 08:57 AM.

-Goofy
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431551
07/06/25 08:57 AM
07/06/25 08:57 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
L
Lugnut Offline
trapper
Lugnut  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
I have a camp in northern PA near the NY state line. There's a good restaurant about 45 minutes over the line. We have to make sure none of us are carrying and that there's no handguns or handgun ammo in the truck before we go up there. It's ridiculous.

Right before leaving for the restaurant:

[Linked Image]


Eh...wot?

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431554
07/06/25 09:09 AM
07/06/25 09:09 AM
Joined: Jun 2018
Beatrice, NE
L
loosegoose Offline
trapper
loosegoose  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Jun 2018
Beatrice, NE
What's the plan to fix it? Vote harder in the next election? A bucket of tar and a bag of feathers?

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431555
07/06/25 09:11 AM
07/06/25 09:11 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
williamsburg ks
D
danny clifton Online content
"Grumpy Old Man"
danny clifton  Online Content
"Grumpy Old Man"
D

Joined: Dec 2006
williamsburg ks
I kept mine locked in one luggage bag and ammo in another. Long as I was driving I figured I was safe. I would keep it handy when I was parked. I am no legal expert but searching luggage is different rules than searching the truck. At a scale in AZ back in the 80's a d.o.t. bear saw it. I had spent the night in L.A. Stuck it in a little pocket in the sleeper. Forgot to lock it up. He came up to the truck asked for paperwork. Had me get out. Climbed in the cab and stuck his head in the sleeper. No search really but he had to see that pistol. Never even mentioned it. Checked lights tires brakes and sent me on my way. Glad I was in AZ not CA.


Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431556
07/06/25 09:14 AM
07/06/25 09:14 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
Law Dog Offline
trapper
Law Dog  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Central, SD
Unless it’s a bar that it’s main income is over 51% from alcohol, a school or courthouse you’re pretty well good in SD, hospitals put up signs most people blow right past them so do I.


Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!

Jerry Herbst
Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: Law Dog] #8431568
07/06/25 09:38 AM
07/06/25 09:38 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
L
Lugnut Offline
trapper
Lugnut  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Dec 2006
SEPA
Originally Posted by Law Dog
We have a Trooper here that acts like it’s 3AM Saturday night in Chicago anytime a gun is involved we had our run ins before he needs to be off of the road he’s a clown.


I've been pulled over several times while carrying. I was never asked if I was carrying and never disclosed that I was. In PA you have no duty to disclose unless asked.

I normally drive my work van with my soft-sided briefcase on the passenger seat with the flap open and the butt of a handgun sticking out for easy access. When I get to a customers house/job site or of I'm pulled over I close the flap.

I was pulled over a couple of years ago and forgot to close the flap. The grip of the handgun was in plain view and I knew the cop saw it. He asked for my license which was in my wallet which was in the briefcase. I almost always take my wallet out of my briefcase and put it in the center console box. I had forgot that morning (one of those mornings).

I said, "It's in my briefcase right next to that handgun."

He just got irritated and said, "Just get it." I think he was irritated over my abundance of caution. LOL

I gave it to him and he handed it back. He asked if I knew why he pulled me over. I didn't. He said, You're out of inspection."

I said, No I'm not."

He stepped forward and looked at my windshield stickers. mumbling something about seeing a three. It was my weight class sticker that was the three, my inspection sticker said six.

Embarrassed, he just walked back to his car. I yelled out the window, ARE WE DONE?"

He yelled back, YEAH."

I'm glad he wasn't a drama queen like the guy that Law Dog works with! LOL.


Eh...wot?

Re: Owning a Handgun in Maryland [Re: HobbieTrapper] #8431582
07/06/25 10:18 AM
07/06/25 10:18 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
MD
D
DaveP Offline
trapper
DaveP  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Jan 2007
MD
Originally Posted by HobbieTrapper
I see the Baltimore Mayor is taking credit for the major drop in crime there, however, even with all the hoops folks have to jump through handgun ownership has jumped from 50,000 in 2023 to 200,000+ 2025. I know, it’s crazy to think that might have something to do with it. lol



The drop came when MD was FORCED to issue carry permits a few years back, ie shall issue vs may issue

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread