Skip to main content

An official website of the State of Maryland.

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maryland Department of State Police

Before purchasing a firearm, it is important to understand Maryland firearm laws and whether a firearm may be prohibited in the state.

If you are unsure whether a firearm is banned, speak with your licensed Maryland firearms dealer. Dealers can help explain firearm types and Maryland restrictions. You may also contact the firearm manufacturer for additional information.

Questions to ask before purchasing

A firearm may be banned in Maryland if it:

  • Is a copy of a banned firearm
  • Is a semi-automatic centerfire rifle with certain prohibited features
  • Has a fixed magazine holding more than 10 rounds
  • Is less than 29 inches in overall length
  • Is a semi-automatic shotgun with a revolving cylinder or folding stock

Maryland State Police reviewed firearms list

The Maryland State Police Licensing Division maintains a reviewed firearms list to help identify firearms that may be prohibited under Maryland law.

The list includes:

  • Assault long guns banned under Maryland law
  • Assault pistols banned under Maryland law
  • Firearms determined to be copies of banned firearms
  • Long guns reviewed by the Maryland State Police for compliance with state law

For enforcement purposes, a firearm may be considered a copy if it closely resembles a banned firearms and contains interchangeable operating parts.

View a full list of reviewed firearms by searching in the manufacturer dropdown list below.

Firearm review request 

If you are unable to locate your firearm above and you have already contacted a firearms dealer and/or the firearm's manufacturer and/or your attorney and have been unable to receive a satisfactory response, you may submit the Firearm Review Form​. By submitting this form, you are acknowledging that you have contacted a firearms dealer and/or the firearm's manufacturer and/or your attorney and have not obtained the guidance necessary to make an informed decision. Note: One firearm per submission. Do not submit handguns or bolt-action rifles​ for review.  To submit a handgun for review, please contact the Handgun Roster Board at 410-653-4247.