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Maryland Department of State Police

Banned Firearms in Maryland

If you're planning to buy a firearm and are unsure if it is legal in Maryland, your first point of contact should be the Maryland FFL or Regulated Firearms Dealer assisting with your purchase. These dealers are best equipped to answer questions regarding different firearm types.

In Maryland, it is generally illegal to purchase, sell, transfer, or manufacture the following firearms:

  • Assault weapons as listed in Public Safety §5–101(r)(2)(i)-(xlv)
  • Assault pistols as listed in Criminal Law §4–301(c)(1)-(15)
  • Copycat weapons including:
    • a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has any two of the following:
      • a folding stock
      • a grenade launcher or flare launcher
      • a flash suppressor
    • a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
    • a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 29 inches
    • a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds
    • a semiautomatic shotgun that has a folding stock
    • a shotgun with a revolving cylinder

If you can’t find your firearm

If you're unsure whether your firearm is prohibited in Maryland, you can try one of the following:

  • Contact your regulated firearms dealer
  • Contact the firearm’s manufacturer for technical specs
  • Check the Maryland Handgun Roster
  • Check the Maryland State Police Reviewed Firearm list: Firearm search
  • If you still can’t determin if your firearm is banned, you can submit a Firearm Review Request (long guns ONLY). 

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.

Firearms search

Before purchasing a firearm, it is important to understand Maryland firearm laws and whether a weapon may be prohibited in the state. Search the full list of reviewed firearms.