Let’s say that I live in a state where “assault weapons” and “high capacity” (>10 rounds) magazines are legal. I want to move to MD and become a permanent resident.
From the laws I have read, it is only the purchase of these items, in MD, that are forbidden.
May I bring my AR-15 with three 30 rd mags with me and keep it in my home? Glock 19 with ten 15 rd mags? Is the purchase only prohibited in MD? Can I keep crossing the border into VA or WV and buy more hi cap mags?
Sure, why not? Is the Maryland border patrol going to stop you?
I’m sure the OP was asking it it is legal, not if he’s going to get caught.
At the very least once he’s established residence, if he goes outside the state to purchase guns and amo to be returned to the state, he might legally be subject to use tax.
On magazines as per Wiki “Illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds within Maryland. However, possession of magazines greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state. These may not, however, be transferred to a subsequent owner unless done so outside the state of Maryland.”
So if you are buying/selling a bag of 10/22 110-rounders to your neighbor in Maryland, run into PA or WVa to do so.
For the rest of the question check the page at
So it would seem that two MD residents could rent a hotel room in Martinsburg, WV, and sell to each other a variety of firearms and magazines that would otherwise be in violation of MD law and return to MD with them in their possession. You can have these items in MD, you just cannot transfer them…inside MD.
The law is kind of clever in that it’s clearly not a ban so is less likely to be challenged as a 2nd Amendment violation, but makes it inconvenient enough be be a de facto ban for some people.
Without affirming or disputing the analysis of Maryland law, I would like to point out that federal law governs interstate commerce in firearms and WV law might also have something to say about this plan.
In any state, it is illegal to sell a variety of firearms to someone from another state without involving an FFL.
In non-restrictive states, it is **legal **to sell a variety of magazines to someone from another state.
So if two MD residents travelled to WV and sold weapons to each other, neither would be transfering a firearm to someone from a different state than his own.
Cripes, I read the OP as “can a new resident or MD bring in “assault weapons” or “high capacity” magazines”, and starting wondering if I should wear a bulletproof vest to my hospital job. :eek: