If you didn't know already MSP sent out 2 emails on behalf of the roster regarding the upcoming meeting only consisting of hearing and the petitions would be moved to January. This email was only sent to Firearm Dealers unfortunately so the public wasn't properly made aware.

Essentially they stated that the change in the meeting was due to "new legislation". They went on to say that new petition forms and the requirements for samples for all or nearly all petitions would potentially be required. However, this didn't just mean moving forward it would be retro active meaning people who already submitted would end up having to fill out a new petition and potentially send a sample along with it.

This entire process has been done in secret and in violation of both the Open Meetings Act as well as the Maryland Administrative Procedures Act as outlined below. I have drafted that is currently in review with GOA leadership that outlines these violations and demands a response from MSP by COB this Friday. The email states that a response should at a minimum include a reply to each issue and what MSP/HRB are doing to rectify it, a confirmation that the December meeting will move forward as planned prior to the change, and a draft copy of the new forms and regulation change requiring additional firearm samples.

Issues:

I spoke with a board member and was told that the decision to only have hearings and push the petitions to January was done through email between MSP and the board. Additionally, this board member had not seen the nor been made aware of the petition form change or the change in sample requirements and was quite upset about it. Additionally, this board member was unaware of the "new legislation" that was being quote as the reason for the move because that was not related to them. The member also was not aware that the email had been sent by MSP and had not seen it. So all of this raises multiple issues with Maryland Administrative Law.

1. The Open Meetings Act is clear that emails, phone calls, and other communications between board members where board business is being discussed can constitute a quorum. This means that the board in essence had a closed meeting with our the proper public notice and without voting on the closed session in public first a clear violation of the Open Meetings Act.

2. The change in a petition form can run a foul with the Maryland Administrative Procedures Act. COMAR clearly states what information is to be provided on the form. There are two items in COMAR that are discretionary. One is technical specifications where it states "if they are available to the petitioner" and the other states additional information "may" be provided by the petitioner to aid the board in its decision making. My argument to MSP is that if the petition changes the information required from what is specifically listed in COMAR or makes either of the discretionary items mandatory then that is not a mere policy change but a regulation as defined in the Maryland APA and must go through the formal rulemaking process.

3. COMAR clearly states that "upon request" the petitioner shall submit a sample. Again upon request is discretionary and that is how the board has operated for years. The current petition form even stated that the petitioner should reach out to the HRB administrator to determine if a sample is needed. So again my argument is that if MSP and the board decide to require more samples that isn't a policy change but a regulation under the Maryland APA and must go through the formal rule making process.

However, the issue with samples goes even further. COMAR allows a citizen not just a dealer to submit petitions. So if the board requires a sample for each petition or most petitions it puts citizens in a legal paradox. According to COMAR they can submit a petition however legally they cannot fulfill the board's requirements because they cannot take possession of the firearm to provide it to MSP without it first being on the roster. Again a violation of the Maryland APA.

1. COMAR clearly states that the board must act on a petition within 45 days of receiving it or it will be denied. For years the board and MSP have used an incorrect interpretation of this in an effort to only have the board meet quarterly. They look at the submission deadline set by MSP as the date it was received. COMAR does not allow for this. MSP is acting as the administrator for the HRB so once a petition is properly submitted under COMAR the 45 day clock should start. This would mean that in all reality the board should be meeting monthly.

So the email lays out all of these issues and tells MSP and the board that if they do not reply by COB Friday and do not hold the meeting and conduct regular business and do not follow the rulemaking process then GOA will take the following actions.

1. File an Open Meetings Act complaint

2. File and MPIA request where we request all coorsoendence from MSP, board members, attorney general la office , governors office, and the governors appointment office pertaining to the HRB and it's operations. This will also include requests for an amex parte communication between anti-gun groups and the broad and/or officials. This will be a request for the last 2 years at a minimum.

3. The information received from the MPIA request will be reviewed and likely used to pursue additional violations of the open meetings act and violations of the APA.

MSP and HRB have operated far too long with unchecked power and we are tired of it!!

I will make another post shortly with information from my meeting with MSP last week regarding the Glock ban, VZ61, and designated collector issues.

As always thank you all for the support and if you have any questions please drop them in the comments or DM me.

I know, ever since they lost the location near Dulles, this show has been consistently cancelled. I need stuff, where can I go? VA or PA when and where?

Ordered a suppresor while I was away on active orders. I know the law changed while I was away but didn't look too much into how it affected MD. Just saw it i needed to stick to the dumbass 29 inches for sbr. Went to pick up my suppresor at Realco guns in PG County. Literslly just did the 4473 and walked out the same day!!! I was like QUE??!! Its mine today??

All that to say Realco Guns in PG is doing 4473 for cans.

Since the measurement is with the stock fully extended, does anybody make stocks that are adjustable from collapsed to an extended LOP in case the shooter has… unusually long arms or something?

Can we purchase it now or do we have to wait for it to be on the list?

Where do you get your caps and balls and stuff? I have a Pietta Navy Sheriff in .44 that I'd like to get working but I can't find supplies anywhere

Academy in Hagerstown was cleaned out and the small shops in Frederick don't seem to carry muzzleloader stuff. I'm in Washington County.

I was at a gun show in PA a few months ago and saw a .22 short pistol I was interested in. They had a guy there to handle the transfers to other states and after we mentioned it was a .22 short he said that it didn’t need to be shipped to an FFL, just a transfer fee and we could take it home. I hadn’t heard of this anywhere before and was curious if this is a real thing or if there was some legal sketchiness going on.

I didn’t end up buying it if you were curious, it sold before I made up my mind.

TL;DR: 450 bushmaster lever action or AR-15 for mostly whitetail, occasional hog & elk straight wall state hunting rifle?

Im new to firearm hunting in Maryland so I need to get a straight wall cartridge rifle. I also want to travel for hog and elk hence 450 bushmaster not 350 legeng, 360 buckhammer etc.

Tbh I doubt ill take a shot at a deer past 100yd ever just because of woods density where I plan to hunt.

Never owned an AR-15 of any kind, but ive had multiple lever guns. I like the idea of hunting with a suppressor which Ive never done so I would probably limit the rifle to a 16"-18" barrel, making it a decent home defense gun as well.

Either would work just fine for what I want to do, so this isnt really a debate about caliber, just what you think the best experience is and maybe some experiences with different models of each category.

Thanks!

Edited for brevity

Ccw expired end of September I’ve already sent everything in before the date including renewal class and paid md renewal fee and the only email I got is that it would be assigned to someone and haven’t heard anything since.

My pre-January 1st collection.

Has anyone tried the Vevor gun safe that’s biometric and has a key and button lock? If not, what bedside safes do you recommend that’s especially kid safe?

Ill just assume no but figured id ask.

I keep seeing dealer sites that say it is not available for MD.

I’ve been reading up on MD gun laws and it sounds very convoluted so maybe yall can explain it to me like I’m 6. I live in Alaska so there’s maximum firearm freedom up here. Would it be easier and legal for me to buy a DD M4A1 or MK18 and a DDM4 PDW SBR with a can on it, prior to moving there? That’s kind of how I interpreted the law. Is it true that once I move there I won’t ever be able to buy these things again? As well as 32 round magazines?

Calvert County if that makes any difference. Thanks!

I got a anew Keltec p15 metal, and wanted too verify that it was optic ready or not, as I read many conflicting articles. Keltec CSR said my p15's slide was NOT optics ready but i could buy one for 149.99 or buy one with optic mounted RFX11 for 229.99. Is the RFX11 a decent sight? And if anyone was looking for an optic ready slide for their P15, you can email Keltec to get the information, as i couldn't find it on their catalog anywhere.

Anyone know of a shop in MD that has a new or used Glock 21 in stock? Based in moco and everywhere nearby is baren

I recently purchased a factory 14.5” SBR and got my approved form 4 from the ATF last Tuesday for it but my FFL is stating i need an HQL to finish out my 77r application. When i filled it out i checked the “HQL exempt” box and selected the “applicant is buying lower receiver” as that was the only applicable option being that I’m not a Licensed firearms manufacturer, current law enforcement officer or person retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States, the State, or a local law enforcement agency in the State, an active member or retired member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard or a person purchasing, renting, or receiving an antique, curio, or relic as defined in federal law or in determinations published by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The associate at my FFL mentioned that this isn’t just a lower receiver. Per MD public safety statute 5-117.1, a Handgun Qualification License is strictly required to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. Being that my form 4 was already approved by the ATF wouldn’t that make me recognized as the lawful owner of a registered NFA regulated firearm and thus waiving the need for the states 4 hour course. I don’t mind if i have to take the course it just is a bit confusing on my end and any insight would be helpful

I need input, last year in April I was charged with malicious destruction of property under 200$ and 2nd degree assault and had a protective against me (domestic violence was the listing) by a romantic partner I have children with. I wasn’t convicted the verdict on the 2nd degree assault was not guilty and the verdict on the malicious destruction of property under 200$ and wasn’t listed as domestic violence also it was a PBJ. Since then I have completed the PBJ and had all charges expunged and removed from my record should I be able to still get my wear and carry in Maryland? I have all the paper work.