Maryland 80 Percent Lower Laws

*Updated 4/20/2022

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the ATF's new rule aiming to redefine what a firearm is including lower receivers and frames (2021R-05F). As of now, 80% lowers are completely legal, federally not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required (some states have made their own laws to restrict 80 percent products). To explore the 80 lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple lines of product.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Maryland?

Currently, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF. However, 80 lowers will longer be legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Maryland effective June 1, 2022. To provide an ample buffer for fulfilling all orders to the state of Maryland we will be halting the sale of 80% lower receivers, pistol frames and jigs beginning mid-May 2022. The new ban SB387 went into effect even without the Governor Larry Hogan's signature in April 2022. 

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Maryland?

Yes, if you do have an 80 percent lower receiver or pistol frame the only way to possess it legally would be to serialize it and provide the serial number to state police. 

Key Gun Laws in Maryland

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Maryland.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The state of Maryland requires individuals to be 21 years of age in order to legally purchase a handgun. For long guns, the minimum age for purchase is 18 years old and there is no minimum age to possess rifles or shotguns.

All firearm purchases require a background check including private party transfers (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Maryland’s Secretary of State Police acts as a partial point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through that state department directly. Long gun related background checks/transactions are run through the FBI’s NICS. Maryland has a 7 day mandatory waiting period for all firearm buyers before allowing them to take their purchase(s) home.

Open and Concealed Carrying

When it comes to conceal carry, Maryland is a “may-issue” state which means local authorities must determine whether CCW permits should be given to any individual citizen or not. Open and concealed carry are both legal in Maryland but only for those with ccw’s in the form of “WCHP” or Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit. However, open carry of long guns in public is permitted. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a resident of the state and complete a state approved 16-hour long firearms training course. For renewals, another 8 hour course is required. For more details on Maryland’s carry conceal policies check out the state’s reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

While the state of Maryland does allow for the ownership of NFA weapons and related items, they must also be registered with the state police on top of the existing federal requirements. Maryland does also restrict “assault weapons” which includes “assault pistols” and “assault long guns.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There is also a large capacity magazine ban in Maryland limiting all magazines to only 10 rounds.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

There are no mandatory storage requirements for firearms in Maryland but all handguns manufactured after 2002 must include an integrated mechanical safety device in order to be legally sold in the state.

However, you should still exercise caution and can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 firearm storage options.

Self-Defense

Maryland is a castle doctrine state which means there is no legal duty to retreat when at home if met with a threat. However, when outside the home there is a duty to retreat if possible before responding with lethal force in the name of self-defense as there is no stand your ground law in place in Maryland.

Ammunition Purchase

In order to buy ammo in Maryland the buyer must be at least 18 years old. Persons 18 years old and up may purchase long gun ammunition. To purchase handgun ammo buyers must be at least 21 years of age. Maryland prohibits the manufacturing, possession or sale of armor-piercing bullets. Maryland does not require a license for the sale, purchase or possession of ammunition. Sellers are not required to maintain a sales record. All online bulk ammo sales require buyers to be at least 21 years old.

Do you ship to Maryland?

We are currently no longer able to ship any items to residents in the state of Maryland. We thank you for many years of business and your patronage. Unfortunately, Maryland has grown incredibly hostile against our company and any products or packages shipped to this state would fall under haphazard and intense scrutiny. If you're ever in Texas, give our new showroom a visit once it's ready and open in Fort Worth!