Can You Carry a Gun on Your Property in Maryland | Gun Laws

Can you carry a gun on your property in Maryland? Maryland has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, and many people are surprised to learn that there are gun laws that limit property owners from carrying firearms on their land. For gun enthusiasts, it may seem hard to believe that you can’t take your weapons with you into your own home, but as long as you understand these restrictions, you’ll be able to stay within the law and keep yourself safe and secure.

Gun Laws in Maryland

While some states allow citizens to openly carry guns and even require permits for concealed weapons that are not true in Maryland. Here, gun laws are strict: You can face criminal charges if you’re caught carrying a firearm without one of these permits.

You’ll need a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to carry a gun in public. To qualify for an HQL, you must complete 16 hours of approved firearms training within 1 year and score at least 70 percent on an approved firearms test. Before applying for your HQL, check out our guide to firearm reciprocity between states.

For more information about carrying a weapon legally and safely, read What Every Gun Owner Needs to Know about Carrying Concealed Weapons.

What Does the Second Amendment Mean?

The Second Amendment states that a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. There is no definitive way to understand exactly what these words mean. The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals have the right to own guns for self-defense.

However, there are many exceptions to where you can legally carry your gun. Many states and cities still require their residents own guns for hunting or sport. But cities across America make it more difficult for residents who want to own guns because they want them to protect themselves from criminals or other dangerous situations.

What Is Maryland’s Approach to Guns and Guns on Private Property?

Maryland has an all-or-nothing approach to gun rights, meaning that it is illegal for you to keep or carry a gun at home if you do not have permission from your landlord. If your lease or rental agreement specifically prohibits guns, you are not allowed to have one at home.

On the other hand, even if your landlord has no issue with firearms, federal law requires all states to allow people to use their Second Amendment rights as they see fit.

For example, under federal law, any Maryland resident can carry their weapon outside of their home and on land, they do not own without needing permission from property owners. The only exceptions are national parks and military installations where guns are prohibited because those locations enjoy extra protection through special restrictions on federal laws.

What Are the Rules About Open and Concealed Firearms?

To carry your firearm outside of your home, you must have a license. The type of license you need depends on whether or not you intend to conceal your weapon.

There are certain exceptions, but generally, you will need an additional permit if you have an open-carry permit and wish to carry your firearm in a concealed manner. This is because they are separate categories of permits. Some people do not feel safe openly carrying.

Their firearms, so they would be better off applying for both licenses and carrying their weapons concealed. However, it is important to understand that if you apply for both open and concealed carry permits; there will be two background checks before either permit is issued. 

What Is a Loaded Firearm?

According to MD law, you can’t carry a loaded gun outside your home or business. But if it’s unloaded and locked up, you’re good to go. The statute also doesn’t define loaded, leaving room for interpretation. Some cases suggest it means ammunition is in the immediate access.

Other states and jurisdictions have interpreted loaded more strictly—meaning it needs ammunition immediately accessible from within arm’s reach. At least one state (North Carolina) has imposed a blanket ban on loaded firearms within any building or vehicle unless exempted by another statute under specific circumstances (like hunting). MD does not have such exemptions for self-defense purposes outside your home or business.

Tabular Representation

CARRY IN CONSTITUTION? Is constitutional carry legal in Maryland?	No, constitutional carry is not permitted in Maryland.
IS OPEN CARRYING ALLOWED? In Maryland, is open carry legal?	Yes. With a Maryland WCHP, open carry is permitted.
LICENSE FOR GUN PERMITS? What is the process for obtaining authorization to possess a hidden firearm in Maryland?	Maryland is a state that issues licenses on a case-by-case basis.
CONCEALED CARRY AGE MINIMUM? What is the age requirement to obtain a permit for concealed carry in Maryland?	To obtain a concealed carry permit in Maryland, you should be minimum 21 years or above in age
ARE OTHER WEAPONS THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? With a concealed weapons permit (or permit less carry if appropriate), can you carry firearms other than pistols in Maryland?	Even with a WCHP, an individual may not carry firearms other than handguns.
STUN GUNS OR TASERS? Is it legal in Maryland to possess a stun gun or taser?	Tasers and Stun guns are permitted to buy and carry without a permit, except as mentioned below. The age limit to buy is 18, and a proper investigation is required to ensure the buyer still hasn’t been accused of any specific crimes.

Do Public Officials Hold Guns in Maryland?	Carrying a deadly weapon is unlawful in Maryland unless you: are a public official allowed to carry the weapon; have a handgun permit, or are carrying the firearm as a justifiable precaution against perceived threat and do not plan to harm someone else in an unlawful fashion. Although electronic control devices are not officially mentioned in the legislation, they could be deemed deadly weapons. To own a taser gun or Taz anywhere other than your own house in Ocean City, you’ll need a Maryland Wear/Carry Gun License.
RESTRICTION ON AMMUNITION? Are there any ammo limits in Maryland?	No, there are no limits on ammunition in Maryland.
PEPPER SPRAY/CHEMICAL SPRAY? Is it legal in Maryland to acquire or even use chemical spray/pepper spray?	One should be a minimum of 18 years old and not a convicted felon to buy pepper spray in Baltimore. Yes, as a justifiable precaution against the possible threats, persons may carry pepper spray or mace. A person may not publicly carry or wear hazardous weaponry, chemical mace, pepper mace, or tear gas device with the plan or purpose of unlawfully hurting another person.
LIMITS ON HANDGUNS IN MAGAZINES? Is there a magazine capacity limit for pistols in Maryland?	No more than ten rounds are allowed. A detachable magazine with a quantity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a weapon may not be manufactured, sold, offered for sale, purchased, received, or transferred. Law enforcement personnel (LEOs) and retired LEOs are exempt from the ban on.22 caliber rifles with tubular magazines.

Last Words

At last, we can say it is forbidden for anybody to (1) target practice with a handgun or weapon or (2) shoot a firearm or weapon on another person’s land (3) without first receiving written authorization from the landowner or possessor.