Posted: 11/29/2006 3:36:01 PM EDT
| Long time lurker, first time poster. I live in MD and am looking into buying a handgun and a stripped lower receiver in the near future, and had two questions. If I order a stripped lower receiver, do I have to any kind of license, or do I just have to be over 18 and not a felon, and not on drugs or mentally unstable? Does that go for a pistol too? |
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As mayo said you must be over 21, in Maryland you can only purchase non-regulated long guns (i.e. long guns which are not considered "assault rifles") at the age of 18. You're basically right on the other requirements, though a lot of serious misdemeanor convictions can also rule you out either by federal or state rules. Maryland's rules on buying a handgun or an assault rifle are essentially the exact same, they are all considered "regulated firearms." There is no special "purchase license" or license to possess a handgun or rifle as in some states, since MSP is going to run your records and register the handgun and lower to you anyway as part of the application process. I'm assuming you have an FFL to do the paperwork. And FYI AIMsurplus.com has stripped Stag Arms lowers now starting for about 110 bucks shipped. |
I'm 23 with no run-ins with the police aside from two speeding tickets. I havent taken the MSP handgun safety course where you watch the video yet, do I have to do that before I get the lower receiver or the handgun? |
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You have to watch the training video. Most FFls can show you the tape (app. 15 minutes). Some may charge you a small fee. DNR and most county police or sheriff departments offer the video free of charge at varying times during the month. I saw mine at the Havre de Grace Police Dept. Just make sure you bring the small card with you during purchase as the number goes on the state paperwork. Here is the link: www.mdgunsafety.com/sched.htm |
| I really appreciate everyones help, but I'm still not clear on one thing. Do I need to have the card saying that I took the safety course to purchase the stripped lower as well as the handgun, or just the handgun? I'm still in the planning phase (aka budgeting) of my build. I was planning on going to Chesepeake Guns, which is right by the bay bridge. One of my co-workers said you can get a stripped Rock River for 155, which is about what I figured I'd spend on one. Again, thank you all for the info. |
Yes, you need the card for any regulated firearm, including stripped receivers. And wow, 155 is a great price for a RR lower. I'd definitely spend the extra twenty bucks for that over a Stag or DPMS. |
The classification is 'Controlled Weapon'. Any AR-15 that is not marked 'HBAR' (on barrel or receiver) is considered a controlled weapon (just as are handguns). AR-15s that are marked HBAR are 'longarms' like any other rifle or shotgun. Lower Receivers w/o and upper are considered 'Controlled Weapons'.
'Assault Weapon' is a stupid term that means whatever the libs want it to mean. Anything from real-deal M4s to single shot H&R rifles. FYI 30 round magazines cannot be purchased or transferred in MD... |
I don't think there has to be a physical marking of HBAR on the barrel or receiver. I purchased my Fulton Armory FAR-15 cash and carry and it is not so marked. The barrel engraving is only - FA MP 5.56MM CHROME 1-9. There is no mention of HBAR on the lower. Assault weapons defined in the MD Code: (p) Regulated firearm. "Regulated firearm" means: (1) a handgun; or (2) a firearm that is any of the following specific assault weapons or their copies, regardless of which company produced and manufactured that assault weapon: ... (xi) Bushmaster semi-auto rifle; ... (xv) Colt AR-15, CAR-15 and all imitations except Colt AR-15 Sporter H-BAR rifle: ... I interpret this to mean that we can puchase any copy of the Colt HBAR, cash and carry, no matter who actually made it (as long as the manufacturer is a legitimate FFL). YMMV. |
I purchased a Colt HBAR as a long gun. Cash and carry from thr FFL. |
Correct. The Colt HBAR and "imitations" are exceptions to the regulated firearms category. |