Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

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What type of background check is required to purchase a handgun in Maryland?

NICS
State only
Federal and state
No background check is required

The correct answer is: Federal and state

The requirement to undergo a background check to purchase a handgun in Maryland entails both federal and state checks. When a prospective buyer goes to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is utilized to ensure that the buyer does not have any disqualifying factors according to federal law, such as felony convictions or certain mental health issues. Additionally, Maryland law mandates that a state background check also be conducted, which is more thorough and includes checks against state-specific databases. This dual-layer approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of the buyer's eligibility, enhancing public safety and aligning with the state's stricter regulations regarding gun ownership. The combination of these background checks helps to better prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals prohibited from ownership under either federal or state laws.