Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of firearms are banned for possession in Maryland?

1. All semi-automatic rifles

2. Specially regulated firearms without proper licensing

3. Assault weapons as defined by Maryland law

4. All firearms manufactured before 1985

The correct answer is: Assault weapons as defined by Maryland law

The correct answer is that assault weapons, as defined by Maryland law, are banned for possession in the state. Maryland has specific legislation that identifies certain firearms as assault weapons based on characteristics such as the type of action, magazine capacity, and features like barrel shrouds or folding stocks. This law is aimed at restricting access to firearms that are deemed to have a higher potential for misuse in violent incidents. Other choices do not align with the laws as comprehensively. For instance, not all semi-automatic rifles are banned; rather, certain models that meet the definition of an assault weapon are regulated. Additionally, while specially regulated firearms do require proper licensing, this does not constitute an outright ban on possession—proper licensing allows for ownership under specific conditions. Lastly, the age of a firearm, such as those manufactured before 1985, does not inherently result in a ban unless it also meets the criteria for being classified as an assault weapon or is otherwise restricted by law.