Note .. I believe some states require magazines to be empty as well I believe. Iirc MD required this so I've always ensured mags were empty.
Unless they changed their laws since I last wrote them, might want to do a little digging. My questions to them are numbered
followed by their answers.
Mark H Bowen -State Police- <mark.bowen@maryland.gov>
11/20/13 at 11:39 AM
To
Radnor's email addy
Message body
Dear Mr. Radnor,
I have been asked to respond to the questions raised in your recent email to Attorney General Gansler.
1. Can I bring into the State an AR-15 and shoot it at a range located in Maryland?
Section 4-303(a) of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland generally prohibits transportation of an assault weapon into Maryland and possession of assault weapons in Maryland. However, Section 4-303(b)(3) states that, "A person who lawfully possessed, has a purchase order for, or completed an application to purchase an assault long gun or a copycat weapon before October 1, 2013, may: (i) possess and transport the assault long gun or copycat weapon . . . ."
Accordingly, if you lawfully owned, or had a completed application or purchase order pending for, your AR-15 prior to October 1, 2013, you may bring it into Maryland and shoot it in any location where it is lawful to discharge firearms.
2. Can I use magazines that hold more than 10 rounds for the AR?
Section 4-305 of the Criminal Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, with certain exceptions, prohibits the, "manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm." The law does not prohibit the possession or transportation of high capacity magazines.
Accordingly, you may lawfully transport into, and possess within, Maryland magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
3. Can I leave my magazines loaded?
Maryland law requires that firearms transported in a vehicle be unloaded. There is no requirement that magazines also be unloaded. Handguns must be transported, unloaded, "in an enclosed case or holster."
4. My handgun magazines hold more than 10 rounds, are they legal?
The magazine capacity law referred to above applies to all detachable magazines.
With regard to the transportation of handguns in Maryland, under Section 4-203 of the Criminal Law Article, it is generally illegal to wear, carry or transport a handgun on your person or in a motor vehicle. A number of exceptions exist under the statute that allow, for example, a person to wear, carry or transport a handgun on real estate that the person owns or leases or where the person resides or within the confines of a business establishment that the person owns or leases; to transport a handgun between bona fide residences; between residence and place of sale or repair; and, in connection with a target shoot, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, hunting and similar functions -- provided that the handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or enclosed holster during transport. An exception also exists for individuals who have been issued a permit to carry a handgun by the Maryland State Police (Maryland does not recognize handgun carry permits issued by other states).
Mark H. Bowen
Assistant Attorney
