Traveling to MD SOON, can I bring an M4 Carbine?

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I carry a Glock every day, but going from PA to MD dictates that I must leave the Glock at home. I will be heading to the bay to get on a sailboat and spend 6 days in the MD bay shore towns and sleeping on the boat docked at various places. We are coming in to the Baltimor region to board the boat and will travel to Annapolis and further South over the 6 days while stopping each evening to eat at a resturaunt and then back to the boat to drink and party. It is a man's week out kind of thing.

First off, like normal in life.... no trouble is expected or desired from thugs or thieves. I do not carry because I expect anything, I carry because you never know what you can expect.

My thought is that since I understand that even you folks living there can not have a pistol, can I carry my AR-15/M4 Carbine ON THE BOAT ONLY for protection from any one that may wish to illegally board during the night? It would be out of sight and only to be commissioned for service should things go bad in monumental proportions.

I was (and still am) very seriously consider de-pinning the upper from the lower and bringing 3 loaded mags and stuffing this into my backpack with my clothes. That way I could slam the upper/lower together and smack the pins to lock it together in just 30 seconds or so and drive a mag home if needed.

What is MD's opinion on rifles and non residents having them for self defense since we can not bring our trusty pistols? I am thinking I will be good to go with the M4....?

Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

BTW: I love PA! Open carry frendly for the most part (Jack Noble got some shit ) and there are more AR/M4 rifles in PA than there are teeth! 38 years in Western PA, and no plans to ever move away.

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Wow,

38 views and not one MD citizen that knows if you can legally posses a carbine.

Come on MD, are you folks harrassed over rifles?

Are standard 30 round rifles accepted legally?

Can a non resident bring his rifle there while on vacation for self defense use in his vacation home?

Please, if you are from MD, please tell me. If not I'm, most likey going to carry the rifle in a backpack and not mention it. Just in case.

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I'm not a MD resident and I'm not a lawyer. I have had to go to MD frequently and have several friends that live there.

I've read most of MD statutes from the Criminal Law Article §4–101 thru §4–503 and have yet to find anything that prohibits possession of a rifle. §4–203 only pertains to handguns; The Public Safety Article, §5, seems to only pertain to the sale and transfer of regulated firearms ( and possession of regulated firearms by prohibited persons).

I believe the M4 carbine, though not explicitly specified, could be construed to be a regulated firearm as per §5-101 of the Public Safety Article, however I don't see how that would prevent you from possessing it in Maryland; unless, of course, you're a prohibited person as per §5–133.

I'd think you're good to go, but you should read the code yourself first.
http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/web_statutes.asp


Lastly, the only code I found related to high-cap magazines was one about more than 20 rounds during the commission of a crime ( I forget the code section); and

§4–305.(a)This section does not apply to a .22 caliber rifle with a tubular magazine.(b)A person may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 20 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.

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virginiatuck wrote:

I'm not a MD resident and I'm not a lawyer. I have had to go to MD frequently and have several friends that live there.

I've read most of MD statutes from the Criminal Law Article §4–101 thru §4–503 and have yet to find anything that prohibits possession of a rifle. §4–203 only pertains to handguns; The Public Safety Article, §5, seems to only pertain to the sale and transfer of regulated firearms ( and possession of regulated firearms by prohibited persons).

I believe the M4 carbine, though not explicitly specified, could be construed to be a regulated firearm as per §5-101 of the Public Safety Article, however I don't see how that would prevent you from possessing it in Maryland; unless, of course, you're a prohibited person as per §5–133.

I'd think you're good to go, but you should read the code yourself first.
http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/web_statutes.asp


Lastly, the only code I found related to high-cap magazines was one about more than 20 rounds during the commission of a crime ( I forget the code section); and

§4–305. (a)This section does not apply to a .22 caliber rifle with a tubular magazine.(b)A person may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 20 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.

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What I plan to take is a standard (not a short barrel or suppressed) 16" barrel M4 carbine with a white light and RDS. I plan to unpin it and put in in my backpack and not remove it from the pack or assemble it. Should something terrible begin to take form around the immediate dock area, I would only then even consider pinning it.

I am not prohibited, I have a LTCF in the state of PA and have no prior or pending criminal charges. I did get a stop sign violation in 2005, but I don't think even MD can connect that to firearms...LOL!

Thanks for your time and your reply.

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Larry0071 wrote:

I did get a stop sign violation in 2005, but I don't think even MD can connect that to firearms...LOL!

Thanks for your time and your reply.

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That depends... did you violate the stop sign by shooting it full of holes?


And, you're welcome.

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I started packing last night, seeing how things will fit. I broke the M4 in half (un-pinned it) and it fit into my backpack fine with my 6 days of clothes. I will take it, but like I said.... it will be in the backpack. I also grabbed on 30 round PMAG loaded with 30 rounds of 55 gr XM193, but the mag is in a zipped side compartment in the backpack.

Yea, I'm one of those "wierd guys" that feels better knowing a firearm is around. My father asked my why I think I need it? I told him I don't know, but I feel better with it. He asked if I am scared. I said "nope, not scared". He asked what I think is going to happen. I said "I don't know, that is why I want to have the rifle!". He asks again, what would happen that I need a gun for? I reply back "I don't know, because so far in MY life "it" has never happened, and no... I do not know what "it" is!" We went back and forth a few times, and my old man gave up... shacking his head... he grunted and walked away.

There is a sort of gap between me at 37yrs old and my father at 59. He feels nothing bad will ever happen.... to anyone... and no one needs to carry a gun. Or at least he feels that you should only carry a gun if going into a known danger zone.

I fight back saying that all over the globe, and yes... even here in the utopia that is America..... good folks get murdered/raped/robbed/maimed each day! None of them left the house in the morning and thought that this was going to be the day that 4 drunk guys gang rapes them after beating them nearly to death, or this is the day some nut is going to walk into the resturaunt and shoot 3-4 folks, or this is going to be the day that 2 guys break into the house and beat me near to death so they can steal my jewely and electronic trash. But yet.... it happens!

So, I may be a nut in that I try and carry each day. I may be a paronoid fool feel, finding some sense of security in the fact that I carry a pistol and try to keep fresh with my practice in basic handgun and long gun use. But I also may end up being the nut/fool that has the ability to save his own life in a really scary situation that otherwise could have gone the other way, or save your life or one of your loved ones!

Too bad Dad does not get that!

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The best analogy I ever heard on the subject was "Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?". Most people will answer YES. Then "Is it loaded?". Again, YES. "Are you paranoid your home is going to burn down?" You get the point.

So, "I don't carry a gun because I'm paranoid or scared, but because it's a safety tool I like to keep handy, much like a fire extinguisher."

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I am a MD resident. If you are traveling in Md Firearms have to be unloaded and ammo and firearm separate and not available to driver in locked case. Federal rules of transport. Md law generally say transport is fine if going for sporting putpose, to and from a range. To take to gunsmith to and from a gunshop. Or moving from a residence. The Bay is under MD authorityif you get stopped by DNR on the bay the rifle is a no no. First of all MD has laws against rifles with large # of rounds. I forget the exact number. WE do have a so call"assault weapon " law.

Your rifle may fall under that law. Unless you rifle is stainless steel and rifles on a boat tends to rust quickly. There is little risk of being attacked while on a boat. They first have to board you and that does not happen unless you invite someone to raft with you.

Now you may not get caught and all is fine but you proabably are violating law to carry that in a backpack.

Unles you are so emotianally attached to the rifle leave it behind. It takes up space, subject to salt and water, and at risk if you need help from coasties or DNR.

Help is often needed. Boats get mechanical problems and need to be towed. DNR watches for alcohol abuse on the water.

Your risk and your rifle . Have fun and enjoy the bay.

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I'm a former MD resident. (I hated the place... in detail.) Leave the carbine in PA... I know... ya feel nekkid w/o a gun once you're used to it... but MD is a socialist state.

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Well,

I took your advise and left it home. I did take 3 blades and 2 lights. While on the sailboat I took the time to hone my blades to a near razors edge. I don't really spend the time to hone the steel nearly as often as I should.

We did have a great time, and I got to be in St Micheals for a "tea party" on Friday evening. we actually shored up the 39' boat right at the Tea Party. I sat on the deck and drank beer listening to the speach.

I got some sun, drank about $500 in beer and Rum-Runners, ate stupid amounts of over priced (but very good) seafood... and generally enjoyed myself. All that, and no guns! Heck, I kinda forget what its like to go anywhere but work without a pistol!

So here you get to see the ultimate in sexy white men.....a man that all otheres dream of being..... a legend in his very own mind..... getting ready to tear up a JUMBO crab for dinner!



Heck, I forget where we were, but this night we dropped an anchor outside of this dock area and took the dinghy in to eat and drink. The sunset was fantastic!



This was our mode of transportation, a custom Beneteau 393 cruiser.



And this town, I forget..... Not shure what town this was, but I had to take a panaramic of it!

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2nd pix looks like Kent Narrows. Does the Red Eye Dock bar ring a bell?

3rd one...I dunno... 'been awhile. Kent, Tighlman island... maybe even Betterton. 'Looks like a good crab tho. Sometimes I still miss the Bay. I could navigate at nightwhen the rest of 'em (including the boat owner) were in the cockpit or hangin' off the transom'drunk as hoots. 'Always had to stand up at the helm tho... 'cause when the boat was on plane... I couldn't see crap in the water (like crab pot bouys... 'n other flotsam 'n jetsam that could wreck the outdrives). 'Flew the Confederate naval jack and the 3rd national when I took the helm. (I'd bring'em with me) That got cheers from shore off Tighlman island.

'Done enuff sailorin' anyway. I prefer bein' a desert rat.

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I agree that is Kent Narrows just past the Bay Bridge. Very nice area for sailboats and food and drink.

I am glad you did not bring the rifle. Since it one less thing toworry aboutrust and getting caught.

Most serious boaters have a stainless Remington shotgun aboard and flares which have several practical purposes.



Self defense is rarely needed aboard a boat in the US.

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Reading about Maryland transportation laws in the posts here is one of those rare times I'm glad I live in Illinois. Here for residents its unloaded and encased, OK if a loaded magazine is in the case and case is in your vehicle passenger compartment or on your person. You don't have to be going to or from a range or gun shop either. I

I'm sure in regard to a state issued LTC I'd be in the same boat in Maryland as here in Illinois, actually worse I'd have my Utah LTC, but not my Pa which I've had for several years. A few years ago I flew into Maryland on the way to Pa, really wanted to carry in Pa, but after reading about Maryland transportation restrictions decided not to.

Anyone here on this forum that has a Maryland LTC? I imagine not.

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I live and boat in Maryland, and almost every time I am stopped, which is frequently, I am asked if I have any firearms onboard - - - so I stopped carrying them just to avoid trouble - - -

but nothing says you cant carry a signaling device :celebrate:celebrate:celebrate

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Over on the MDshooters forum we discussed this a few times. If the handgun is an antique or a long gun (does not matter if it is a regulated long gun or not), there is no law prohibitting the loaded carry on a boat that we have found.

For modern handguns, SBS, SBR and AOW that can be concealed on the person and are not antiques, the restrictions on transport and possession exist.

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junglebob wrote:

Reading about Maryland transportation laws in the posts here is one of those rare times I'm glad I live in Illinois. Here for residents its unloaded and encased, OK if a loaded magazine is in the case and case is in your vehicle passenger compartment or on your person. You don't have to be going to or from a range or gun shop either. I

I'm sure in regard to a state issued LTC I'd be in the same boat in Maryland as here in Illinois, actually worse I'd have my Utah LTC, but not my Pa which I've had for several years. A few years ago I flew into Maryland on the way to Pa, really wanted to carry in Pa, but after reading about Maryland transportation restrictions decided not to.

Anyone here on this forum that has a Maryland LTC? I imagine not.

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THe restrictions on locations or purposes one can transport to you mention are just for modern handguns (and SBS and SBR) and are not for long guns or antiques.
For handguns, as long as it is to or from one of the approved locations or purposes, there is no requirement it be innaccessible or have the ammo in a different location. We can have it on our hip when going to the places or purposes as long as it is in an enclosed holster and is unloaded.
In MD we can have long guns and antique handguns as trunk guns and ours can be assembled and ready to use if quickly loaded. You cannot do that in Illinois. When not in a car or truck, there does not seem to be a MD law restricting the open carrying of them loaded, but while that would still get us arrested by cops here that do not know the law even though legal, they could not convict and if you tried this in IL you would go to jail.

MD is strict in some ways, but compared to IL we are gun rights heaven.

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rimfire wrote:

I am a MD resident. If you are traveling in Md Firearms have to be unloaded and ammo and firearm separate and not available to driver in locked case. Federal rules of transport. Md law generally say transport is fine if going for sporting putpose, to and from a range. To take to gunsmith to and from a gunshop. Or moving from a residence. The Bay is under MD authorityif you get stopped by DNR on the bay the rifle is a no no. First of all MD has laws against rifles with large # of rounds. I forget the exact number. WE do have a so call"assault weapon " law.

Your rifle may fall under that law. Unless you rifle is stainless steel and rifles on a boat tends to rust quickly. There is little risk of being attacked while on a boat. They first have to board you and that does not happen unless you invite someone to raft with you.

Now you may not get caught and all is fine but you proabably are violating law to carry that in a backpack.

Unles you are so emotianally attached to the rifle leave it behind. It takes up space, subject to salt and water, and at risk if you need help from coasties or DNR.

Help is often needed. Boats get mechanical problems and need to be towed. DNR watches for alcohol abuse on the water.

Your risk and your rifle . Have fun and enjoy the bay.

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YOu are incorrect.
There is no locked case requirement, there is no "guns must be innaccessible" requirement, the locations/purposes restriction is not for long guns (or antique handguns), and on the bay there is no state law against having a long gun or an antique handgun when not hunting that I have ever found.
There is also no restrictions on possession or ownership of magazines of any size. There is a law about transfer and purchase of 20+ round mags, but none on possession.
MD has a so called "assault weapons" law and a so called "assault pistols" law, but the only ones banned are the dozen or so semi auto pistols on the so called AP list. All other firearms are legal to possess in MD. If it is a long gun or an NFA device, it is legal in MD.
The so called "assault weapons" (long guns like an AR15 or an AK47) are what is called "regulated" in MD which just restricts conditions of transfer, possession by certain criminals and possession of persons under 21 years of age. They are not banned whatsoever.

As far as safety on a boat in MD, yeah, attacks are rare, but they do happen. Just about a year or two ago there was a boat invasion by two people and one was killed in the attempt near Baltimore or Havre Degrace (or somewhere in between). They were at anchor and it was in the middle of the night when they tried the attack.

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I have a similar question to the OP but not going to be on the bay. I'm going to be in a cabin in western Md. My take on the regs is that I have travel there with my M1 carbine unloaded. I plan on having a loaded mag in my bag and loading the riffle once I get to the cabin.
I am concerned about the part of traveling to a specific place, like target practice or repair. I'm not going hunting or target practice, I just don't want to be unarmed in a cabin in the mntns.
My understanding is that there are no prohibitions against long guns - right?

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mdinnie wrote:

I have a similar question to the OP but not going to be on the bay. I'm going to be in a cabin in western Md. My take on the regs is that I have travel there with my M1 carbine unloaded. I plan on having a loaded mag in my bag and loading the riffle once I get to the cabin.
I am concerned about the part of traveling to a specific place, like target practice or repair. I'm not going hunting or target practice, I just don't want to be unarmed in a cabin in the mntns.
My understanding is that there are no prohibitions against long guns - right?

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Yes, MD has a different classification for certain long guns calling them "regulated firearms" such as the (or most depending on who you ask) AR15 or M4 carbines (but not M1 carbines), but as you pointed out the handgun transport law ONLY applies to handguns, short barrelled shotguns and short barrelled rifles which are not antiques and does not apply to any long gun. SO yes, there is no transport law regarding M1 carbines in MD if they are unloaded for transport.
The loaded mag for a long gun is a gray area according to some people's reading, so just to be 100% safe, leave the long gun mag unloaded, but there is nothing about loose rounds within reach or stripper clips (or en-bloc clips for that matter) mentioned in the hunting statute (10-410 of the Natural Resources article) which is the only mention of mags for long guns in law that I have ever found (the question or gray area is whether if it is referring to integral mags[ in the rifle] or not).

Basically, with an unloaded long gun in MD you can stop whereever you want and even keep the long gun as a trunk gun if you wanted because there is no law addressing or restricting transport or possession of unloaded long guns in vehicles. There is a state preemption on possession (and I think transport) of modern firearms too which means that local governments cannot pass laws restricting transport or possession of firearms (with some extremely limitted exceptions though).