MD Goes Shall Issue
The wait is over!!! Maryland has joined the other states that are Shall Issue. What does that mean?
As I’m sure many of you are aware that on July 5th, Governor Hogan ordered that the “Good and Substantial reason” needed to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit in Maryland be suspended. This order came just a few weeks after SCOTUS ruled it unconstitutional to require such provisions to be able to carry a concealed firearm in the New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
Before Gov. Hogan directed this order, Marylanders had to be business owners, employed in high risk jobs, or have proof of threat towards their life and many documents of proof, making it difficult for the average law abiding citizen to be granted a CCW Permit. There are many who are not happy with this decision and who now believe crime will only get worse. There are arguments on both sides. I am not going to go into that at this time. Everyone has the right to their own opinion. What I would like to do is visit some of the common questions we have been getting at FreeState Gun Range.
I have my HQL. I can carry, right? NO… If you have an HQL this means you can legally purchase a regulated firearm in the state of Maryland. The HQL does not permit you to carry a firearm on your person.
So, I just need to submit an application to Maryland State Police? NO… You are required to take a 16 hour course mandated by MSP (unless you are training exempt, which is a select few, and we recommend the training even if you are exempt). You will need to have Live Scan Fingerprints done (yes, even though you had fingerprints done for your HQL). There is also a 25 round shooting qualification. You must receive a 70% or higher to pass. Then you must complete the application for your CCW and submit it and a $75.00 application fee to MSP.
And then I can carry? NO… From the time you submit your application it is about a 90 day process. During this process a background check is done. Your application is reviewed. References are checked. An interview with MSP is done. And then MSP makes their decision. Once you are granted and receive your CCW Permit, then and only then will you be legally allowed to carry a firearm on your person.
I can carry anywhere I want, right? NO… You must still abide by Federal Law. You may not carry a firearm on school property, government buildings/grounds, and any establishment that has a sign stating firearms are not allowed on property.
I am not writing this to dissuade anyone from applying for a CCW Permit. It is our constitutional right! My point is, there are still regulations and laws that must be followed and there is a huge responsibility when carrying a firearm. Getting your CCW Permit should not end there. Continued training is a must! Be in the right mindset! Go above and beyond what the law requires! And when you think you have had all the training you need…go get more training!! Take classes, go to the range, assess your skills, gain knowledge, rinse and repeat!!!!
Until next time…Train Hard & Stay Safe