Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Are private firearms sales allowed in Maryland without a background check?

1. Yes, for all firearms

2. Yes, but only for rifles and shotguns

3. No, a background check is required for all sales

4. No, except between immediate family members

The correct answer is: No, a background check is required for all sales

The correct answer is that a background check is required for all sales of private firearms in Maryland. This law was enacted to promote safety and ensure that individuals who are purchasing firearms do not have a criminal background or other disqualifiers that would make them unfit to own a firearm. The requirement for background checks in private sales is part of Maryland's comprehensive efforts to regulate firearm transactions and enhance public safety, aligning with the state's strict gun control measures. Regarding other options: 1. While some states may allow exceptions for certain types of firearms or personal relationships, Maryland's regulations do not provide such allowances for private sales, ensuring that all transactions are subject to background checks. 2. The idea of allowing sales of rifles and shotguns without checks doesn’t apply because Maryland mandates checks for all firearm types, not distinguishing between them. 3. The notion of excluding transactions between immediate family members also doesn’t hold in Maryland. All private sales, regardless of the seller-buyer relationship, are governed by the same requirement for a background check. This comprehensive regulation helps in minimizing the potential for firearms ending up in the hands of individuals who should not possess them.