Maryland § 4-301
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 4-301, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-301.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Assault long gun” means any assault weapon listed under § 5–101(r)(2) of the Public Safety Article.
(c) “Assault pistol” means any of the following firearms or a copy regardless of the producer or manufacturer:
(1) AA Arms AP–9 semiautomatic pistol;
(2) Bushmaster semiautomatic pistol;
(3) Claridge HI–TEC semiautomatic pistol;
(4) D Max Industries semiautomatic pistol;
(5) Encom MK–IV, MP–9, or MP–45 semiautomatic pistol;
(6) Heckler and Koch semiautomatic SP–89 pistol;
(7) Holmes MP–83 semiautomatic pistol;
(8) Ingram MAC 10/11 semiautomatic pistol and variations including the Partisan Avenger and the SWD Cobray;
(9) Intratec TEC–9/DC–9 semiautomatic pistol in any centerfire variation;
(10) P.A.W.S. type semiautomatic pistol;
(11) Skorpion semiautomatic pistol;
(12) Spectre double action semiautomatic pistol (Sile, F.I.E., Mitchell);
(13) UZI semiautomatic pistol;
(14) Weaver Arms semiautomatic Nighthawk pistol; or
(15) Wilkinson semiautomatic “Linda” pistol.
(d) “Assault weapon” means:
(1) an assault long gun;
(2) an assault pistol; or
(3) a copycat weapon.
(e) “Binary trigger system” means a device that, when installed in or attached to a firearm, fires both when the trigger is pulled and on release of the trigger.
(f) “Bump stock” means a device that, when installed in or attached to a firearm, increases the rate of fire of the firearm by using energy from the recoil of the firearm to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger.
(g) “Burst trigger system” means a device that, when installed in or attached to a firearm, allows the firearm to discharge two or more shots with a single pull of the trigger by altering the trigger reset.
(h) (1) “Copycat weapon” means:
(i) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine and has any two of the following:
1. a folding stock;
2. a grenade launcher or flare launcher; or
3. a flash suppressor;
(ii) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds;
(iii) a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 29 inches;
(iv) a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds;
(v) a semiautomatic shotgun that has a folding stock; or
(vi) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
(2) “Copycat weapon” does not include an assault long gun or an assault pistol.
(i) “Detachable magazine” means an ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from a firearm without requiring disassembly of the firearm action or without the use of a tool, including a bullet or cartridge.
(j) “Flash suppressor” means a device that functions, or is intended to function, to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter’s field of vision.
(k) “Hellfire trigger” means a device that, when installed in or attached to a firearm, disengages the trigger return spring when the trigger is pulled.
(l) “Licensed firearms dealer” means a person who holds a dealer’s license under Title 5, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article.
(m) (1) “Rapid fire activator” means any device, including a removable manual or power–driven activating device, constructed so that, when installed in or attached to a firearm:
(i) the rate at which the trigger is activated increases; or
(ii) the rate of fire increases.
(3) “Rapid fire activator” does not include a semiautomatic replacement trigger that improves the performance and functionality over the stock trigger.
(o) “Trigger crank” means a device that, when installed in or attached to a firearm, repeatedly activates the trigger of the firearm through the use of a crank, a lever, or any other part that is turned in a circular motion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 4-301
What does Maryland Code § 4-301 cover?
Section 4-301 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 4-301?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 4-301" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 4-301 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.