Can military members obtain a concealed weapons permit in Maryland even if there are no threats on record?
February 27th, 2010 by eranio
I live in Maryland and commute in and out of Baltimore and i would feel a little safer to be able to carry my 1911 for those late nights! I have searched for answers and im not able to get a hold of the local sherrif’s office at this moment. I have not been assualted or any casses on file but the threat is there and pepper spray doesn’t reach as far as a bullet!
Posted in military weapons
February 27th, 2010 at 7:57 am
You will not get a permit, that I am certain of. Maryland’s extremely backwards CCW laws only allow people who guard money, are armed security guards, or some special professional licenses, and they are often restricted to only while on duty or doing a specific activity.
However, under Criminal Code§ 4-203, the law the prohibits the mere wearing or carrying of a handgun (concealed or not) contains an exception that MAY apply to you:
"(ii) a member of the armed forces of the United States or of the National Guard on duty or traveling to or from duty;"
So it is possible that you could carrying your sidearm to and from duty without breaking the law. However, it is in you best interest to confer with the local Maryland State Police. They are the issuers of the permits and have most of the authority on all things firearm in the State. Be sure you talk to a ranking officer, as some of the lower level ones can be a tad inept about this issue (one officer tried to arrest a licensed guard for wearing body armor without a permit, when there is no such law about wearing body armor unless you’re a felon!)
We MDers are really hurting for reform of the concealed carry laws. We are one of the last states in the US that is not Shall Issue. Please help in any way you can.