No, blank-firing guns are classified as “destructive devices” under Maryland’s Public Safety Article §5-101, requiring compliance with ATF regulations and local law enforcement approval. The Maryland State Police Firearms Unit enforces these rules, and recent 2026 draft guidance tightens registration for non-lethal firearms. Unregistered possession risks felony charges.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Maryland
- Registration Mandate: Owners must file ATF Form 1 or 4, with fingerprints and background checks processed by the Maryland State Police (MSP) Firearms Unit.
- Local Permit Requirement: Baltimore City and Montgomery County impose additional permits, with processing fees up to $150 and mandatory inspections.
- Prohibited Use: Blanks exceeding 6mm caliber or modified to increase pressure violate Md. Regs. Code tit. 30, §09.01.03, triggering immediate confiscation.
Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in felony prosecution under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law §4-203, with penalties including up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fines. The MSP’s 2026 compliance bulletin emphasizes digital tracking of blank-firing devices, aligning with federal NICS integration. Consult the MSP Firearms Licensing Unit for jurisdiction-specific variances.