Here Comes the First State to Try to Ban Handguns

Published on March 7, 2025
Duration: 6:19

William Kirk, President of Washington Gun Law TV, analyzes Maryland House Bill 1287, which proposes to ban the sale of nearly all semi-automatic handguns by redefining them as 'convertible pistols' if they can be converted to machine guns with an auto-sear device. This broad definition, even if targeting specific accessories like Glock switches, could encompass most striker-fired semi-automatic handguns, effectively banning their sale and receipt in the state, with no exceptions for inheritance. The bill also prohibits the transfer of existing 'convertible pistols'.

Quick Summary

Maryland House Bill 1287 proposes to ban the sale of nearly all semi-automatic handguns by redefining them as 'convertible pistols' if they can be converted to machine guns with an auto-sear device. This broad definition could impact most striker-fired semi-automatic handguns, prohibiting their sale and receipt in the state.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Location
  2. 00:12Handguns and Violent Crime
  3. 00:36Maryland's Proposed Handgun Ban
  4. 00:58Video Topic & Visual Intro
  5. 01:14HB 1287: Horrific Legislation
  6. 01:33The 'Convertible Pistol' Definition
  7. 02:08Broad Impact of Definition
  8. 02:32Legal Definition: Maryland Criminal Code 4-301
  9. 03:02All Semi-Automatic Handguns Affected
  10. 03:50Maryland Criminal Code 4-305.2: Ban on Transfer
  11. 04:10Impact on Current Owners & Heirs
  12. 04:31Broad Scope & Misleading Politicians
  13. 05:14Conclusion: All Handguns Banned
  14. 05:24Call to Action & Legal Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maryland House Bill 1287?

Maryland House Bill 1287 is proposed legislation that aims to ban the sale of nearly all semi-automatic handguns. It achieves this by redefining them as 'convertible pistols' if they can be converted into machine guns with an auto-sear device, like Glock switches.

How does HB 1287 redefine 'convertible pistols'?

Under HB 1287, a 'convertible pistol' is defined in Maryland Criminal Code 4-301 as any semi-automatic pistol capable of conversion to a machine gun solely by attaching a switch or auto-sear. This broad definition could impact many common semi-automatic handguns.

What is the impact of HB 1287 on current handgun owners in Maryland?

If enacted, HB 1287 would prohibit current owners of 'convertible pistols' from receiving more firearms or transferring their existing ones. Crucially, there is no exception for passing these firearms to lawful heirs.

Could HB 1287 ban all semi-automatic handguns in Maryland?

According to analysis from Washington Gun Law, the broad definition of 'convertible pistol' in HB 1287, which includes any semi-automatic capable of conversion with an auto-sear, could effectively ban the sale and receipt of almost all semi-automatic handguns in Maryland.

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