Why Choose MSI

Maryland Shall Issue® (MSI) is an all volunteer, non-partisan organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of gun owners' rights in Maryland. It seeks to educate the community about the right of self-protection, the safe handling of firearms, and the responsibility that goes with carrying a firearm in public. MSI is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.

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When it comes to owning firearms, Maryland is one of the most restrictive states in the country. MSI brings common sense to the debate through educating legislators and the general public with regard to:

  • Firearms ownership rights

  • Safety education

  • Self-protection education

  • Common sense gun laws

During each Maryland General Assembly session and throughout the year, MSI works
with lawmakers to craft sensible legislation and fights bills that impede firearms owners’ rights. MSI does not endorse political candidates, campaigns, or parties. Our outreach efforts increase the availability of materials on firearms safety and the laws surrounding guns in Maryland.



Learn more about our legislative efforts HERE

Learn more about our litigation HERE

What We Do

  • Challenge illegal or unconstitutional state, county or municipal laws and ordinances

  • Provide expert testimony during the Maryland legislative session and work with lawmakers to pass beneficial legislation

  • Educate the public about the right of self-protection, the safe handling of firearms, and the responsibilities of carrying a firearm in public

  • Monitor and oppose attempts to infringe upon gun owners’ rights, and inform the public of these actions

  • Empower Marylanders to talk to their legislators and encourage members to speak out at bill hearings in Annapolis

  • Outreach online, at fairs, festivals, shows, town meetings, and other public events

 Interested in having MSI speak before your club or organization? Contact us HERE.

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Benefits of Membership

In return for your membership and support of MSI, members receive these benefits:

  • Assistance with applying for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit

  • Eligibility to acquire a Range Badge at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore in Marriottsville, MD after a range safety orientation. More details HERE

  • Exclusive access to the MSI Forum

  • Regular updates and dispatches on developments affecting gun owners in Maryland

  • Members in good standing for two years become eligible to run for leadership and vote in MSI elections

Membership rates are extremely affordable - a year's membership costs less than a box of ammo. 100% of your dues go directly to advocacy!

Join today to recover and defend our Civil Rights here in Maryland!

Latest News

The Dangers of Maryland's Carry Laws

On August 12, 2021, Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals, ruled that a violation of Md. Criminal Law § 4-203(a)(1)(i) is a strict liability crime. Put simply, if one has a handgun on or about them and is not authorized to do so, they are guilty of violating the law. The case is Lawrence v. State, 471 Md. 101 (2021).

Section 4-203 is the statute that broadly prohibits the wear, carry, or transport of handguns within the State. Specifically, § 4-203(a)(1)(i) states:

 (a)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not:

            (i)    wear, carry, or transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, on or about the person;

There are a few exceptions to this ban (found in subsection (b) of Section 4-203), such as one having a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, possession in the home or business (by the business owner), or when transporting an unloaded handgun (kept in an enclosed case or enclosed holster) between a gun shop and one's residence or from their residence to a gun range. But, outside these sharply limited exceptions set out in subsection (b), the passage above otherwise broadly criminalizes having a pistol on (or about) the person. 

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MSI v. Montgomery County Update

On June 16, 2021, we filed an emergency motion for partial summary judgment on three of our counts against Montgomery County's enactment of Bill 4-21. The motion seeks to enjoin the County from enforcing their new illegal laws which will go into effect on July 16th without action from the Court. Find the motion HERE and the memorandum in support HERE. As we have stated previously, we will not sit idle while politicians make criminals of ordinary and law-abiding residents. You can learn more and find updates about this case at tinyurl.com/msivmoco.

Taking these challenges is not possible without your support! Consider becoming a member of MSI, donating, or wearing MSI apparel or picking up our accessories.

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Maryland Shall Issue®, Inc.
9613 Harford Rd
Ste C #1015
Baltimore, MD 21234-2150

Phone:  410-849-9197
Email: 
Web:   www.marylandshallissue.org