Maryland Shotgun Laws (2026): SBS, Shockwave & Permits

Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsLegal with NFA registration

Maryland bars possession of a short-barreled shotgun unless an exception applies, and one exception covers a citizen who has registered the SBS with the federal government. An SBS with a barrel under 16 inches is also treated as a 'handgun' for transfer and carry purposes.^[1]

Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-203; Crim. Law § 4-201(g), § 4-203

14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Restricted

Maryland defines any firearm with a barrel under 16 inches as a 'handgun', so a 14-inch firearm is a regulated firearm subject to handgun rules (Handgun Qualification License, the state application and the 7-day wait). The sources reviewed do not say whether Handgun Roster rules also apply.^[2]

Semi-auto / feature rulesFeature rules apply

Maryland bans 'copycat' weapons, which include a semiautomatic shotgun with a folding stock and any shotgun with a revolving cylinder. It also bans listed assault long guns, including the Franchi LAW-12 and SPAS-12, Holmes Model 88, Mossberg 500 Bullpup, Street Sweeper, Striker-12 and Daewoo USAS-12.^[2]

Md. Code, Crim. Law §§ 4-301(e), 4-303; Pub. Safety § 5-101(r)(2)

Magazine limitsLimit: 10 rounds (detachable magazines)

Making, selling, buying, receiving or transferring a detachable magazine that holds more than 10 rounds for a firearm is prohibited, shotguns included; the only firearm exemption is a .22 rifle with a tubular magazine. Simple possession is not banned.^[3]

Permit to buyNo state permit

The Handgun Qualification License and state application apply to 'regulated firearms' (handguns and assault weapons), not ordinary shotguns.^[4]

Waiting periodNo waiting period

Ordinary rifles and shotguns have no waiting period. The 7-day wait applies only to regulated firearms (handguns and assault weapons).^[5]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Also know

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed in July 2026 to hear two consolidated assault-weapon cases (Viramontes v. Cook County; Grant v. Higgins). Press coverage notes the outcome could affect similar laws, including Maryland's.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with Maryland's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags Maryland's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

Shotgun laws in Maryland

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Shotguns to consider

Sources

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