Gun Rights Groups Challenge Maryland Glock Ban in Court
Gun rights groups file court challenge against Maryland’s new Glock ban, citing Second Amendment rights.
2 min read
Pro-Second Amendment groups have filed a court challenge against Maryland’s new ban on Glock pistols, arguing the law is unconstitutional. The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), National Rifle Association (NRA), and Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) urged a federal judge to grant an injunction blocking the legislation, which was signed by Democratic Governor Wes Moore in May.
Legal Challenge Based on Historical Precedent
In a response filed with the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the groups stated that there is no historical basis for banning firearms, as criminals illegally modify them. The FPC filed its reply brief in support of a preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore, urging the court to block the ban before it takes effect.
The document argues that Glock-style handguns are not dangerous or unusual arms but common semiautomatic handguns. The groups emphasized that there is no history of restricting common arms that could be illegally modified or misused. They also highlighted that there is no history of prohibiting the commercial or private sale of firearms that citizens are constitutionally entitled to possess.
Glock Pistols Are Widely Used and Popular
Glock pistols are among the most popular firearms in the United States, regularly appearing in lists of the most-sold firearms. The company’s Glock 19X sold over 100,000 copies in less than six months after its release, according to a 2018 press release. The pistols are also used by numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has issued versions of the handgun to its agents since 1997.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly boasted about owning a Glock pistol for personal protection. The groups argue that the ban disproportionately affects law-abiding citizens and law enforcement, while not addressing the root issue of illegal modifications.
Legal and Criminal Implications of Automatic Firearm Possession
Under current federal law, it is illegal to possess or manufacture a fully-automatic firearm that is not registered or authorized under the National Firearms Act. A conviction for violating this law can lead to up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The legal battle over Maryland’s ban reflects broader tensions between gun control advocates and gun rights proponents, as well as the role of firearms in both civilian and law enforcement contexts.
Source: Daily Caller
