For two decades, Maryland has required criminal background checks for all sales of handguns. This law prohibits felons, domestic abusers, and others from buying guns — but it doesn't apply to private sales of long guns, like a rifle or a shotgun.
This loophole means a person with a dangerous history can easily obtain a gun and avoid a background check by finding a private seller to purchase a rifle or shotgun.
Maryland should close this loophole by requiring private sellers to run a background through a licensed seller, as the law already requires for private handgun sales.