Maryland’s Glock Ban Is Coming: Here’s What Gun Owners Need to Know

If you've heard that Maryland is banning Glocks, you've probably also heard a lot of conflicting information about what that actually means.

Can you keep the Glock you already own? Which models are affected? Can you still buy one? And when is the actual deadline?

Here's what Maryland gun owners need to know.

What Is Maryland's New “Glock Ban”?

In May 2026, Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 334 into law. The law doesn't actually use the word “Glock.” Instead, it creates a new category of firearm called a “machine gun convertible pistol.”

Under the law, that generally means a semiautomatic pistol that uses a cruciform trigger bar and can be readily converted by installing a prohibited pistol converter in place of the slide's backplate.

Why is everyone calling it the Glock ban? Because Glock's design uses the type of cruciform trigger bar targeted by the legislation. The law is also expected to affect certain Glock-pattern pistols made by other manufacturers.

Maryland State Police is required under the new law to publish an official list of prohibited pistols.

When Does the Ban Begin?

January 1, 2027.

Beginning on that date, Maryland law prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, purchase, receipt or transfer of a pistol covered by the new law, with limited exceptions. That means the clock is running for Marylanders who have been considering purchasing a Glock or another pistol ultimately covered by the law.

If I Already Own a Glock, Can I Keep It? YES.

This may be the biggest misconception we've heard about the new law. If you already legally own a Glock that falls under the new definition, the law does not require you to surrender it simply because January 1 arrives.

The new prohibition targets future sales, purchases, receipts and transfers, not continued possession by a lawful owner. The law also specifically allows covered pistols to be temporarily transferred to a licensed dealer or gunsmith for service and returned to their lawful owners.

So if there's already a Glock sitting in your safe, January 1 does not suddenly make you a criminal for owning it.

Can I Buy a Glock Before the Ban?

For now, yes, provided the particular handgun is currently lawful for sale in Maryland and you otherwise meet Maryland's requirements for purchasing a handgun. But there's an important catch: Do not think of December 31 as your shopping deadline.

Maryland requires a waiting period for regulated firearm purchases. You can't simply walk into a dealer on December 31, purchase a Glock and take it home that afternoon.

And the new law doesn't only prohibit new sales beginning January 1. It also prohibits receiving and transferring a covered pistol. In other words, the transaction needs to be completed in time for you to legally take possession before the new prohibition takes effect.

Waiting until the final days of December could leave you out of time.

Which Glock Models Are Being Banned?

This is where we're going to be careful rather than give you an answer Maryland hasn't finalized yet. The law does not contain a list that simply says “Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 43X...” Instead, it establishes a mechanical definition based largely on the pistol's trigger-bar design and its ability to accept a prohibited converter. Traditional factory Glock pistols use the cruciform trigger-bar design targeted by the law, which is why SB 334 has become widely known as Maryland's “Glock ban.”

The law also requires Maryland State Police to publish an official list of the pistols it considers prohibited. We'll update our customers as that guidance becomes available rather than guessing about individual models.

What About Glock-Style Pistols?

Potentially, yes.

This law isn't limited to firearms manufactured by Glock. A pistol from another manufacturer could fall under the prohibition if it meets the statutory definition. That means certain Glock-pattern designs may also be affected. Again, we'll be watching Maryland State Police guidance closely as the State develops its official prohibited-firearm list.

Can I Sell or Give Away My Glock After January 1?

For most ordinary transfers of a covered pistol, the answer will be no.

There is, however, an important exception for immediate family. The law allows someone who lawfully obtained and possesses a covered pistol to transfer it to an eligible spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, sibling or stepsibling.

There are also specific exceptions involving law enforcement, dealers, gunsmiths, inheritance and several other circumstances.

The Bottom Line for Maryland Gun Owners

If you already legally own a Glock, you can keep it. If you've been thinking about buying one, however, 2026 is a very different story.

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland will prohibit the sale, purchase, receipt and transfer of pistols that fall under its new “machine gun convertible pistol” definition, subject to limited exceptions. And because Maryland handgun purchases involve a mandatory waiting period, don't plan on walking into a gun shop on December 31 and beating the deadline.

Our advice? Don't wait until December.

We'll continue monitoring guidance from Maryland State Police as the State publishes its official list and implementation rules. In the meantime, if you've been considering a Glock, come see us at The Machine Gun Nest. Our team can help you compare models, rent and shoot different options, and understand the current Maryland purchasing process.

Glocktober is coming. And this year, it means a little more.

This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Firearm laws and implementing regulations can change. Always verify current requirements before purchasing or transferring a firearm.