Armor‑piercing ammunition is illegal for civilian possession in Maryland under the statutes that took effect on January 1 2026. The 2026 amendments tightened the ban, broadened the definition of prohibited rounds, and increased penalties for possession, sale, or transfer outside of law‑enforcement or military exemptions. Violators now face up to five years imprisonment and fines of $10,000, making Maryland one of the strictest jurisdictions in the nation regarding AP rounds.
2026 Legislative Changes
The 2026 omnibus firearms package (Md. Code, §§ 5‑41‑12 et seq.) amended the original 1998 ban. Key updates include:
- Expansion of the prohibited list to cover any projectile that can reliably penetrate steel or ballistic glass, regardless of caliber.
- Elimination of the “commercially available” carve‑out; even hand‑loaded or modified rounds are covered.
- Creation of a “law‑enforcement exemption” that now requires a written certification from a certified Maryland police agency before any AP ammunition can be transferred to a civilian contractor.
Definition of Armor‑Piercing Ammunition
Maryland defines AP ammunition as:
- Any projectile designed to penetrate armor or the muzzle of a firearm; or
- Any projectile made primarily of steel, tungsten, iron, bronze, or other hard metals that can reliably penetrate a 0.5 inch steel plate at 1,800 ft/s (or an equivalent ballistic standard).
The definition intentionally mirrors the federal standard under 18 U.S.C. § 922‑93 but adds a performance‑based threshold, allowing the state to capture newer “hybrid” designs.
Who May Possess or Use
Only the following may legally possess AP rounds in Maryland:
- Active-duty military personnel on official duty.
- Certified law‑enforcement agencies and their authorized contractors, with documented written approval.
- Licensed firearms manufacturers and re‑loaders who are producing AP ammunition for the above entities.
All other individuals—private gun owners, hunting clubs, or shooting ranges—are prohibited from owning, selling, or transferring AP ammunition.
Penalties for Violations
A first‑offense violation is a felony punishable by:
- Up to five years’ imprisonment.
- A fine of up to $10,000, plus restitution for any seized ammunition.
Subsequent offenses double the mandatory minimum imprisonment and may trigger a permanent firearms prohibition under Md. Code § 4‑302. The state also empowers local police to seize AP rounds without a warrant if probable cause exists.
Impact on Gun Owners and Dealers
Since the law’s enactment, Maryland’s Attorney General’s Office reported a 37 % decline in reported AP ammunition seizures. Dealers must now implement stricter inventory controls and maintain documentation proving that all listed ammunition is non‑AP. Failure to do so can result in the loss of their retail license. Private owners who inadvertently acquire AP rounds through online auctions face mandatory surrender and possible criminal prosecution, underscoring the need for diligent verification.
FAQ
What distinguishes Maryland’s AP ban from the federal law?
Maryland’s statute adds a performance‑based test (penetration of a 0.5 inch steel plate at 1,800 ft/s) and removes the allowance for “commercially available” ammunition, capturing a broader array of rounds than the federal ban.
Can a Maryland resident import AP ammunition for a collector’s item?
No. The 2026 law expressly prohibits import, even for display purposes, unless the item is transferred to a law‑enforcement agency with proper certification.
Are “soft‑point” or “hollow‑point” bullets considered AP?
Only if the projectile’s core material meets the hard‑metal definition and meets the penetration test. Standard soft‑point and hollow‑point designs using lead cores are lawful.
How does the law affect re‑loaders who use steel‑core primers?
Re‑loaders must verify that the final projectile does not contain prohibited hard‑metal cores. Using steel‑core primers alone is permissible; the projectile’s composition is the determining factor.
What should a gun owner do if they unknowingly possess AP ammunition?
Immediately cease possession, contact local law‑enforcement to arrange voluntary surrender, and retain any purchase records to demonstrate lack of intent. Prompt cooperation can mitigate potential criminal penalties.