Maryland gun dealers are seeing a surge in firearm sales after Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation restricting the sale of striker-fired pistols, including popular Glock models, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
The law applies to what it defines as “machine gun convertible pistols,” a category of semiautomatic handguns with a cruciform trigger bar that can be altered into an automatic weapon using common tools or a simple backplate replacement. Supporters say the measure closes a dangerous loophole in state firearms law, reported Bearing Arms.
But for gun shop owners, the approaching deadline has already changed consumer behavior.
Dave Shindle, owner of Maryland Firearms in Dundalk, said customers have been watching the market closely, particularly for newer Glock models. “A lot of people have been waiting for the Gen 6 Glocks,” he said. Shindle expressed cautious optimism that some models may still remain available under the new restrictions. “We have high hopes that people will still be able to buy Glocks, just not ones that are easily convertible.”
Other dealers are less confident.
Doug Imhoff of Gundalk Weapon Works said he has been increasing inventory as customers try to purchase firearms before the law takes effect. He called the legislation a “huge detriment to the gun industry,” and said he worries state police could broaden the list of prohibited models before the deadline arrives.
Erik Shilling, who operates Solidarity Firearms Training in Westminster, said the buying surge reflects a familiar pattern: new restrictions often trigger immediate demand, even before consumers fully understand the details.
“Anytime there’s a gun law that passes, no matter what it does, people will panic and buy guns,” he said.
Still, Shilling urged prospective buyers not to assume they will be left without options. “There’s a lot of first-time gun owners that are hearing this and will go, ‘I can’t get what I need to defend myself’ … If I could get a message out to people, I would say, don’t worry, you can still get what you need.”
Maryland is not alone. Virginia has seen a similar increase in purchases following restrictions on certain rifles and high-capacity magazines, while Colorado’s market has weakened after years of accumulated gun regulations. The law has been to court by the NRA.
“Maryland’s prohibition on many of the most popular handguns in America blatantly defies the court’s precedent,” the NRA said.
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