I did have one I bought back before the ban in 2013. Don't know if that would count or not.
Why does one need a regulated firearm "in The System" to be a collector?
Perhaps you had a collection before there was a system.
Perhaps you moved into the state and brought your collection with you before FS2013.
Perhaps you collect unregulated long guns.
I know it is Maryland and nothing they do makes sense.
I'm not sure the particulars of the old law that gave us the designated collectors status. It may have required that you have firearms that MD knows about, what I have seen is this is what the MSP seems to follow.
I will give you your point about a previous collection but there will be fewer and fewer that this applies to as the years go by.
The designated collectors has nothing to do with FSA2013. This has been around since long before that travesty.
If you moved into maryland, then you are required to register all of your handguns, hence you will be known to the MSP and it should not be a problem to get the designated collectors status.
Designated collectors has no real effect on long guns since they are not regulated by Maryland. it only effects the Maryland regulated firearms.
Good points thou. I always feel that if it makes any sense then it cannot be the way it works in MD.
... was told they won’t approve you if you haven’t bought a registered firearm or no hql
..l
... So in effect the state will force you to purchase a regulated firearm, that now includes the cost and training requirements of obtaining an HQL, and be entered into a database in order to receive Designated Collector status and be able to transport some or all of your collection for display because I am sure they would argue that one can not be a "Bona Fide Collectors of Firearms" and not have a aDesignated Collector recognition from the Maryland State Police.