What are "assault pistols" anyway?

[forging.a.better.tomorrow]

I am looking at the list of "assault pistols" according to Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-301. And I noticed we have these models on the list, followed by a model the HRB has approved.

Assault Pistol | Approved by HRB
------------------------|-------------------------
Heckler Koch SP89 | Heckler Koch SP5
Skorpion | Czech Small Arms vz.61
Ingram MAC 10/11 | Masterpiece Arms Defender

What is different about these "assault pistols" and the ones approved by the HRB?

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

Something that's only exists in the minds of those uninformed and uneducated...and anti-freedom.

 

[csanc123]

It's a made up term.

 

[Alan3413]

They're pistols that suddenly get up and cold cock you, then steal your wallet.

 

[Melnic]

Pistols that when you have too high of a grip and it does not a good tail, cuts the web of your hand by your thumb/forefinger

 

[forging.a.better.tomorrow]

The humor is great, but maybe the better question I should be asking is how those approved firearms got approved for civilian sale. I am trying to get one approved, but the HRB wants to restrict it to Military and Law Enforcement sales.

 

[jcutonilli]

I am looking at the list of "assault pistols" according to Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-301. And I noticed we have these models on the list, followed by a model the HRB has approved.

Assault Pistol | Approved by HRB
------------------------|-------------------------
Heckler Koch SP89 | Heckler Koch SP5
Skorpion | Czech Small Arms vz.61
Ingram MAC 10/11 | Masterpiece Arms Defender

What is different about these "assault pistols" and the ones approved by the HRB?

The names on the left are different from the names on the right. You don't need to concern yourself with the differences. All you need to know is that the handguns on the Maryland Handgun Roster have been vetted by the experts of the HRB.

 

[Boats]

In the vernacular of antis: when they say "assault" they mean "scary looking". the actual capability of the "assault" item is irrelevant.

assault weapon = scary looking weapon
Assault weapon features = scary looking weapon features
Assault pistol = scary looking pistol


So a 6'3 tatted up, muscular biker would be an "assault" human. (doesn't matter how much charity work he does)

Pit bulls are "assault" dogs, regardless of behavior.

A 700bhp muscle car would be an assault car, even if it's driven legally by a sweet little old lady.

Words like "his, her, he, she, man, woman" are "assault" words because they are scary words that denote autonomy and self awareness

Hope this helps.

 

[Boats]

. All you need to know is that the handguns on the Maryland Handgun Roster have been vetted by the "experts" (cronies) of the HRB.

FIFY

 

[outrider58]

 

[mauser58]

No such thing. It only will show up in a Demorat conversation.

 

[csanc123]

The humor is great, but maybe the better question I should be asking is how those approved firearms got approved for civilian sale. I am trying to get one approved, but the HRB wants to restrict it to Military and Law Enforcement sales.

This is how MD defines it:

2010 Maryland Code :: CRIMINAL LAW :: TITLE 4 - WEAPON CRIMES :: Subtitle 3 - Assault Pistols and Detachable Magazines :: Section 4-301 - "Assault pistol" defined.

law.justia.com

 

[River02]

View attachment 379556

Ha! A friggin' classic!

 

[jcutonilli]

The humor is great, but maybe the better question I should be asking is how those approved firearms got approved for civilian sale. I am trying to get one approved, but the HRB wants to restrict it to Military and Law Enforcement sales.

More specific info may be helpful.

One issue may be that the HRB predates the assault pistol definition.

You should evaluate the criteria listed in the Public Safety Article (§ 5-405. Duties and procedures of Board). Have they given any reasons for their determination?

 

[Bullfrog]

The humor is great, but maybe the better question I should be asking is how those approved firearms got approved for civilian sale. I am trying to get one approved, but the HRB wants to restrict it to Military and Law Enforcement sales.

That isn't really how it works. The HRB by itself doesn't restrict anything, they make a determination whether it meets specific criteria or not, as defined in MD law. They can't create new restrictions or lift old ones.

See the link posted by csanc123.

Now if you're asking if those criteria are asinine and make no sense, then yes. This is Maryland.

 

[Old Weasel]

They're pistols that suddenly get up and cold cock you, then steal your wallet.

That would be "Assauilt and Robbery" pistols.

 

[forging.a.better.tomorrow]

The names on the left are different from the names on the right. You don't need to concern yourself with the differences. All you need to know is that the handguns on the Maryland Handgun Roster have been vetted by the experts of the HRB.

Sheesh, you're telling me the reason my petition isn't being considered for civilian sale is because the marketing team didn't get more creative with the name?

 

[forging.a.better.tomorrow]

That isn't really how it works. The HRB by itself doesn't restrict anything, they make a determination whether it meets specific criteria or not, as defined in MD law. They can't create new restrictions or lift old ones.

See the link posted by csanc123.

Now if you're asking if those criteria are asinine and make no sense, then yes. This is Maryland.

What they told me was according to § 4-302, LE and Military are still allowed to purchase these 'assault pistols'. And that the firearm I am petitioning for would have the same rule.

 

[forging.a.better.tomorrow]

More specific info may be helpful.

One issue may be that the HRB predates the assault pistol definition.

You should evaluate the criteria listed in the Public Safety Article (§ 5-405. Duties and procedures of Board). Have they given any reasons for their determination?

Basically, they said it's too much like the one already on the roster.

 

[Bullfrog]

View attachment 379573
What they told me was according to § 4-302, LE and Military are still allowed to purchase these 'assault pistols'. And that the firearm I am petitioning for would have the same rule.

Yes, that is in the law, so what is the question? HRB doesn't get to decide 'who gets them'. The LE and military exemptions for assault pistol possession are outlined in the law, specifically here:

2010 Maryland Code :: CRIMINAL LAW :: TITLE 4 - WEAPON CRIMES :: Subtitle 3 - Assault Pistols and Detachable Magazines :: Section 4-302 - Scope of subtitle.

law.justia.com