I’m trying to build my first custom AR, but the laws in Maryland are confusing as hell. I was looking at buying a PSA lower, but their site says lower receivers can’t be sold to Maryland anymore because they fall under the “copycat” ban.
I’ve talked to a few gunsmiths and FFLs around me and I’m getting completely different answers. Some say it’s still legal as long as I build it into a compliant rifle. Others say “who would know unless you use it in a crime,” which isn’t the kind of advice I’m trying to follow.
I really don’t want to buy a full factory AR just to tear it apart and rebuild it; that’s a lot more money. Shops like Hanover Armory still build theirs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re MD‑compliant.
I’m new to AR builds, but I’ve wanted one for years. Has anyone here recently purchased a lower in Maryland? Any issues in the last year? Just trying to get real‑world experiences from people who’ve actually gone through it.