I am moving from Baltimore City likely into Baltimore county. The likely area is north of Sparks. Does anyone know what the laws are regarding discharging of a firearm on private property in Baltimore? The property is likely between 11-20 acres.
if you stop by the cockeysville precinct on wright road, they have a map on the wall just as you enter the lobby. it's on the right hand side of the glass cage the desk people sit behind, it outlines where you can shoot. you'll be above my location and as far as i know, you'll be okay. double check it though and don't forget even though you maybe allowed to shoot, the neighbors still have the right to complain about the noise. full auto's have a tendancy to scare folks. have fun.
http://www.amlegal.com/baltimoreco_md/, search for "firearm" and read Title 2.
§ 17-2-101. DISCHARGING FIREARM OR WEAPON IN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT.
(a) Prohibition. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not fire or discharge a crossbow, pistol, air pistol, gas-propelled pistol, rifle, air rifle, gas-propelled rifle, or shotgun within:
(1) The limits of the metropolitan district of the county;
(2) A nondistrict enclave within the metropolitan district; or
(3) An appendage attached to the metropolitan district.
(b) Duty to post metropolitan district. The Police Department shall post in the county courthouse and in every police station and substation throughout the county, accurate maps designating the locations of the boundary lines of the metropolitan district established according to the Code.
(c) Exception. This section does not prohibit:
(1) A licensed hunter from discharging a shotgun, properly hunting in season using a shotgun that contains no heavier than No. 2 shot; or
(2) A person from discharging or firing a crossbow, pistol, air pistol, gas-propelled pistol, rifle, air rifle, gas-propelled rifle, or shotgun:
(i) On a permanently located, properly posted, and bona fide target range, the location of which has been filed with the Police Department;
(ii) When reasonably necessary for the defense of life or property; or
(iii) As part of a military occasion when the discharge is done under the orders of a commanding officer.
(d) Automatic weapons.
(1) In this subsection “automatic weapon” means any weapon capable of firing multiple shots with one depression of the trigger.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not fire or discharge an automatic weapon in the county.
(1988 Code, § 20-41) (Bill No. 169-93, § 1, 1-27-1994; Bill No. 114-99, § 3, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 13-00, § 1, 3-10-2000; Bill No. 73-03, § 22, 7-1-2004)
Full autos are only allowed at approved ranges in Baltimore County. This legislation was passed a few years ago after numerous compliants about an idiot in the whitehall area shooting full auto on his property using straw bails as a backstop and having stray rounds whistling through neighbor's backyards. This same idiot owns a gun shop, so it wasn't just some fool who didn't know any better.
Has anyone seen this metro district map and can explain where its boundaries are?
I finally made my way to a Baltimore county police hut and eye balled the map in question. Seems pretty straightforward. The police officer I spoke with said the map does not change often and when it does it is a big process.
Are there other technicalities one should be aware of if considering setting up a home range in Baltimore County? For instance, does anyone know if there is a minimum distance from structures or other properties?
Has anyone seen this metro district map and can explain where its boundaries are?
I live in Carroll county, Carroll does not have a law about discharging firearms, but the city of Westminster does. Make sure you check both places, not just county laws!