Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

The correct action to take if a firearm is lost or stolen in Maryland is to notify the Maryland State Police within 72 hours. This requirement is established to ensure that law enforcement is made aware of the situation promptly, which can assist in the recovery of the firearm and help prevent future criminal use of the weapon. Reporting the loss or theft is a crucial legal obligation that helps maintain public safety and accountability regarding firearm ownership.

Other choices present possible actions but do not align with Maryland's specific legal requirements for reporting lost or stolen firearms. For example, while reporting to local law enforcement may be advisable, it is not the requirement stipulated by Maryland law, which specifies notifying the Maryland State Police within the designated timeframe. Additionally, replacing the firearm or taking no action is not in line with legal protocol for such situations, thereby emphasizing the importance of timely notification to the appropriate authorities.