Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

The minimum age for applying for a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland is indeed 21 years old. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals have reached a sufficient age of maturity and responsibility before they are permitted to own or carry a handgun.

In Maryland, this age restriction aligns with similar regulations found in many states across the country which hold that certain firearms rights are reserved for individuals deemed of adult age, contributing to public safety measures initiated by the state. The requirement aims to balance Second Amendment rights with the necessity to manage firearm possession responsibly, especially given the serious implications of handgun ownership.

Other options suggesting a lower age or no age requirement do not adhere to Maryland's specific legal standards pertaining to handgun ownership, which emphasize the importance of responsibility and safety in firearm handling.