One of the more asked questions I hear is "Why do I have to have an HQL?". An HQL (Handgun Qualification License) is a relatively new requirement in Maryland (as of Oct 1 2013) for Maryland residents seeking to buy a handgun.
Why is this required? Money and Control, simply put. Up until Oct 1, 2013 Maryland residents could buy a handgun without licensing and free from all the obnoxious fees that inherently come with government overreach. Maryland politicians stole your right to buy handguns and they are selling that right back to you.
"But I have taken my hunter safety course"- I get it, back your politicians do not care. You still have to get your fingerprints done and apply for your HQL.
"But I was in the military and handled handguns during my time in defense of our freedoms"- I get it, back your politicians do not care. You still have to get your fingerprints done and apply for your HQL.
"But I have been around guns all my life and been shooting on the farm since I was a kid"- yup, you guessed it...
Many people like to vent their frustrations to me or on the internet yet this winter- a large majority will not find it important enough to drive their ass to Annapolis to let their elected officials know. And many will go to the polls in November and elect/re-elect more of these politicians that consistently trample on their rights.
Know who the hell you are voting for, where they say they stand AND where they actually stand. Just because they have an R behind their name, doesn't inherently mean they care at all about guns- as evidenced by all 5 of the Calvert County Commissioners or even ole Red Flag Larry Hogan himself.
If you want information on the process of actually obtaining an HQL, CLICK HERE.