PASADENA, md. — Maryland residents have been buying guns in record numbers before a law takes effect Tuesday, with provisions aimed at helping keep guns away from criminals and the mentally ill, strengthening safety training and banning 45 types of assault weapons.
The Maryland State Police received 106,772 gun-purchase applications so far this year as of Sept. 20, the most recent date for which data were available Friday. That compares with 70,099 applications processed last year.
Opponents decry what they call an ineffective law that will make it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise Second Amendment rights.
On Thursday, opponents of the restrictions sued in federal court in Baltimore, seeking to block the legislation from taking effect. The court scheduled a hearing for Tuesday.
