What the Supreme Court’s Silence on Maryland’s Gun Ban Means for Law-Abiding Citizens

The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to decline hearing a challenge on Maryland’s ban of certain semi-automatic firearms has stirred strong reactions among Second Amendment advocates across the nation. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we find this silence deeply concerning—not just for the legal precedent it sets, but for the broader message it sends to responsible gun owners nationwide.

Understanding the Maryland Gun Ban

To put it plainly, Maryland’s Firearm Safety Act of 2013 prohibits the sale, transfer, or possession of so-called “assault weapons,” including many semi-automatic rifles that are commonly owned for home defense, sport shooting, and lawful hunting. Models such as the AR-15, which are lawfully used by millions of Americans, fall under this legislation’s restrictions. These firearms are not machine guns. They fire one bullet per trigger pull. Yet critics, backed by anti-gun lobbyists, continue to mislabel them as military-grade weapons in an effort to erode public support for gun rights.

The case brought before the court—Bianchi v. Brown—challenged the constitutionality of this law, citing the Second Amendment protections affirmed in the landmark Heller (2008) and Bruen (2022) decisions. In both cases, the Court reaffirmed that Americans have an individual right to own firearms for lawful purposes, including self-defense in the home.

However, by choosing not to hear the case, the Supreme Court has allowed a lower court ruling upholding the ban to stand. This sets a troubling precedent, especially as the lower court used reasoning that sidesteps the constitutional framework outlined in Bruen.

Second Amendment Rights Are Non-Negotiable

Here at Fortress Firearms Training, we believe in the Constitution as a living promise, not a moldable suggestion. When the Supreme Court makes moves—or fails to act—that appear to contradict clearly defined rights, law-abiding firearm owners are left more vulnerable to overreaching regulations.

The Maryland ruling doesn’t just affect residents of that state. It has ripple effects nationwide. Anti-gun legislators in other left-leaning states are emboldened to attempt similar bans, despite overwhelming evidence that these firearms are rarely used in crime and are overwhelmingly owned for legal, productive purposes.

Common Use and Misconceptions Around Semi-Automatic Firearms

One of the key factors that should have worked in favor of overturning Maryland’s ban is the doctrine of “common use,” underscored by previous SCOTUS decisions. The AR-15, one of the most frequently targeted firearms in gun control debates, is also one of the most widely owned and responsibly used firearms in the country.

• Millions of Americans own AR-15-style rifles for self-defense, sport, and recreational shooting.
• These firearms are modular, accurate, and user-friendly, making them an ideal choice for those learning firearms safety and proper usage.
• Despite media rhetoric, the AR-15 is used in less than 3% of gun crimes nationwide, according to multiple FBI reports.

So why are these firearms under such targeted scrutiny? Because they fit a certain narrative—one that ignores facts in favor of emotional manipulation and political posturing.

Firearms Training: The Real Solution

Rather than banning widely owned firearms, the government should be investing in what actually makes communities safer: responsible gun ownership and comprehensive training. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, our mission is to equip every citizen with the skills, education, and confidence to handle firearms safely and effectively.

• We offer concealed carry permit courses that adhere to South Carolina law and promote responsible firearm usage.
• Our staff includes seasoned instructors who support our Constitutional freedoms and respect the long-standing traditions of American gun ownership.
• We advocate for community-based safety education, not ineffective bans that only disarm law-abiding citizens.

Contrary to the narratives pushed in anti-gun legislation, firearms training doesn’t create danger—it eliminates it. An educated, armed citizen is the best defense against both crime and tyranny, a belief that should be universally shared regardless of political alignment.

The Cost of Inaction

The Supreme Court’s refusal to weigh in on the Maryland gun ban stands as a silent nod to those who wish to erode the Second Amendment, piece by piece. Every time a case like this is left untouched, lawmakers with a disarmament agenda feel more empowered to strip rights in the name of “safety.” But let’s be clear: gun control laws disarm the innocent—not the guilty.

It’s no coincidence that the areas with the toughest gun laws often face the highest rates of violent crime. Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.—cities notorious for strict gun regulations—also consistently rank among America’s most dangerous. Yet the solution, in their eyes, is always more control, more regulation, and less freedom.

Stand With Us

At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re not just another gun range. We’re a community of defenders—defenders of liberty, safety, and the founding principles of our nation. This disappointing Supreme Court decision won’t stop us from doing what we do best: training responsible citizens to become safe, skilled, and confident gun owners.

We encourage every law-abiding gun owner to remain vigilant. Stay informed. Educate your neighbors. And most importantly, prepare yourselves. Because the defense of your rights won’t come from a courtroom—it starts with you.

If you’re interested in learning more about our courses or joining a community that prioritizes education and freedom, visit us at Fortress Firearms Training.

Conclusion: The Fight Isn’t Over

While the Supreme Court declined to hear a critical challenge to Maryland’s unconstitutional gun ban, the voice of responsible gun owners must remain louder and clearer than ever. Now is not the time for complacency. It’s time to reaffirm our rights, educate ourselves, and resist the slow erosion of liberty masked as safety legislation.

Through continued training, community support, and unwavering resolve, we at Fortress Firearms Training remain committed to defending the sacred rights bestowed upon us by the Constitution. Join us—and stand firm in defense of freedom.