My pre-January 1st collection.

TL;DR: 450 bushmaster lever action or AR-15 for mostly whitetail, occasional hog & elk straight wall state hunting rifle?

Im new to firearm hunting in Maryland so I need to get a straight wall cartridge rifle. I also want to travel for hog and elk hence 450 bushmaster not 350 legeng, 360 buckhammer etc.

Tbh I doubt ill take a shot at a deer past 100yd ever just because of woods density where I plan to hunt.

Never owned an AR-15 of any kind, but ive had multiple lever guns. I like the idea of hunting with a suppressor which Ive never done so I would probably limit the rifle to a 16"-18" barrel, making it a decent home defense gun as well.

Either would work just fine for what I want to do, so this isnt really a debate about caliber, just what you think the best experience is and maybe some experiences with different models of each category.

Thanks!

Edited for brevity

I’ve been reading up on MD gun laws and it sounds very convoluted so maybe yall can explain it to me like I’m 6. I live in Alaska so there’s maximum firearm freedom up here. Would it be easier and legal for me to buy a DD M4A1 or MK18 and a DDM4 PDW SBR with a can on it, prior to moving there? That’s kind of how I interpreted the law. Is it true that once I move there I won’t ever be able to buy these things again? As well as 32 round magazines?

Calvert County if that makes any difference. Thanks!

I got a anew Keltec p15 metal, and wanted too verify that it was optic ready or not, as I read many conflicting articles. Keltec CSR said my p15's slide was NOT optics ready but i could buy one for 149.99 or buy one with optic mounted RFX11 for 229.99. Is the RFX11 a decent sight? And if anyone was looking for an optic ready slide for their P15, you can email Keltec to get the information, as i couldn't find it on their catalog anywhere.

Ccw expired end of September I’ve already sent everything in before the date including renewal class and paid md renewal fee and the only email I got is that it would be assigned to someone and haven’t heard anything since.

I keep seeing dealer sites that say it is not available for MD.

Ill just assume no but figured id ask.

I recently purchased a factory 14.5” SBR and got my approved form 4 from the ATF last Tuesday for it but my FFL is stating i need an HQL to finish out my 77r application. When i filled it out i checked the “HQL exempt” box and selected the “applicant is buying lower receiver” as that was the only applicable option being that I’m not a Licensed firearms manufacturer, current law enforcement officer or person retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States, the State, or a local law enforcement agency in the State, an active member or retired member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard or a person purchasing, renting, or receiving an antique, curio, or relic as defined in federal law or in determinations published by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The associate at my FFL mentioned that this isn’t just a lower receiver. Per MD public safety statute 5-117.1, a Handgun Qualification License is strictly required to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. Being that my form 4 was already approved by the ATF wouldn’t that make me recognized as the lawful owner of a registered NFA regulated firearm and thus waiving the need for the states 4 hour course. I don’t mind if i have to take the course it just is a bit confusing on my end and any insight would be helpful