Maine allows concealed carry without a permit under 25 M.R.S. § 2001-A. Anyone 21 or older who can legally own a gun can carry it concealed in public. This started in October 2015. You can get a Concealed Handgun Permit for reciprocity. You need to be 21, pass a background check, and pay a fee. You can't carry in schools or courthouses (25 M.R.S. § 2006). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 5 years).
Costs: Permit fee is $35 for 4 years. Total: $35.
Processing Time: Takes 30-60 days.
Renewal: Permit lasts 4 years. Renewal is $20.
Reciprocity: Maine honors permits from over 20 states. Over 20 states accept Maine's permit.
Maine has few bans on guns. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (25 M.R.S. § 2001-A). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are okay if you follow federal rules (17-A M.R.S. § 1051). This means you need to register these items with the ATF, the federal agency that controls them, and pay a tax. Ghost guns don't need serial numbers under state law. Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years in prison).
Costs: The federal tax stamp for silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, or machine guns is $200 per item.
Processing Time: Applying for federal approval through the ATF for a silencer, short-barreled rifle/shotgun, or machine gun takes 6-12 months.
Maine has no state permit to buy guns. You must be 21 for handguns or 18 for rifles and shotguns (25 M.R.S. § 2003). Dealers do a federal background check. No waiting period. Private sales don't need a check. Breaking this is a felony (up to 5 years).
Costs: Background check is free. Dealers may charge $10-$20.
Processing Time: Instant, up to 3 days if delayed.
Maine has a Castle Doctrine under 17-A M.R.S. § 104. You can use deadly force in your home if someone breaks in and you feel threatened. No retreat is needed in your home, but you must retreat outside if safe (17-A M.R.S. § 108). Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 30 years).