Hotdog there is a world of difference between a nut and a criminal. I know a few boys who carry in MD and it ain't legal; they got their pistol from the street, but they are pros who have no choice as to carrying or where they get their guns. A nutbag who is absolutely intent on carrying or arming themselves will get their weapons from the street; if they have the connections; usually a mere nutcase won't know where to get a gun accept a gun shop. Ain't too many garage sale guns to be had in MD. So no, a crook is not stopped by a back ground check, but many, not all, 'nutbags' are stopped by back ground checks. Complain about them all you want, but they do some good. I figure, if you can't wait 5 mins for a fed check on a rifle or 7 days(MD law) for a pistol or 'assualt' style weapon, then either you know you won't pass the back ground check or you have some reason why you are in such a hurry(if so go with the rifle, 5 mins is not so long) For the record when I say 'you' I don't mean anyone in particular.