State Laws

Massachusetts Gun Laws

     

Massachusetts Gun Law Details
Every state has the right to pass their own gun laws. Within every state, each separate town or city can also enact specific firearm restrictions. Several city ordinances against gun ownership have made their way to the Supreme Court. Most notably the gun laws in Chicago and Washington, D.C. were struck down by the Court in favor of gun ownership. Among the states, Massachusetts is considered to have some of the toughest regulations with regard to firearm purchases and possession. To own or purchase any type of firearms in Massachusetts you must first obtain the proper license.

Types of Massachusetts Firearm Licenses
Restricted Firearm Identification License or RFID. This license pertains to carrying non-lethal types of defensive weapons such as pepper spray or mace. In Massachusetts these are considered firearms and you need a license to own them.

Firearms ID or FID
This license is needed to own or buy long rifles and mace or pepper spray.

Class A
This type of license is required for anyone who buys or owns any type of gun that can hold more then ten rounds. You will also need a Class A license to obtain a concealed carry permit. With a Class A license you can carry a loaded handgun. The Class A license is issued by the Chief of Police in the particular town where you reside. These restrictions can also vary from town to town.

Class B
This license applies to firearms that hold up to less then ten rounds. It also restricts the owner from carrying a concealed loaded weapon. And any time the weapon is being transported is has to be locked up and out of reach and ammunition.

Machine Gun
This license is specifically needed for machine gun ownership or purchase.

Massachusetts Firearm License Restrictions
There are several restrictions in place that can prevent a Massachusetts resident from obtaining a firearm license of any class. These include any type of conviction as an adult or juvenile which would be deemed to disqualify you from owning a firearm such as felonies or prior gun offenses

If the person has ever been confined for a mental illness or for treatment of drug or alcohol abuses they can be restricted from a firearm license. The same restrictions applies to any fugitive from justice, a person who has an order of protection signed against them or a non-resident.

Non-Resident Firearm Laws
If you are a non-resident of Massachusetts you are allowed to be in possession of a firearm when hunting if you have a proper hunting license or if you are at a shooting range. You are also allowed to transport that firearm through the state if it is unloaded and secured in a carrying case.

Additional Massachusetts Firearm Restrictions
It is against the law in Massachusetts to fire a gun within 500 feet of a building unless you have the consent of the owner, the building is a type of fire range or you are using your gun in defense. If you are in possession of a firearm, you are required to provide your appropriate license to any law officer upon demand. Failure to do so can mean having your firearm confiscated. Massachusetts requires that all firearms be kept locked up unless they are in direct control of the licensed owner of the weapon.

See also:
Massachusetts Divorce
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Laws
Massachusetts DUI Law
Massachusetts Felony External link (opens in new window)
Massachusetts Misdemeanors External link (opens in new window)
Massachusetts Expungement External link (opens in new window)

At age 20 I was involved in a dum crime, we burned a car for insurance. This was in 1974. My first gun permit was at age 18, in the late 1980's I moved and never renewed my permit. Last year I went to classes and applied for a new permit. Was turned down because of the crime I was involved in 30 years ago, I never knew it was a felony and I am a felon. Makes me sick to even think I have this on my record. I am a Veteran disabled, married over 35 years and have a loving family. I attended college was very successful in self owned business and I consider myself a good person. What do I have to do to prove I am a good person and I know I made a mistake when I was younger. After 30 years with no problems in court not even a traffic violation.

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D
Friday, March 23, 2012

Hi My name is Mike Brewer, I have written a book titled Thinking Outside the Blox. This book is a step by step guide teaching felons and those who risk becoming felons 22 small low cost options such as becoming a mold inspector or a lead paint inspector. These businesses can be started in a few day for a small investment. Jobs are hard to come by even for those without a felony conviction. I have outlined businesses such as becoming a pilot/flag car business owner as well as many other businesses.
please visit us at www.thinkingoutsidetheblox.com to purchase the book. Thank you

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m brewer
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

before i recieved my gun permit to carry i plead guilty to a mistimenor assult of battery on a police officer, 2 years later i recieved my gun permit 1962
because of the 1998 law prohibbing licese to felon convictions i was denyed renewal, is this ls\awful

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vincent
Monday, May 9, 2011

I just posted a comment, I am in the same boat as you... I feel your pain it is so unfair!

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D
Friday, March 23, 2012