Firearm Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun under M.G.L. c. 140, § 131. It's 'may-issue,' so police chiefs can deny it even if you meet the rules. You need to be 21, take a training course, pass a background check, and show a 'good reason.' You can't carry in schools or government buildings (M.G.L. c. 269, § 10). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years).

Costs: Permit fee is $100 for 6 years. Training is $100-$200. Fingerprints are $30-$50. Total: $230-$350.

Processing Time: Takes 40-60 days, sometimes longer.

Renewal: Permit lasts 6 years. Renewal is $100.

Reciprocity: Massachusetts doesn't accept other states' permits. Few states accept Massachusetts' permit.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Massachusetts bans open carry of handguns in public under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10. You need a permit, and it's rarely given for open carry. Long guns can be carried unloaded in some cases (M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Massachusetts bans assault weapons like AR-15s under M.G.L. c. 140, § 121. Large-capacity magazines over 10 rounds are illegal (M.G.L. c. 269, § 10). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are banned unless you follow federal rules (M.G.L. c. 140, § 131M). Ghost guns must be serialized (M.G.L. c. 269, § 11E). Breaking this is a felony (up to 10 years).

Costs: Serialization is $20-$50 per gun.

Processing Time: Serialization takes 30-60 days.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Massachusetts follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Guns must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk to travel through. Massachusetts requires a license to possess guns (M.G.L. c. 140, § 131). Long guns must be unloaded (M.G.L. c. 140, § 129C). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Massachusetts requires a Firearm Identification Card or License to Carry to buy guns under M.G.L. c. 140, § 129B. You must be 21, take a training course, and pass a background check. There's no waiting period, but the license takes time. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are banned (M.G.L. c. 140, § 121). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years).

Costs: FID is $100 for 6 years. LTC is $100. Training is $100-$200. Total: $200-$300.

Processing Time: Takes 40-60 days.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Massachusetts requires gun registration with a license (M.G.L. c. 140, § 129B). All sales must go through a portal (M.G.L. c. 140, § 123). Ghost guns need serialization (M.G.L. c. 269, § 11E). You must report lost or stolen guns within 7 days (M.G.L. c. 140, § 129D). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years).

Costs: Registration is $100 per gun.

Processing Time: Takes 40-60 days.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Massachusetts says guns must be locked when not in use (M.G.L. c. 140, § 131L). You must report lost or stolen guns within 7 days (M.G.L. c. 140, § 129D). Breaking this is a felony (up to 7 years) if harm happens.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Massachusetts has a limited Castle Doctrine under common law. You can use deadly force in your home if someone breaks in and you feel threatened. You must retreat if safe, even at home (M.G.L. c. 278, § 8A). Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 20 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]