Massachusetts

FOPA applies, but MA police often arrest first and let courts sort it out if you stop. 'Peaceable journey' is narrowly interpreted.

Technically legal with an LTC for handguns, but strongly discouraged. Police may revoke license for 'suitability' if open carry causes public alarm.

Standard federal rules apply (declared, unloaded, locked). Logan Airport enforces strictly; do not possess in terminal without checking immediately.

Technically 'Shall Issue' post-Bruen, but police retain discretion to deny for 'suitability' (dangerousness).

Apply at local police department. Requires interview, fingerprints, and state-approved safety course (now including live fire per 2024 Act).

Strictly prohibited without specific written authorization from the institution (rarely granted).

State law prohibits carry on school grounds. Federal GFSZA applies to the 1000ft zone, but MA LTC exempts from the federal zone (not the school grounds themselves).

Only allowed if you have an LTC and the firearm is under your direct control (on your person). If not on your person, it must be unloaded and locked.

Allowed if you have a MA LTC. Buildings are prohibited.

Expanded by 2024 Act to include government buildings, polling places, and schools. Private property requires owner consent.

Must be unloaded and in a locked container (trunk counts if locked). Large capacity rifles/shotguns have stricter transport rules (must be in locked case, not just trunk).

SBRs are legal if NFA registered and the owner has an LTC, provided they do not violate the Assault Weapon Ban. SBSs are generally prohibited unless they fall into specific exceptions.

The 2024 Act effectively bans home-building without immediate serialization and registration. All 'privately made firearms' must be serialized.

Banned for civilians. Only law enforcement and manufacturers may possess.

All firearms must bear a serial number. Privately made firearms must be serialized by an FFL within 7 days of completion/import.

Not currently required for sales, though often proposed.

Flash hiders are a prohibited feature on semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines. Suppressors are banned entirely.

Strictly banned. The 2024 Act expanded the definition to 'Assault Style Firearm' including a single-feature test and specific named models. Grandfathering applies to those lawfully possessed before Aug 1, 2024.

10 rounds maximum for post-1994 magazines. Pre-ban (manufactured before Sept 13, 1994) magazines are legal to possess with an LTC.

Fixed magazine (requiring disassembly to remove) or non-semi-automatic action. Featureless builds are difficult under the new single-feature test.

De facto registration exists via the transaction portal (E-FA-10). All transfers are recorded.

Mandatory. All firearms must be stored in a locked container or with a trigger lock when not under the direct control of the owner.

Yes, family, police, and healthcare providers (post-2024 Act) can petition for an ERPO to seize firearms.

New residents have 60 days to obtain an LTC/FID. H.4885 mandates recording of firearms imported by new residents.

Must report theft or loss immediately to local police and DCJIS.

Allowed between licensees (LTC/FID) using the online portal. Limit 4 per year for seller.

Allowed if the borrower has a license, or if under direct supervision of the owner.

Not currently mandated by state law.

Strict liability. If a child (or anyone unauthorized) gains access due to improper storage, the owner faces criminal charges.

While state legal, marijuana use prohibits firearm ownership under federal law. MA police generally adhere to federal guidelines for licensing.

Permanent resident aliens (Green Card holders) may apply for an LTC. Non-resident aliens generally cannot, except for competition purposes.

Private sales are allowed only between two licensed individuals (LTC/FID). The seller must verify the buyer's license and record the transaction in the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.

Strictly prohibited under both state and federal law.

Any conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence permanently disqualifies an applicant from obtaining an LTC or FID.

MA uses the MIRCS system. A valid LTC or FID is required for all transfers, which serves as a pre-check, but a NICS check is also run at the point of sale by dealers.

MA prohibits licensure for those with convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, or OUI (Operating Under Influence) if punishable by more than 2 years, and allows denial for 'unsuitability' based on police discretion.

Felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, those adjudicated as mental defectives, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged veterans, and those subject to certain restraining orders.

21 for License to Carry (Handguns/Large Capacity), 18 for FID (Non-large capacity rifles/shotguns).

There is no statutory waiting period after the license is issued, but the licensing process itself can take 40+ days.

Yes, MA has two layers of restriction: the EOPSS Approved Firearms Roster AND the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Regulations (940 CMR 16.00). Dealers can only sell handguns that pass both.

Yes, a License to Carry (LTC) or Firearm Identification Card (FID) is required to purchase and possess.

Legal, but must be shipped to a MA FFL who will verify the firearm is on the roster/compliant before transferring.

No limit on purchases from dealers. Private sellers are limited to 4 transfers per calendar year.

No quantity limits, but a valid LTC or FID is required to purchase and possess ammunition.

Handguns must be shipped to a MA FFL. Long guns can be purchased in person out of state if they comply with MA AWB and licensing laws, but this is rare due to complexity.

Dealers must verify the validity of the buyer's LTC/FID at the point of sale.

Massachusetts common law establishes that there is no duty to retreat when attacked in one's own home, but it does not include a statutory presumption of reasonable fear.

Massachusetts imposes a duty to retreat before using deadly force, which applies everywhere except within one's own home.

Massachusetts does not have a stand-your-ground law; a person generally has a duty to retreat before using deadly force in public places.