In Massachusetts, firearm ownership and carrying are discretionary, requiring a license issued by the local police chief. This 'may issue' license is typically a license to carry, valid for six years and costing $100, but requires an approved firearm safety course beforehand. While police chiefs have discretion, blanket denials are rare, though 'suitability' can be a reason for denial. The Bartley Fox law, carrying a potential one-year jail sentence for unlicensed firearm possession, is rarely prosecuted directly, with charges often shifted to lesser offenses like ammunition possession without a license. Despite strict regulations, competitive shooting disciplines like IDPA and USPSA are experiencing significant growth in the state.
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