What Guns are Legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is known for being one of the strictest states in the United States when it comes to gun laws. The state has a long history of gun control, dating back to the 1930s. In recent years, the state has tightened its gun laws even further, making it more challenging for residents to obtain and possess firearms. In this article, we will delve into the types of guns that are legal in Massachusetts, as well as the process of obtaining a license to own and carry firearms.
Overview of Massachusetts Gun Laws
Before we dive into the specifics of legal firearms in Massachusetts, it’s essential to understand the overall framework of the state’s gun laws. In Massachusetts, the possession, transfer, and sale of firearms are heavily regulated by state and federal laws.
The state’s gun laws are primarily governed by the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 140, Section 121 et seq. This chapter sets out the requirements for obtaining a license to own and carry firearms, as well as the types of firearms that are legal in the state.
Legal Handguns in Massachusetts
Non-Restricted Handguns:
- Caliber.22 Short,.22 Long, or.22 Long Rifle, and rimfire cartridges of equivalent or lesser power.
- Caliber.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire or.17 Winchester Super Magnum, and rimfire cartridges of equivalent or lesser power.
- Caliber 9mm Luger or.40 S&W, and centerfire cartridges of equivalent or lesser power.
- Caliber.45 ACP or.45 GAP, and centerfire cartridges of equivalent or lesser power.
Restricted Handguns:
- Any handgun with a caliber of.50 BMG or larger.
- Any handgun with a barrel length of less than 3 inches.
- Any handgun that is designed to be discharged when the user places their finger in the trigger guard.
- Any handgun that is designed to be used as a switchblade or automatic knife.
Long Guns in Massachusetts
Non-Restricted Rifles:
- Rifles with a barrel length of 16 inches or more.
- Rifles chambered in.223 Remington or.222 Remington.
- Rifles chambered in.308 Winchester or.243 Winchester.
Restricted Rifles:
- Any rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches.
- Any rifle with a caliber of.50 BMG or larger.
- Any rifle with a collapsible or folding stock.
- Any rifle with a flash suppressor or muzzle brake.
Shotguns in Massachusetts
- Pump-Action Shotguns: No restrictions on caliber or barrel length.
- Semi-Automatic Shotguns: No restrictions on caliber, but barrel length must be 18 inches or more.
- Rifled Shotguns: No restrictions on caliber, but barrel length must be 18 inches or more.
- Single Shot Shotguns: No restrictions on caliber or barrel length.
Machine Guns in Massachusetts
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS): Permitted for law enforcement use only.
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR): Permitted for law enforcement use only.
- Machine Guns: Permitted for law enforcement use only, and subject to special licensing requirements.
Oversized or Special-Firearm Permits
In Massachusetts, residents can obtain an oversized or special-firearm permit to own and possess certain types of firearms that are not typically available for civilian ownership. These permits are issued by the Massachusetts State Police and require approval from the Colonel of the State Police.
Some examples of oversized or special-firearms that may be eligible for a permit include:
- Rifles: Sniper rifles, hunting rifles with scopes, and military surplus rifles.
- Shotguns: Riot shotguns, tactical shotguns, and specialized hunting shotguns.
- Pistols: Submachine guns, fully automatic pistols, and specialized target pistols.
Conclusion
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, making it challenging for residents to own and possess firearms. In this article, we have outlined the types of legal firearms in Massachusetts, including handguns, long guns, shotguns, and machine guns. We have also highlighted the process of obtaining a license to own and carry firearms, as well as the requirements for oversized or special-firearm permits.
Table of Legal Firearms in Massachusetts
| Firearm Type | Caliber | Barrel Length | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handguns | .22 Short -.45 GAP | – | Non-restricted, Restricted |
| Rifles | .223 Remington -.308 Winchester | 16 inches or more | Non-restricted, Restricted |
| Shotguns | – | 18 inches or more | Pump-Action, Semi-Automatic, Rifled |
| Machine Guns | – | – | Special licensing requirements |
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts has strict gun laws and heavily regulates the possession, transfer, and sale of firearms.
- Handguns with a caliber of.50 BMG or larger are restricted.
- Rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches are restricted.
- Shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches are restricted.
- Machine guns are only permitted for law enforcement use.
- Oversized or special-firearm permits may be required for certain types of firearms.
