The reference for Massachusetts firearms law.
Every statute cited and every change documented with its source.
A musket that meets the Massachusetts antique-firearm definition can be bought and owned without an FID or LTC. Buying black powder requires a license, while transport and hunting have separate rules.
ATF stopped enforcing NFA registration and prior making and transfer approval for covered $0-tax items on October 9, 2026. Massachusetts possession restrictions still apply.
Massachusetts prohibits suppressor possession except for the narrow statutory exemptions, with no general NFA exception. Federal regulations recognize residence in each state during the time the person actually resides there, and a transfer must comply with federal residency requirements and state and local law. A Massachusetts resident who genuinely maintains a New Hampshire residence can legally purchase and own a suppressor through their NH residency, provided the suppressor never enters Massachusetts.
Signed on July 25, 2024 and effective October 2, 2024, with key provisions taking effect on April 2, 2026 and registration requirements beginning on October 28, 2026, the law changes firearms licensing, training and registration.
EOPSS Guidance #5, issued September 18, 2026, says individuals must comply with the registration and serialization requirements in Sections 121B and 121C beginning October 28, 2026.
Massachusetts restricts dealer handgun sales through the EOPSS Approved Firearms Roster and the AG's 940 CMR 16.00 consumer protection regulations. Dealers also sell handgun frames and parts separately, and the buyer assembles the handgun and registers it. No statute or regulation says whether the roster rule applies to a frame sold by itself.
Granata v. Campbell is a First Circuit appeal challenging the Massachusetts Approved Firearms Roster and 940 CMR 16.00 regulations. The United States filed an amicus brief January 28, 2026 urging reversal. The First Circuit heard oral argument on September 9, 2026. Its public opinions index did not list a decision in this appeal when checked on October 20, 2026.
On April 3, 2026, the First Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction against Maine's 72-hour firearm-delivery waiting period after concluding that the law was likely constitutional. The ruling addressed preliminary relief, not a final merits judgment. The Supreme Court denied the certiorari petition on October 19, 2026.
On November 3, 2026, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to keep or repeal Chapter 135, the comprehensive firearms reform law. This article explains how the ballot question works, what a YES and NO vote means, who is on each side, and what happens if the law is repealed.
Two House bills address ammunition used for hunting in Massachusetts: H1047 would require nonlead ammunition for taking wildlife, and H1075 would reform rules on shotgun ammunition for hunting. Both were scheduled for hearings on October 21, 2025.
Several of these firearms proposals accompanied study orders in April 2026. This roundup covers their proposals and the latest dated actions shown in official bill histories.
Four House bills filed in the 194th General Court would change Massachusetts firearms law. H2594 addresses curio and relic firearms, H2715 would delete the barrel shroud feature from the definition of assault-style firearm, H2711 would repeal Section 44 of Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, and H2713 would repeal Chapter 135 in full. All were scheduled for hearings on October 31, 2025.
Three House bills seek to reform Massachusetts' firearms licensing system under Chapter 140, addressing expired licenses, emergency licensing renewals and restrictions on lawful handgun sales. All were scheduled for hearings on October 31, 2025.
Six Massachusetts House firearms bills accompanied study order H.5322 on April 23, 2026. The official histories do not show enactment of the proposed changes.
| Make | Model | Added |
|---|---|---|
| Kimber | 2K11 Pro Royal (OR FIXED) | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
| Kimber | 2K11 Stainless (COMP)(OR ADJ) | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
| Kimber | 2K11 Pro Black (COMP)(MW)(OR ADJ) | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
| Kimber | 2K11 Target (MW) | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
| Seecamp | LWS-32-BLK | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
| Seecamp | LWS-25 | Sep 22, 202609/22/26 |
Current Massachusetts firearms statutes and regulations
Firearms licensing requirements
Step-by-step guides for firearms compliance
Searchable database of approved firearms
Frequently asked questions about MA gun law
Legislative updates and legal developments