What Makes A Gun MA-Compliant?
All firearms sold in the state of Massachusetts must be listed on approved rosters. However, a roster has yet to be created for long guns, so the Executive Office Of Public Safety has advised dealers that they may continue selling rifles and shotguns that are not otherwise prohibited by Massachusetts law.
A Mass-Compliant firearm is any long gun that satisfies capacity requirements and is not defined as an "assault-style firearm" OR a handgun that satisfies capacity requirements, is on the Approved Firearms Roster, and is not defined as an "assault style firearm."
How To Buy A Gun Legally In Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires residents to present a state-issued Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License To Carry (LTC / LTC-A) to the transferring FFL dealer before a firearm can legally be transferred. A valid LTC / LTC-A also allows for the transfer of "large capacity" firearms (excluding "assault-style firearms") and feeding devices manufactured prior to September 13, 1994.
Under Massachusetts law, a firearm is considered "large capacity" if:
- It is semi-automatic and has a feeding device of more than 10 rounds of ammunition, OR
- It is a shotgun that can hold more than five shotgun shells, regardless of the action.
There are some additional requirements that are unique to Massachusetts:
- Background Checks: All firearm transfers must go through a licensed dealer (FFL). Dealers conduct background checks using the Massachusetts Instant Record Check System (MIRCS) in addition to the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system.
- Waiting Periods: While there is no fixed waiting period under Massachusetts law, license issuance itself is subject to a mandatory background check and can take weeks to months depending on the police department. Once a license is issued, firearm purchases through an FFL are typically processed immediately upon successful background check approval.
Massachusetts Assault Weapons Ban
In addition to the capacity restrictions mentioned above, "assault-style firearms" are completely banned in Massachusetts. The legislature defines "assault-style firearms" in a few different ways:
- Named Firearms: Specific models, such as the AR-15 and AK-47, are expressly prohibited.
- Copies And Duplicates: Firearms that are substantially similar to listed models are also banned.
- Features Test: Semi-automatic rifles and pistols may be classified as assault weapons if they include certain prohibited features, such as a pistol grip, folding or telescoping stock, flash suppressor, or bayonet mount.
MA-Compliant Rifles
All bolt action, pump action, and lever action rifles are legal in Massachusetts, provided that they do not have a magazine capacity greater than 10 rounds. Additionally, .22 LR rifles with fixed tubular magazines are permitted and do not have any capacity restrictions.
The following rifles are not "assault-style firearms" and are permitted in Massachusetts:
- Any .17 or .22 caliber rimfire rifle.
- Any rifle operated by manual bolt, pump, lever, or slide action.
- Any semi-auto rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine and holds no more than five rounds.
- All rifles on this list.
Massachusetts expressly prohibits these models and all copies / duplicates:
- Colt AR-15 (includes stripped and complete AR lowers).
- AK-47
- IWI Uzi
- IWI Galil
- Beretta AR70 (SC-70)
- FN FAL
- FN LAR
- FN FNC
- Steyr AUG
To be considered legal in Massachusetts, centerfire rifles with the capacity to accept a detachable magazine must not have two or more of the following features:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A thumbhole stock or pistol grip.
- Foregrips, handstops, or any other protruding grip that can be held with the non-trigger hand.
- Threaded barrels.
- Barrel shrouds (excluding slides that enclose the barrel.)
Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions in certain areas, though this is uncommon outside of large cities.
MA-Compliant Shotguns
Massachusetts expressly prohibits any AR or AK-style shotguns, as well as shotguns with revolving cylinders. Most other shotguns are permitted, including:
- Pump action shotguns.
- Bolt action shotguns.
- Lever action shotguns.
- Over / under shotguns.
- Single-shot shotguns.
- Side-by-side shotguns.
- All shotguns on this list.
To be considered legal in Massachusetts, semi-auto shotguns must not have two or more of the following features. Having only one of these features is still allowed:
- A folding or telescoping stock.
- A thumbhole stock or pistol grip.
- Fixed magazine capacity greater than five rounds.
- The ability to accept a detachable magazine.
MA-Compliant Handguns
As previously mentioned, all Massachusetts-compliant handguns must be listed on the Approved Firearms Roster. Each handgun must pass the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office Handgun Sales Regulations (940 CMR 16.00, et seq.) and must not have a magazine capacity greater than 10 rounds.
Massachusetts expressly prohibits the following handguns:
- AR-style pistols.
- AK-style pistols.
- Intratec Tec-9, Tec-DC9, and Tec-22.
- IWI Uzi
- IWI Galil
- SWDM-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M-12
Again, local municipalities generally follow state law for handguns, but you should verify any city-specific ordinances if purchasing in Boston or other large cities.
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Other Prohibited Items
Massachusetts also restricts the sale of some "Other" firearms, as well as certain types of firearms accessories and self defense equipment. The following are expressly prohibited:
- Pistol grip firearms expelling a shotgun shell that are 26" or longer, but have a smooth-bore barrel under 18" (regardless of action).
- Birds head and raptor grip firearms.
- Bump stocks, trigger cranks, binary triggers, and any other device that increases rate of fire.
- Self defense sprays, unless purchased from a licensed MA FFL dealer.
Why Are Some Guns Not Available In Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has some of the most detailed and restrictive firearms laws in the country, which means certain guns available elsewhere cannot be legally purchased or possessed in the Commonwealth. Firearms may be unavailable because they:
- Are classified as “assault-style firearms” under state law, either by name, by copy, or by possessing two or more prohibited features.
- Have magazine capacities exceeding state limits (10 rounds for handguns, 10 rounds for rifles, or five rounds for shotguns).
- Fall under other state prohibitions, such as AR- or AK-style shotguns, revolving-cylinder shotguns, or certain self-defense devices.
How To Ensure Your Firearms Are MA-Compliant
Massachusetts' firearms restrictions help balance lawful firearms ownership with public safety, ensuring that residents can exercise their rights responsibly while minimizing access to high-risk firearms. Here’s how you can ensure your firearms are compliant in MA:
- Check Your License: Ensure you have the proper license: a Firearm Identification Card (FID) for non-large capacity rifles and shotguns, or a License to Carry (LTC / LTC-A) for handguns and large-capacity firearms.
- Consult The Approved Firearms Roster: For handguns, make sure the model is listed on the Massachusetts Approved Firearms Roster and complies with the Attorney General’s safety standards (940 CMR 16.00, et seq.).
- Understand Magazine Limits: Handguns and rifles cannot exceed 10 rounds, and shotguns cannot exceed five rounds. Be aware of detachable vs. fixed magazines.
- Avoid "Assault-Style" Features: Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines are illegal if they have two or more prohibited features, such as a folding stock, pistol grip, barrel shroud, or ability to accept a detachable magazine.
- Check Prohibited Models: Certain AR- and AK-style firearms, as well as specific makes and models (e.g., Intratec Tec-9, IWI Uzi, SWDM series), are expressly banned.
- Follow All State And Federal Laws: All firearms transfers must be facilitated by a Massachusetts FFL who verifies your license and compliance with state law.
- Maintain Documentation: Keep records of your FID or LTC, purchase receipts, and any transfer paperwork to demonstrate compliance if needed.
When in doubt about a firearm’s compliance, check with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, your local FFL dealer, or a qualified attorney before purchasing.
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We encourage all law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights whenever possible. If you're looking for a gun you can legally own in Massachusetts, Classic Firearms has just what you need!
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