Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the local police department and ask for Form FA-10. You must file this form to report the transaction within seven days. The FA 10 form is not available for downloading from the Internet because it is a machine-readable, carbon less multi-part form. You as an individual are limited to selling four (4) firearms per year. Additional firearms transactions must occur through a federally licensed firearms dealer. To sell more that four (4) firearms privately during a year you must have the appropriate local, state and federal licenses. What is the time limit in which I must report the purchase, sale or transfer of a firearm? The transaction must be reported on a Form FA-10 within seven (7) days. What must I do if I buy or sell a firearm outside of Massachusetts? The firearms transaction must be reported within seven days once you return to Massachusetts. Go to your local police department and ask for a Form FA-10. Complete the form and send it to the list address, and and keep a copy for yourself. Are Large Capacity Magazines Illegal in Massachusetts? The federal Assault Weapons Ban expired September of 2004. For those of us who live in Massachusetts, the state adopted a assault weapons law that maintains some of the same prohibitions and definitions as the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban law did. Unfortunately the Massachusetts laws makes it unlawful for private citizens to own or possess ban or post-ban large capacity firearms magazines. And, it does not matter whether the magazines are marked "Law Enforcement Only". Only law enforcement officers and active duty military members are exempt from these restrictions. Definitions to know: A large capacity magazine is a magazine that can contain more than ten (10) rounds. A pre-ban large copycatted magazine is one that was manufactured before September 1994. A ban large copycatted magazine is one that was manufactured between September 1994 and September 2004. A post-ban large capacity magazine is one that is any large capacity magazine manufactured after September, 2004. Don't buy any post-ban (new) high capacity firearms magazines. There are plenty of pre-ban large capacity available on the market in local gun shops or on Internet retail and auction sites like www.gunbroker.com. Save yourself money and needless legal trouble by purchasing an illegal magazine. In other words, because of our state firearms laws, as Massachusetts residents, we cannot lawfully possess, any brand new large capacity magazine (defined as ban or post-ban). What is required for the License To Carry (LTC)? It's not like it used to be. In the old days (prior to 1998) you could get a license to carry firearms by simply filling out the application and waiting a few days for the police department to approve it. License renewal was just as easy and straight forward. Since 1998 when the Gun Control Act became law, LTC applicants face increased scrutiny. In a lot of cities and towns, it's difficult to get a license to carry firearms, particularly if you want a an unrestricted Class A license. If you are uncertain whether or not you can get a License To Carry (LTC), you might consult an attorney to avoid any possible pitfalls. Also if you have an LTC that is restricted, and want to upgrade to Class A unrestricted working with an attorney that specializes in firearms legal work could be beneficial. What is a Firearms Identification card(FID)? The FID permits owning of non-large capacity rifles and shotguns, but no ownership of handguns. A Class D FID permits the purchase and carry of pepper spray. What is a License To Carry (LTC)? The License To Carry firearms card has two categories, Class A and B. Class A- permits the ownership and carrying of large capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns, and feeding devices Class B- permits owning, but not the carrying, of large capacity rifles and shotguns and non-large capacity handguns What training is required to obtain a firearms license? A Massachusetts approved Firearm Safety Course is required for all residents of Massachusetts who wish to obtain the FID, LTC Class A or LTC Class B Firearms License. Anyone is eligible to take the safety course provided they are 15 1/2 years old and eligible to obtain a firearms license. In order to obtain a license, in general(and additional circumstances may apply), your record must be free of felonies and domestic abuse orders (209A). Also if you have been convicted of drunk driving from 1994 to the present, you will only be eligible to apply for a FID license 5 years after you have served out the sentence you were given. Do I need an LTC or FID to purchase and own a BB or pellet gun? Neither a LTC or FID are required to purchase or own a BB or pellet gun. BB and pellet guns are covered by a separate legal statue. However, some stores, shops and retailers will not sell these items, or the ammo for them, unless you do have an LTC or FID. If you disagree find another retailer who does not have these restrictive sales policies.
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