Warning: I'm not a lawyer. If you want to be sure, contact a lawyer.
You could also go to a good gun store (like Four Seasons) and they'll help you out.
To the best of my understanding: If you can legally purchase the firearm, purchasing a firearm as a gift is legal in Massachusetts. You are the actual purchaser, and should fill out the forms as such when purchasing the firearm. When talking to the clerk, I generally say "I'm gifting it to whoever" if they ask.
When you transfer the firearm to your father, you'll need to fill out the firearms transfer form (you can get this at your local police station - I recommend getting at least three, as I always screw the first two up) and send a one of the sheets (they say which one on them) to the Criminal Histories Systems Board in Chelsea (the address is on the form), keep one, and give one to the transferee within seven days of the transfer.
Remember, you're only allowed to transfer four firearms per calendar year (that is, be the transferer, not the transferee), so if you've already done that many, you should either get a gift certificate; or put the rifle on hold, fully paid, and bring your dad down to be the purchaser at the store.
If you're not allowed to posess the firearm, you'll have to get him a gift certificate.
Did I miss anything?
