How would you get around it?

[Mastrogiacomo]

Here's my situation: I have a Class B permit that doesn't allow me to buy a high capacity gun. I'd like to buy the full size Berettas , Cheetah 84, and L compacts but can't. I'd like to get a few Glocks in the 9mm: 17, 19, 20(?) but can't. The Sig in a P229 -- you get the picture. Two options I've been looking at:

Collector of Curios and Relics -- would enable me to buy old guns. I thought I would need a Class A for this but the B will suffice. Bad loophole. I don't think the Chief would give me an A for this certification and say "Hey, the B's fine." Even if I argue I want to collect a Class A gun, I don't think he'll go for it so it may not work.

Target in Sporting. My hearing loss makes loud noises painful which is why I can claim to avoid target revolvers. I've considered saying I want an A restricted so I can use a S&W target pistol, all of which fire ten. Not sure if this will work either. Now other than telling me to move, hire a lawyer for services I can't even afford, or tell him off -- what position would you use -- the Curios or target and sporting?

 

[Marko Kloos]

What's considered "high capacity" in MA? Guns that can accept a magazine holding more than 10 rounds?

Beretta made a single-stack 92, the 92 M. There's one on GunBroker.com right now:

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=8309019

I used to live in Andover and Haverhill...glad I don't have to fight the MA bureaucrat state any more. Living in Haverhill was especially torturous, since it was right on the NH border. I had a good gunshop in NH just five minutes from my house, so I could often go and look at the stuff I wasn't allowed to have in MA.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

High cap is ten or above so that means I can't buy just about everything in a pistol. It must shoot nine and under. I have two compact type M in Beretta but want the option to own Glocks, other Berettas and Sigs in full size if I choose.

 

[Devonai]

I would hire a lawyer if you can afford it. However, you may find it cheaper to move. I suggest Beverly

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Thanks, but as already mentioned, I have no money to move or hire a lawyer. I've been unemployed for three years and can't find work inspite of a M.Ed., five month computer program, pistol permit, etc. Go figure. This state sucks.

 

[Dadio]

have you checked out FourSeasons they have a link to lawyers that offer free advice on getting your Class A. i think they are in framingham. check that out and see how it goes. i got my class a in november without any problems. it took 3 weeks to the day and i had it in my hand. then of course i got my NH without any problems.

 

[Devonai]

You have a Masters in Education? Might I suggest looking into assistant teaching positions at Gordon College, if you haven't already done so.

BTW, I've also been trying to find a job based on my armed experience and LTC. It seems like nobody is hiring. I would specifically avoid Risk Management, Inc out of Stoneham, if they still exist. They have no respect for labor laws so I wouldn't be surprised if they got shut down by now. I spent a few months with them before quitting over a labor dispute.

In any case, what's keeping you in Boston? Family situation? If you're unemployed why not move north? I know the logistics of moving can be a pain, but it might be worth it.

 

[Bergeron]

Well, if you like Sigs, the P225 might be a good choice, I know that it's under 10 rounds, and is the size of the 229/228.

In Glocks, the 36 will offer fewer than 10 rounds of .45.

Also, the P7 is an under 10 round pistol.


The laws in MA seem horrible. It really stinks that 10 rounds is considered "high-cap". I had no idea that any entity had declared 10 rounds to be "too much".

Does the mere ability to accept 10-round magazines disqualify a pistol from being owned by you? In that case, you couldn't even have a .45 1911, even though the other calibers might be okay.

 

[jimbo]

I second the Sig 225 while your pondering your quandry

I think you'd love it. It is a great gun.

 

[COHIBA]

sig220?
1911?
S&W 4506?
glock 36?
USP45c?
you, of course, see were i'm going w/ this.
why dont you get one of those beretta 9000 jobs. the gun is made as a double stack 10 rd. but can utilize 92 f mags. you'd probably get that by 'em.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Belive me, once I get working I intend to save to move. The only 1911 gun we can get in my state is the new S&W which is expected to be approved soon. No H&Ks here and when I wrote them to ask when they intend to set up shop here -- they replied they won't ever because the Attorney General refuses clarify some of his vague gun requirements. Can't say I blame them.

Personally, I'd prefer a Glock in a 9mm. I know about the 239 and 225 in a Sig, but wouldn't it be nice to buy anything I want? I haven't broken any laws, be great if my local Chief treated me a little respect. Thanks for the input and the advance warning about Risk Management. Odd, I heard about them I think. I interviewed for an armed body guard position in Southie; maybe this was the company -- I don't know. They wanted me to accompany the visiting nurses in Brockton with a .38. These kids have Uzis, I get five shots. I turned it down because the office and job were too far from Peabody where I live. I had to be on call -- the hours and the drive didn't make it worth my while.

 

[seeker_two]

If you're getting a C&R, you've got a few more choices. Walther P-1's & P-38's, Star (Models A, B, & Super -A & -B); Ballester-Molinas, & Sistema 1911's, Beretta 951's & Helwans, and several other guns that are just now becoming old enough to qualify for C&R status. Check out Curio & Relic Firearms for more info (and don't get me started on the RIFLES... )

And, when finances allow, move to Texas. We're pretty laid-back on firearms ownership & you can find a lot of shooting buddies, too...

 

[FPrice]

Mastrogiacomo...

"The only 1911 gun we can get in my state is the new S&W which is expected to be approved soon."

There are still some older, pre-owned guns out there which show up on the market from time to time. Have you ever tried Four Seasons Guns in Woburn? (www.fsguns.com) They seem to get some good items fairly regularly. Prices are high (Thanks Scott Harshbarger!) but it's better than nothing. My local shop has about four 1911-style pistols on the wall but they are close to $1000. I just picked up an Argentine Colt for about $500.

As soon as I can I'll be moving, but that is still a few years away I am afraid.

 

[Devonai]

Yep, that's the one. The visiting nurses gig was just fine with me, although I don't know about the .38 requirement. I think what they were telling you is that if you carried a revolver, it had to be a .38 or a .357 loaded with .38. That's the rule in Mass. There is no rule regarding semi-autos, although some companies like to impose a .40 caliber limit.

My problem with that company was when my assignment changed to a housing development in Dorchester. After a few months they annouced that there would be a mandatory, unpaid meeting on Sunday morning. At first I joked around with the owners about this, but I soon discovered that they were serious. I raised all holy hell about it, so finally they said "show up or you're fired." I showed up, but demanded compensation after the meeting. They told me to go to hell, so I quit on the spot.

I found out later that I could have had their *** if I went to the AG's office (let them do something for ME, ironic eh?). Then again, they were all retired law enforcement with lots of part-time cops on the payroll. I would have been setting myself up for some potential grief if I'd gone up against them. An anonymous report to the AG would have been a little too obvious, as I was so vocal when the incident occured.

So now I just badmouth them on the internet

 

[Bobarino]

H&K USP compacts never had hi-cap mags available for them because they came out after '94. and in my opinion, you can't get a better gun. a little pricier than some, but worth every cent.

Bobby

 

[Jim K]

I have heard that in Boston you just contribute a million dollars to certain campaign funds and you can get anything you want.

Jim

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Well, money does buy just about anything. I'll have to think of something. Maybe when I start working as a bartender -- if I go that route, it'll provide a loophole for me.

As far as Risk Management is concerned, sounds like I make out like a bandit to get out while I could. I never knew they were once north of Boston. They seemed nice... If it's not meant to be finding work in this area, I guess it won't happen. I'll have to find anything and save up for bartender training and try the Class A again at a later date. This state is awful, isn't it? Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[dav]

Mastrogiacomo wrote:
This state is awful, isn't it?

I always thought our California laws were bad, until I got on the net and found out about New Jersey and Mass.
I'll be flying into Boston in October on my way to Vermont. At first I thought I'd be bringing a gun with me... after reading about how unreasonable Mass. is, I vetoed that idea. No matter how legal it would be, I'm not chancing any of my guns in Boston.

 

[blades67]

I'm a little confused. You're unemployed but have the money to buy a gun, or get a C&R FFL, but you don't have the money for an hour of a good lawyer's time?

I think your math is a little fuzzy. Any of the guns you want to buy will cost, on average, $600. An hour of a good lawyer's time will probably cost you about $150. If you haven't worked in three years, but have the money to buy a gun, you could come up with the money for a lawyer or to move I should think. Maybe there's something you're not telling us because it's none of our business, but your statements cause me doubt. No offense is intended, like I said, I'm little .

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

No offense taken, I'm just a tad unrealistic...and to be blunt, I really wasn't running to the gun shop since I don't have the funds. What I need though is an attorney that knows gun laws and the one's I've spoken to charge $500. Trust me, if it were only $150 -- I'd pay it.

I have two possible jobs -- or rather one, I'm going by a video store where I saw a help wanted sign tomorrow; Monday I see about the other. If I get a paycheck, I might pick up a gun -- or I may not. I still wanted to get feedback in case I could pull something off -- like a miracle.

 

[blades67]

Has the Chief said, in no uncertain terms, that he wouldn't approve you for a class B permit?



$500 for an hour?! I think I hurt my jaw when it hit the floor!

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I have the Class B -- it's the A I want that will alow me to get armed positions and a more liberal gun choice. Regarding the lawyer fee -- I think that wasn't per hour, just for the service over all -- at a reduced price believe or not. Appreciated it, but STILL can't afford it.

 

[blades67]

I have the Class B -- it's the A I want that will alow me to get armed positions...

Have you tried purposing your request just like that? You could take some Krispy Kreme's along for the visit.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

There were rapes in the North end back in August of 2002 when I applied the first time, and tried to appeal to his common sense. He had none. I said if he felt sure I didn't need a gun to walk to my car in the rear, in an abandoned lot, in the dark -- he could get my car at the train station and drive it to me....but without a gun. No dice. I should try donuts though -- that's a good idea.

 

[blades67]

I'm a firm believer that if women don't find me handsome, they should at least find me handy!