Legal Possession of Firearms in MA (for Nonstate Residents)

[Little Wolf]

According to my research, it is legal for non residents to possess a non "high-capacity" rifle and/or shotgun in their vehicle while driving around *IN* Massachusetts (not just passing through). MA state law clearly states in Chapter 140 Section 129C ,subsections; (H), (P)b., and (F) that non residents can possess a long arm in their vehicle in MA as long as it is in a locked container, and in accordance with the person's residing state laws and regulations.

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-129c.htm

Chapter 140: Section 129C. Application of Sec. 129B; ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition; transfers; report to executive director; exemptions; exhibiting license to carry, etc. on demand

The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following exempted persons and uses:



(h) Possession of rifles and shotguns and ammunition therefor by nonresidents traveling in or through the commonwealth, providing that any rifles or shotguns are unloaded and enclosed in a case;


(p) Carrying or possession by residents or nonresidents of so-called black powder rifles, shotguns, and ammunition therefor as described in such paragraphs (A) and (B) of the third paragraph of section 121, and the carrying or possession of conventional rifles, shotguns, and ammunition therefor by nonresidents who meet the requirements for such carrying or possession in the state in which they reside.


I don't understand how people could get into trouble while possession of firearms in MA, where the law plainly states in black and white that it is legal to do so.

Also note section f, which offers double protection for non residents with a small game hunting permit.

(f) Possession of rifles and shotguns and ammunition therefor by nonresident hunters with valid nonresident hunting licenses during hunting season;


Considering animals, such as Coyote, are in season year round (night or day), and section F doesn't specify possession only while in the act of hunting, small game non resident license holders are also covered (again) so you'd have double protection.

 

[mgkdrgn]

so you'd have double protection.

Which in Mass, counts for exactly double diddly squat. The police and pols never let a little thing like "legality" get in the way of (what they thought was) a good idea.

 

[Little Wolf]

No one has any comments, eh?

 

[razorback2003]

Get a MA license

If i was passing through, I'd follow the fed law of putting one unloaded in the trunk and would not stop for anything in that little state. Honestly, if went there much or even passed through frequently i'd get a non resident MA license. It's so not worth the hassle of dealing with their system.

 

[swiftak]

Do yourselves a favor and don't even dignify that state with your presence for any reason in the world. There is nothing there worth going for.

 

[VeggieH]

+1 swiftak,I live in NH and only go there to buy supplies for my BIZ(printshop)........too shady

 

[TEDDY]

Mass

in and thru,does not mean riding around it means go in and out.passing thru.
take it from one who lived there.76 yrs.
mgdrg: said it right.dont tarry.the carry license for residents is $100 for 6 yrs.
the out of state is $100 for 1 yrs.you can go in if going to a match.the license does not say how to carry it is a "license to carry"but you better be concealed.I carried from 1944 to 2000.but they do have more gun clubs than maybe the whole south.I still belong to one.and the clubs avarage 300/400 members.there were 48 club listed but more actually.

 

[swiftak]

Still have no reason to cross the border 25 miles south of me.