MA Folks, got a few questions..

[zombienerd]

Hypothetical, "I know a guy" question... I know absolutely nothing about MA firearms law, but was asked a few questions, so I'll ask you guys here


I know a guy who moved to MA in 1999, brought with him 4 rifles and 2 pistols. He was lazy, and never got his FID.

How is the law worded in MA? Do you need the FID to OWN weapons, or just to BUY them?

Does MA require registration of weapons? The guy was wondering, if he got his FID, if he'd have to report the fact that he's had these weapons for a long time to get them added on his "card?", or if he wouldn't have to report them at all..

Thanks for the help!

 

[zombienerd]

Added note: He IS planning on getting his FID soon, as he wants to add a new pistol to his stock...

 

[garyr]

I'm not well versed in MA gun laws either but as I understand it you absolutely need to have an FID card to even own firearms (that are physically with you in Massachusetts). If I were him...I'd get my FID card quick as possible and maybe even get those guns out of Massachusetts until it is done. Storage container or maybe if he trusts you enough to keep them safe.

Without an FID card if he uses one of those weapons in a self defense situation...he's going to be in a LOT of trouble.


EDIT: Here is a good place to start: http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/MASL.pdf

 

[thebigc]

your supposed to register them within 90 days if its been that long dont even bother trying to register them the cops wont be pleased most of the older guns arent even in the system now anyway because it has glitches so it dosent really even matter as long as you have a license they arent going to run the sn. pepole i know had guns from the early 90's that were registered but the cops just didint haave it in the computer anymore and it wasent really a problem when they got transfered to another person via ffl

 

[atomd]

Depending on the type of gun, he might need a class A or B LTC...not just an FID. All handguns or anything they consider to be high capacity or an "assault rifle" are not something you can purchase with an FID. An FID is only good for rifles and shotguns that don't fall into their high capacity or assault rifle categories.

 

[zombienerd]

A few rifles and autoloading shotguns, a 22 revolver and a 25 auto with 8 shot magazine

 

[vernon]

An FID is not good enough for handguns. This guy needs at least an LTC-B.

There is no requirement to "register" guns that were owned when the guy moved into the state. Only purchases made while a resident of MA (both in and out of state purchases) must be logged. The guy will not be required to list any guns when he gets his license.

 

[SteveCase]

like vernon said above LTC B atleast FID is only good for shotguns and rifles, LTC-A covers everything. best advice is to not go into mass in the first place. instead of backward rednecks we have backward libetards that hate commoners. If you not rich and a democrate, you wont like MA

 

[LenS]

Some suggestions:

- Get the guns out of MA, yesterday!!! He's currently a felon in possession . . . and any visit by a PD, FD or EMS will lead to his arrest and prosecution. [e.g. 911 call for smoke detector, someone injured/sick needs an ambulance, fire, noise complaint, etc. can lead to someone in the Public Safety sector paying a visit.] I'm willing to bet that he isn't in compliance with MA storage laws either . . . that in itself can lead to a very long jail term.

- File paperwork for a LTC-A (assuming he's >21 yo). Do NOT mention ownership/possession of any guns IN MA when applying. OK to mention that he owns them and they are stored in NH however, as it's out of reach of MA folks.

- Have him go to www.northeastshooters.com and read the stickies in the MA Gun Laws sub-forum so that he understands the law, process to get a LTC, etc. so he doesn't land in trouble that will destroy his life.

 

[Salty1]

MA is a "may issue" state and depending on which city or town will determine his chances on getting a LTC, years ago when I lived there it was a major hassle getting one, many people just gave up and settled for a "target and hunting" permit. Some towns have loosened up since then, it all depends on the local Chief of Police. The following link will provide everything you would want to know....
http://www.goal.org/

 

[LemmyCaution]

The right to bear arms in MA is constitutionally an explicitly collective right and has been since the MA constitution was written- well before the American Revolution & Bill of Rights and long before the existence of wealthy Democrats. Hostility toward civilian firearms ownership seems inherent to the local character. The best advice is to stay away from the place.