Moving to Massachusetts from Tennessee with revolver -- any advice?

[SolidChoice]

Hi all,

I am moving to Massachusetts from Tennessee next week, and I currently own a S&W 686p. I am currently trying to weed through all the various state legal sites, and I just want to make sure I'm understanding things correctly.

From anyone who lives in Massachusetts, can you confirm...?

1) Is there any actual firearm "registration" for each particular firearm I own? That is, do I need to give my serial number and model to anyone?

2) Can I bring my gun with me, provided it's locked in my trunk, cased, unloaded, and has a cable lock through the barrel? How long after establishing residency before I need to get my LTC? 60 days?

3) More of a training question, but can you recommend a good permit class in the Boston or Metro-west area?

Thanks!

 

[M-Cameron]

well im not a laywer.....but i do live here.....so ill do my best.

1.) you do not register firearms.....you register firearm transactions ....so if i am correct you dont need to file any sort of paperwork on the gun you already own.....but im not 100% certain on that

2.) you will need to apply for a resident MA class A/B license to legally posses your revolver.....depending on what town you live in, this may or may not be a complete and utter pain in the hind side.....i would do this before you bring your gun into the state....i dont believe there is a grace period.

3.) I know the Braintree Rifle and pistol club offers a good basic pistol course....i dont have the info on me now but i can get it once i get home....

 

[zoom6zoom]

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/56054-MOVING-to-Massachusetts-Read-Here-First!
So, for some reason you've decided to move to Massachusetts. As you may find on a search, this is highly discouraged by many people living here or people who have escaped this state. However, you've decided that you need to move here anyway for work, school, or whatever. You're wondering what you need to do to be able to own firearms in MA, what guns you can and can't bring, etc. Here's the rundown.

 

[Mini30]

Zoom-Zoom beat me to it; but Northeast shooters is a great group; and very helpful!

 

[SolidChoice]

Thanks, everyone. When people in Boston ask how Tennessee was (I lived in Boston for eight years, moved to TN for 18 months, and now I'm moving back), I'll say, "It wasn't bad. I put on a couple of pounds, though "

 

[megatronrules]

Hi I lived in Mass. For a brief time and the gun laws there were tough then(circa 1999-2000) but its gotten worse but my understanding. However I will attempt to help you out on this.

Unless things have changed a lot you need an Firearms owners identification card for all long guns rifles and shotguns. And an LTC (license to carry) class A or B for all handguns. It is also unlawful to process any gun in mass without a FID or LTC. I wouldn't bring you gun here until after u get your permit,I'd leave it in TN with a friend or family member and have them send it to an FFL in MA after your permit is issues.

Also be aware that what town or city you will be moving to range from issuing an LTC with out restrictions to only issuing LTC's with a hunting/target restriction. Let us know what town you will be moving to as we can better assist you on this,and do check out northeastshooters.com as well.

 

[LickitySplit]

1) Is there any actual firearm "registration" for each particular firearm I own? That is, do I need to give my serial number and model to anyone?

No, you do not need to register any firearm when moving from another state. This is the only exception to MA's "registration'" requirements.

Any other firearms you acquire and/or purchase while residing in MA (this includes longarms purchased in another state), will have to be entered into the states database via a Form FA-10. You have 7 days in which to submit the paperwork.

2) Can I bring my gun with me, provided it's locked in my trunk, cased, unloaded, and has a cable lock through the barrel? How long after establishing residency before I need to get my LTC? 60 days?

No, if you do not have a valid FID or LTC, you cannot bring your firearms with you regardless of how you store them.

The waiting time for applying for and obtaining an FID or LTC varies from community to community.

The law states that the issuing authority has 45 days to either approve or deny your permit, however, that time frame is routinely ignored.

In reality, it might take 2 weeks for your license to be approved, or it might take 3-4 months... there's no way to be certain.

A month to a month and a half seems to be the norm.

3) More of a training question, but can you recommend a good permit class in the Boston or Metro-west area?

You can inquire at the Northeast Shooters forum, or GOAL (Gun Owners Action League)... http://www.goal.org

There's also plenty of legal information regarding MA fireams laws at both sites.

 

[swiftak]

Do yourself a favor and move to NH and commute to work in Ma. if you can. I'm not kidding, do this if at all possible.

 

[FourteenMiles]

I hate to post without addressing your question but swiftak is right.

We have an "assault weapons" ban and here is a partial list of new handguns you can't buy in MA:

http://fsguns.com/fsg_information.html

including:
Colt
Springfield Armory
Kimber
Glock
Hi-Power
CZ-75
Kel-Tec

It is depressing that some people think they know what is best for everyone. I'm getting out ASAP.

 

[SolidChoice]

No, if you do not have a valid FID or LTC, you cannot bring your firearms with you regardless of how you store them.

The waiting time for applying for and obtaining an FID or LTC varies from community to community.

LickitySplit -- I don't mean to argue, but if you look at:

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm

and search for "60 days," it appears there is a 60-day grace period for getting your LTC.
Am I mis-understanding this?

Thanks.

 

[FourteenMiles]

Another thing: even though MA is shall issue it varies greatly from town to town. For example I hear for residents of Boston it is near impossible to get a LTC.

When you apply for a FID/LTC they ask why you want/need a FID/LTC. Makes sure you state "All legal purposes" or there is a good chance your license will carry restrictions.

The northeast shooters forum should provide you with more specific information.

 

[FourteenMiles]

Also let me warn you not to drink and drive (I'm not calling you irresponsible, just a friendly warning). If you get a DUI in MA you become a federaly prohibited person and are not allowed to own a firearm anywhere in the country.