NH resident going to range in MA

[pdowg881]

I'm going shooting at a range in MASS with friends. One claims I must "transfer my guns to him when I get to his house in Haverhill Mass before going to the range. From the state and federal laws, If I have them unloaded and case locked in the trunk, I can legally posess them on a firing range in mass. I don't know what he's talking about and can't see why I wouldn't be able to drive them to the range myself. The guns I planned on bringing are a pump shotgun and semiauto rifle, and handgun. But it looks like the handgun is a no no.


http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=59

FEDERAL LAW ON TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS
A provision of federal law serves as a defense to state or local laws which would prohibit the passage of persons with firearms in interstate travel.
Notwithstanding any state or local law, a person shall be entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he may lawfully possess it to any other place where he may lawfully possess such firearm if the firearm is unloaded and in the trunk. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm shall be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Necessary stops, like gasoline and rest, seem permissible.
MASSACHUSETTS--Nonresidents are allowed to bring personally-owned handguns into the Commonwealth for competition, exhibition or hunting. If the handgun is for hunting, a valid hunting license must be procured. Furthermore, the handgun owner must have a valid carry permit from another state and that state's permit requirements must be as stringent as those of Massachusetts. A person who does not meet these requirements must obtain a temporary handgun permit from the Dept. of Public Safety, 1010 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
A nonresident may transport rifles and shotguns into or through Massachusetts if the guns are unloaded, cased, and locked in the trunk of a vehicle.
A nonresident may physically possess an operable rifle or shotgun while hunting with a Massachusetts license, while on a firing range, while at a gun show, or if the nonresident has a permit to possess any firearm in his home state and the licensing requirements are as stringent as those of Massachusetts.

 

[ilbob]

I seem to recall this was discussed at length on an other board. IIRC, the consensus was you are OK IF you are only talking about long guns other than assault weapons as defined by MA law. If you want to bring in handguns or assault weapons, you need a MA NR permit. They are not cheap, but apparently readily available.

 

[pdowg881]

I'm planning on bringing a handgun(10 rnd mag), pump shotgun, and semi auto rifle with 10 round magazine. So I might want to just leave the handgun home?

 

[cbsbyte]

Long guns are not the issue, but handguns. As far as I know you can not bring them into the Commonwealth unless your state firearm license is recognized in Mass, I believe no state permits are recognized by the state, so you will need a Mass Non Resident LTC to bring any handguns into the state. You may apply through the State Police. Though I believe there is a allowance in the law which will allow one to bring handguns into the state if you are competing in a sanctioned match in the Commonwealth. You are not so that would not work.

Check out more info here.
www.goal.org

 

[Aguila Blanca]

MASSACHUSETTS--Nonresidents are allowed to bring personally-owned handguns into the Commonwealth for competition, exhibition or hunting. If the handgun is for hunting, a valid hunting license must be procured. Furthermore, the handgun owner must have a valid carry permit from another state and that state's permit requirements must be as stringent as those of Massachusetts. A person who does not meet these requirements must obtain a temporary handgun permit from the Dept. of Public Safety, 1010 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

pdowg, you said you are going to MA to "go shooting." Take another look at the state law you cited. If you are going for a competition, you are covered. If it's just you and a buddy or three going plinking for an afternoon, you can't even bring your guns into the state ... don't worry about "transferring them" to your pal when you get to his house, because you'll be illegal to second you cross the border.

 

[pdowg881]

Blanca I think you missed the rest (the section you cited is specifically for handguns):

A nonresident may transport rifles and shotguns into or through Massachusetts if the guns are unloaded, cased, and locked in the trunk of a vehicle.
A nonresident may physically possess an operable rifle or shotgun while hunting with a Massachusetts license, while on a firing range, while at a gun show, or if the nonresident has a permit to possess any firearm in his home state and the licensing requirements are as stringent as those of Massachusetts

 

[distra]

Federal PJ law applies if you are traveling through MA since your destination is MA you need a permit. If you are taking part in a "match" then you don't. Most people I know just get the MA NR permit to cover their hind end. I'm heading to VT shortly and will just pack my pistol per Federal PJ law. Since I'm just passing through it's not a problem.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

No, I didn't miss that, but you didn't specify in your original post that you would be bringing only long guns. As a handgunner myself, I confess to the sin of ass-u-ming a fact not in evidence. To be honest, the idea that anyone might go shooting without handguns never even entered my tiny little mind.

 

[pdowg881]

Sorry, the guns I planned on bringing are in post #3. I'll edit it in. It looks like I'll just be bringing the shotgun and rifle though.

 

[Erebus]

the handgun owner must have a valid carry permit from another state and that state's permit requirements must be as stringent as those of Massachusetts.

FYI Massachusetts recognizes exactly ZERO other states permits. Get the NR permit if you are bringing a handgun into MA.

If you are going to a sanctioned match bring something official with you that you can show an officer that documents you are participating in a match. I was told this by someone from RI that comes to MA for matches. According to him you get really hassled if you don't have any paperwork that shows you are going to a match.

 

[pdowg881]

OK I'm going to just bring long guns then. Is that legal without having to get permits? I may just shoot his stuff if I have to go through so much for a couple hours at a range.

 

[Erebus]

Perfectly legal as long as they are transported locked in a case.

 

[pdowg881]

So when he insists they must be put in his car to get them to a range (which makes no sense becuase I would already be in Mass to put them in his car) how do I explain it to him? He seems to think he is the authority on anything gun related.

 

[highlander 5]

I wouldn't bring ANY firearm into the state without a NR LTC.
Have your friend drive to your home and transport the weapons with him in his car,locked and cased of course. Ask yourself this question do I wish to risk the chance of jail time if caught and lose my right to own firearms because of the screwed up laws of Ma?

 

[pdowg881]

I can't beleive how rediculous this is. All I want to do is go shoot some clays. But since it's a mile to the south of where I live instead of any other direction I have to deal with all these laws questions, and uncertainties. Makes me really appreciate living in NH.

 

[cbsbyte]

Important safety message.

This is very important. State Law requires when a non resident is traveling in the Commonwealth that all firearms are unloaded in a LOCKED case and separate from any ammo. If you break this law and are caught the Police WILL confiscate your firearms, and you will probably never see them again. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Gun laws are a scared cow in this state, and breaking them is not only a bad idea, but has heavy penalties. You will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Feel blessed you live in a free state.

 

[pdowg881]

So lets say I am driving from my home to the range. I lock my MA Legal guns in locked cases. I lock those cases in the trunk. I then put the ammo in my center console. Is this legal?

 

[cbsbyte]

So lets say I am driving from my home to the range. I lock my MA Legal guns in locked cases. I lock those cases in the trunk. I then put the ammo in my center console. Is this legal?

Everything sounds fine, except I would put the ammo in a lockable case, or ammo box. Ammo should also be locked up when traveling in the Commonwealth.

Have your friend drive to your home and transport the weapons with him in his car,locked and cased of course.

I am not sure if it is legal for a resident to take possession of firearms that are not registered to him. That could be interpreted by the Police as smuggling illegal firearms into the Commonwealth.

 

[pdowg881]

Sounds good. Pray for my safe return from the Forbidden Zone.

 

[ilbob]

I would not excessively worried about things if all you are doing is shooting some clays. MA laws on long guns are not that bad, as long as they are not what MA considers assault weapons. Keep them locked up in the trunk and you should be OK.

If you want to bring in a handgun you basically have to have a NR permit, other than for some minor exceptions.

 

[cbsbyte]

I forgot to add it is probably a good idea to bring along proof of ownership of your firearms. Just in case a LEO asks for you to prove that you own the firearms. It is not required by law, but never the less better be safe than sorry.

 

[PennsyPlinker]

I think I would find a range in NH and forget the one in MA. Then you can tell your friend that YOU are the authority and he has to transfer his guns to you!

All this stuff about MA gun laws is depressing. I will be traveling there later on this year on business, and it stinks not being able to bring my handgun along with me. I wonder, would something like a Kel Tec Sub 2000 be legal there?

 

[cbsbyte]

I wonder, would something like a Kel Tec Sub 2000 be legal there?

I don't see why not. Its just a carbine rifle with 10rd Mag. Should be legal.

 

[SkiLune]

The People's Republic of Massachusetts makes it difficult to get concealed carry for nonstate residents. They charge you an ANNUAL fee -- I believe its about $150. So, for the shooter who occassionally wants to shoot in Mass, it don't pay.....

I've only gone there for competitions and did the separate locking case thingy for gun (10 round max) and ammo.

Better idea would be to have your friend travel to NH to shoot.

 

[Erebus]

Have your friend drive to your home and transport the weapons with him in his car, locked and cased of course.

I don't think crossing the state line with guns that aren't yours in your possession is a good idea. Could get hairy if they think you bought them and brought them across a state line without FFL transfer.

Unload them and lock them up in your trunk and transport them yourself. If he insists on them being transported to the range in his car than ride with him from his house. It's perfectly legal for you to transport them to the range properly stored.