Massachusetts State NFA Rules and Allowable NFA Items

Massachusetts is not a very friendly state toward NFA owners. Although civilians can technically own machine guns, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, they are only legal with the approval of the state in very specific circumstances. This approval is rarely given. In addition, silencers are illegal for civilians to possess. Because Massachusetts has no preemption law, it is highly advised that one do research into the locale they will be in before attempting to possess or purchase any NFA item.

Possession of NFA Items:

 

Chapter 140, Section 131.
All licenses to carry firearms shall be designated Class A or Class B, and the issuance and possession of any such license shall be subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

(o) No person shall be issued a license to carry or possess a machine gun in the commonwealth, except that a licensing authority or the colonel of state police may issue a machine gun license to:

(i) a firearm instructor certified by the municipal police training committee for the sole purpose of firearm instruction to police personnel;

(ii) a bona fide collector of firearms upon application or upon application for renewal of such license.

Legal Disclaimer:

This information is provided as a service to the public. It is NOT intended as legal advice and should never be considered as such. This information was up to date at the time of publication.

Other NFA Gun Trust and ATF Related Blog Posts

  • ATF Distribution Center Now Has Updated Form 4's, Form 5's, etc
    ATF Distribution Center Now Has Updated Form 4's, Form 5's, etc

    The ATF updated the ATF Application forms early this year [February 2024] which included the ATF Form 1, ATF Form 4, and the ATF Form 5. Since the revision took place in February, the ATF Distribut...

  • ATF Abandoned/Unclaimed Property 11/2024
    ATF Abandoned/Unclaimed Property 11/2024

    The latest state listings of abandoned or unclaimed property in the custody of ATF have a claim deadline of Nov. 21. Included with the description of the property is the location where the property...

  • Where is a UPIN added on an ATF eForm 4?
    Where is a UPIN added on an ATF eForm 4?

    On the ATF eForm 4, you can have your FFL add your UPIN number to application on the Transferee page, if you are applying as an individual. The UPIN box is located at the bottom of the Transferee p...