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.