Is the AR-15 legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has an assault weapon ban (Yes) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Massachusetts?

10 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Massachusetts require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (FID or LTC). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Massachusetts before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts concealed carry status: Shall Issue (de facto). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts open carry: Yes (LTC required). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Does Massachusetts require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in Massachusetts extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Massachusetts Gun Laws

strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes

Mag Capacity Limit

10 rounds

Permit to Purchase

Yes (FID or LTC)

Firearm Registration

Yes (all firearms, since Oct 2024)

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue (de facto)

Open Carry

Yes (LTC required)

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

Suppressors banned; SBR/SBS OK

State Preemption

Key Notes

FID or LTC required to own any firearm. Approved firearms roster for handgun sales. Suppressors restricted to law enforcement. Chapter 135 faces a repeal referendum on November 3, 2026 (a yes vote keeps the law).

•Yes (FID or LTC) Permit to Purchase — A Firearm Identification (FID) card is required for rifles and shotguns; a License to Carry (LTC) is required for handguns. Without one of these, you cannot legally own any firearm.
•Suppressors banned; SBR/SBS OK (NFA) — Suppressors are restricted to law enforcement only. Short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns are legal with an LTC. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — Chapter 135 (October 2024) bans assault-style firearms by name and feature; guns lawfully owned on or before August 1, 2024 are grandfathered.
•10 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines over 10 rounds manufactured after September 13, 1994 are banned. Pre-ban magazines are grandfathered and legal to possess.
•No (State Preemption) — Massachusetts has no preemption law. Cities and towns can and do pass their own additional firearm regulations.
•Yes (Firearm Registration) — Chapter 135 requires online registration of all firearms, including previously unrecorded guns, by October 28, 2026.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Massachusetts Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Massachusetts restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons," and its law names the AR-15 and covers copies of it. A "featureless" configuration does not avoid a ban by name, so removing features does not make an AR-15 legal to buy or build in Massachusetts.

Magazine Capacity Limit in Effect

Massachusetts limits magazine capacity (10 rounds). Standard 30-round PMAGs and similar magazines may not be sold or imported in their factory configuration. Plan your build around pinned, welded, or reduced-capacity magazines.

NFA Restrictions Apply

Massachusetts restricts some or all NFA items (Suppressors banned; SBR/SBS OK). Suppressors, SBRs, or other regulated items may be banned under state law whatever ATF enforces federally. Verify before buying a 14.5" barrel or pinned muzzle device intended for SBR conversion. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Permit Required to Purchase

Massachusetts requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (FID or LTC)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Massachusetts extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Massachusetts Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Massachusetts?: Massachusetts has an assault weapon ban (Yes) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation before purchasing.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Massachusetts?: 10 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.
Does Massachusetts require a permit to buy a firearm?: Yes (FID or LTC). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Massachusetts before purchasing a firearm.
Can I conceal carry in Massachusetts?: Massachusetts concealed carry status: Shall Issue (de facto). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Massachusetts?: Massachusetts open carry: Yes (LTC required). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Massachusetts?: NFA item status in Massachusetts: Suppressors banned; SBR/SBS OK. State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Massachusetts require background checks for private sales?: Yes. Background-check requirements in Massachusetts extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Massachusetts firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.