Massachusetts gun laws

Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.

Carry

Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
A license to carry is required.
Open carry: A license to carry (M.G.L. c.140 §131 or §131F) is required to possess a firearm, loaded or unloaded, outside your home or business. The statute doesn't separate open and concealed carry (c.269 §10(a)). Source
Permits: Massachusetts permit guide

Vehicle transport

A license is required to have a firearm under your control in a vehicle (c.269 §10(a)). Licensees must keep a loaded firearm under direct control. Large-capacity rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and in a locked container (c.140 §131C). Source

Places where carry is banned

Buildings and grounds of elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, including student transport, without written authorization (c.269 §10(j)). Not a complete list. Source

Magazines and assault weapons

Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 10 rounds
Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer

Duty to inform

Not confirmed. Check with Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents).

Stand your ground and castle doctrine

Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with Local licensing authority (residents); Firearms Records Bureau (non-residents).

Red-flag law

Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.

Reciprocity

Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state licenses.

Does not honor other states' permits.

Official reciprocity information

Check whether Massachusetts honors your permit

Sources

Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.