Massachusetts Laws

[Marc Adamchek]

Moderators, let me say right off that this forum seemed to me to be the closest one to handling the following question(s), so please excuse me if I'm wrong.

In our state all unsecured guns (smokeless)must have a trigger lock on them.

Does this apply to muzzleloading firearms, whether caplock or flintlock? I can't imagine it would, but this state has gone nuts in the years I wasn't looking so I wouldn't be surprised.

Also, what are the regulations on ammo: blackpowder, lead balls, ignition caps and/or flints?

I know I should already know the answers to these questions, and I'm embarrassed to have to ask, but if I don't even more time will go by.

Many Thanks - Marc

 

[bigbore442001]

The rule only applies to modern arms. Muzzleloaders are exempt from the trigger lock laws that are in place.

The provisions of sections 122 to 129D, inclusive, and sections 131, 131A, 131B and 131E shall not apply to:

(A) any firearm, rifle, handgun, or shotgun manufactured in or prior to the year 1899;

(B) any replica of any firearm, rifle or shotgun described in clause (A) if such replica: (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade;”¦

I hope this makes the muddy waters of the Bay State a tad clearer.

 

[Mad Professor]

You also need a permit to buy powder or caps but not to posses them.

That one sure makes a lot of sense, to the idiots in Baastun.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

Thanks very much, guys. I own a good number of original British percussion double shotguns and rifle.

I'm assuming the same stipulations for replicas would also apply to them, yes?

 

[Big John]

There is no trigger lock law in Ma. Pistols need to be unloaded in a locked container/case if you do not have an LTC "A" permit. Under a class A permit it can be on your body/concealed loaded, or in your car under your direct control. Rifles/shotguns need to be unloaded in a locked case except during hunting season if you have a current hunting permit case. Muzzleloaders, replica or pre 1898 are exempt from the above, except cannot be capped or primed.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

A belated Thanks Very Much, Master Blaster.

I've got to buy another safe. There's no way I'm going to be able to buy a 72 inch one to accommodate my replica flinters, so I can hang them in the library. That gives me more leeway to get a smaller safe that will be cheaper and still fit where I want it too.

I'd hate to leave my original British percussion firearms outside of a safe - although they're beautiful - because of the threat of theft. Although it seems pretty humorous to think of a 2013 thief wanting a gun that's over 100 years old, unless he understood what the heck he had.