Firearms Law Attorneys in Salem, Massachusetts
2nd Amendment Compliance & Consulting in Massachusetts
Navigating Firearms Law in Massachusetts is difficult. From complex (and sometimes misleading) questions on the License to Carry application, to reviewing and understanding your criminal record, there is often more to consider than just submitting basic paperwork. We will go over your criminal history (if you have any!) and prepare your application or appeal accordingly. Sometimes this can involve sealing or unsealing records, speaking with the licensing authority or Firearms Records Bureau, or other pre-litigation and pre-application tools.
What the 2024 Massachusetts Firearms Law Changed
Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 took effect on October 2, 2024 and rewrote large parts of the Commonwealth’s firearms laws. A referendum on repealing it appeared on the November 3, 2026 ballot as Question 9, and unofficial results show that voters kept the law. Changes that affect owners, applicants and dealers include:
- Serial numbers and registration. Firearms, including unfinished frames and receivers, generally must carry a serial number, and untraceable “ghost guns” carry criminal penalties. State guidance set October 28, 2026 as the compliance deadline for serialization and registration.
- Age 21 for semiautomatic long guns. A person generally must be 21 or older to possess a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun.
- Training and testing. New license applicants must complete a State Police–approved safety course that includes a test.
- Extreme risk protection orders. School administrators and licensed health care providers, among others, can now petition, and harassment prevention orders can include an order to surrender firearms.
- New residents. People moving to Massachusetts generally have 60 days to obtain a license.
For details on licensing disputes, see Massachusetts LTC denials and appeals and our firearms licensing FAQ. Last reviewed November 2026.
When You Need Legal Guidance
Our Firearms Practice Group routinely provides the following services:
- Licensing & License Application Issues, LTC Appeals, Renewals
- Dealer & ATF Compliance
- Bonded Warehouse Compliance
- Consulting for Law Enforcement
- NFA Trusts
- CORI Review
- Sealing & Unsealing Criminal Records
Contact Jared J. Muggeo for assistance with firearms and gun laws.
License denied, suspended, or revoked? Read about Massachusetts license to carry denials and appeals.
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