Toward the end of the year, I'm going to be changing my state of residence to South Carolina, but I also have a place in Mass. My goal is to spend time in both places, depending on the weather and also rent them during some of the time I'm not in them.

I have quite a few firearms, handguns and long guns as well as an ample supply of ammo and reloading components. Not being a resident of Mass, what can I lawfully keep in that house? Of course it would be locked in a safe and in a locked room.

I suspect I can't get an FID card, but being a home owner, does that allow me other firearms privileges?

This is not a thread for, "why the hell do you want to spend time in Mass?"

Thanks!

You can apply through the State, Executive office of Safety and Security for a one year non-resident permit, you’d have to renew yearly, depending on the community you live in here in Taxachusetts the police chief may issue you a resident LTC if you’re here half the time of the year.

Thank you!

I should mention that I used to have an out of state permit for MA as I'm from there originally and traveled there frequently. The yearly renewal became a burden, but maybe one I'll have to put up with.

Since SC will be my official state of residence, I'll have to spend more than half year there. So, if I'm in MA for slightly less than half year, could the local chief still issue me a permit?

Thanks again.

IANAL but I believe if you're not a full time resident you need the non-resident permit. I'd recommend joining over at www.northeastshooters.com as they have a bunch of knowledgeable people on the subject, as well as a few lawyers. Since this state can be kind of convoluted.


And that's just talking about licensing, not even counting if any of your guns are considered naughty by our AG.

Thanks for the link.

I didn't think the answer would be an easy one.

I'm sure many of my guns aren't allowed there.

Is ammo also a no no?

Nothing here is easy.

IANAL and it can be complicated what guns you can and can not have in MA

Be careful what you bring into MA from another state.

Cross the border with an over 10 round mag or a "dangerous" assault rife that was not previously registered here and you must be able to prove they are purchased pre-ban or you could have a problem. Pre ban is prior to July 20, 2016.

There is an approved gun list in the state of MA, it's for the citizen's health and safety .


I am not sure how this would all shake out in court as being constitutional, but I don't want to be the test case.

Just so you know all guns you buy or transfer in MA are registered into the MA database.


Again IANAL but this is what I have been told over the years when I went to buy and transfer guns in MA.

Registered Pre-ban stuff sells for a real premium here.

If you have any other questions email me.

^^^ Thank you!

Perhaps it is worth it to purchase a new gun that is on the "list", just for the sake of keeping in MA and/or transporting there when you go to visit?

SIG, for example, has SKUs for guns that are specifically on the MA roster. You can go on the SIG website to see which guns have roster-compliant SKUs. I'm sure you could get one transferred to you in SC. That and some 10 round mags would circumvent a lot of your trying to figure out what you have that's compliant without hassle.

I suggest you contact GOAL (Gun Owners Action League - GOAL.ORG ) in Mass. and ask them your specific questions. There is some incorrect information in this thread and I suggest you not take it without verifying. GOAL will be up to date on latest legislation and current case law.

I agree with OAM. Just get a gun on their roster and evacuate everything else to free America. I just left Maryland and it was very refreshing to buy/sell/use anything that is available.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I know I have guns that will be on the MA okay list and in fact one, I bought from a MA resident.

But regardless of that, I have to know if I can even keep a MA compliant gun in that house.

I signed up to northeastshooters (waiting for approval) and will contact GOAL.

Wonder if I can find the FID I was issued as a teenager?

The FID is no longer valid. All are LTC class A to E.

The "Mass approved firearms roster" has nothing to do with what is lawful to own, only what is lawful for a Mass. dealer to sell... This is a big source of confusion. Jon Green at GOAL is the person to talk to.

All previously issued "lifetime" FID cards were "expired" by the current licensing scheme.

Well, this sounds far more complicated than I expected. I should have known.

It would probably be easier to sell the MA property (likely at a HUUUGELY inflated price!) and buy a property in NH if you want/need a place in New England. Of course you don't indicate what your tie(s) to MA are either, so maybe it's not a consideration. Anyway, it's something to consider, especially if your place is North of Boston, and if it is, it's almost a no brainer. South of Boston, maybe not so much....Just Sayin'

Some members here know I actually used to live in NH for many years and enjoyed it. I was a TAG member with nhtagmember.

This place in MA is near the Cape and has a very special appeal, despite the state it's in. It's also half way between two aging sisters I hope to help along the way.

Because it's MA is the reason I want to declare residency in SC and that adds to this complication.

look into dual residency,

ATF recognizes it, so MASS may as well,

^^^ Interesting. Thanks.