As with many other parts of the new Massachusetts gun laws, the repealing of the black powder ammunition components exemptions is among them.

Prior to the passage of Chapter 135, there was a clear exemption in MGL Chapter 140, Section 129C the follwing exemption existed:

"(p) Carrying or possession by residents or nonresidents of so-called black powder rifles, shotguns, and ammunition therefor as described in such paragraphs (A) and (B) of the third paragraph of section 121, and the carrying or possession of conventional rifles, shotguns, and ammunition therefor by nonresidents who meet the requirements for such carrying or possession in the state in which they reside." 

With no explanation as to why, this subsection was stricken.

It is clear that if the gun meets the definition of "Antique Firearm" then no license is required. The same can longer be said for the ammunition components. With a specific exemption no longer in place, it would seem that residents and non-residents alike now need a firearm license to possess the ammunition components for "Antique Firearms".

There has been some speculation that there is some sort of exemption in federal law. GOAL has been unable to find a federal law, or regulation, that would override a state license mandate. Even if it does exist, it is unlikely that the Commonwealth would recognize it.

Regardless, there is no information forthcoming from any state source as to how, and if, it will be enforced.

  “Antique firearm”, any firearm or replica thereof manufactured in or prior to the year 1899 if such firearm: (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; provided, that “antique firearm” shall include any muzzle loading rifle, shotgun or pistol that is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and that cannot use fixed ammunition, unless the firearm: (a) incorporates a firearm frame or receiver; (b) is converted into a muzzle loading firearm; or (c) is a muzzle loading firearm that can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.

  “Firearm”, a stun gun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, large capacity firearm, assault-style firearm and machine gun, loaded or unloaded, which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a shot or bullet; the frame or receiver of any such firearm or the unfinished frame or receiver of any such firearm; provided, however, that “firearm” shall not include any antique firearm or permanently inoperable firearm.