Massachusetts has specific requirements governing how firearms are stored and how certain firearms are carried or transported in vehicles.
The rules can change depending on the firearm, whether it is loaded, your license, magazine capacity, and whether the firearm remains under your direct control.
What Rules Apply to Me?
Storage & Transportation Navigator
Answer these questions for a starting-point explanation of the Massachusetts laws that may apply.
1. Massachusetts Safe Storage Law
Massachusetts firearm storage requirements are primarily contained in M.G.L. c. 140, §131L.
- secured in a locked container; or
- equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so the firearm cannot be operated by anyone other than the owner or another lawfully authorized user.
2. When Is a Firearm Not Considered "Stored"?
Section 131L contains an important distinction.
carried by or under the control of the owner or another lawfully authorized user.
This distinction is important because Massachusetts law treats a firearm under your control differently from one that has been left stored or unattended.
3. What Is a Locked Container?
Massachusetts law defines a locked container in M.G.L. c. 140, §121.
Firearm owners should use a container that satisfies the current statutory definition and is secured against unauthorized access.
4. Loaded Firearms in Vehicles
M.G.L. c. 140, §131C specifically regulates loaded firearms carried in vehicles.
This rule applies to persons carrying under licenses or authority identified in §131C, including §§129B, 131 and 131F and applicable §129C exemptions.
5. Large-Capacity Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles
Large-capacity rifles and shotguns have an additional vehicle rule.
This requirement applies even when the person otherwise has the licensing authority to possess the firearm.
6. Large-Capacity Feeding Devices
Large-capacity feeding devices require a separate legal analysis under M.G.L. c. 140, §131M.
Section 131M generally prohibits possession of a large-capacity feeding device, subject to specific exceptions.
For qualifying large-capacity feeding devices lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994, §131M allows possession in specified locations and travel to and from those locations.
During qualifying travel, the feeding device must be:
- unloaded; and
- secured in a locked container.
7. Where Can a Qualifying Large-Capacity Feeding Device Go?
The locations identified in §131M include:
Property owned or legally controlled by the person possessing it.
With the express permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
For lawful repair.
To and from the locations authorized by §131M.
8. Leaving a Firearm in a Vehicle
A firearm left unattended in a vehicle should be analyzed under both the vehicle transportation requirements of §131C and the safe-storage requirements of §131L.
Do not rely on the rule for a firearm being carried or under your control after you leave the vehicle.
9. FID Holders
An FID does not provide the same possession authority as an LTC.
Under current M.G.L. c. 140, §129B, an FID generally authorizes possession of rifles and shotguns that are:
- not large-capacity; and
- not semiautomatic.
10. LTC Holders
An LTC provides broader possession and carry authority, but it does not eliminate the requirements of §§131C and 131L.
11. Nonresidents
Nonresidents have additional licensing and exemption issues under M.G.L. c. 140, §§129C and 131F.
Section 129C contains specific exemptions for qualifying nonresidents possessing certain rifles and shotguns for activities such as:
- hunting;
- shooting-range use;
- travel through Massachusetts; and
- certain firearm shows or displays.
12. Traveling Through Massachusetts
A person merely traveling through Massachusetts should not assume that another state's firearm license controls Massachusetts law.
Review:
- M.G.L. c. 140, §129C;
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131C;
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131L;
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131F where applicable; and
- federal interstate transportation protections where applicable.
13. Traveling to a Shooting Range
Before traveling to a shooting range, determine:
- whether you may lawfully possess the firearm;
- whether it must be unloaded;
- whether a locked container is required;
- whether the firearm is large-capacity;
- whether you possess a large-capacity feeding device;
- whether §131M limits where that feeding device may be possessed; and
- whether any nonresident exemption applies.
14. Traveling to Hunt
Firearm transportation law and hunting law operate together.
Hunters should separately review:
- firearm licensing requirements;
- §131C vehicle requirements;
- §131L storage requirements;
- §131M where applicable;
- Chapter 131 hunting laws; and
- 321 CMR hunting regulations.
15. Restricted Locations
Massachusetts separately restricts firearms in certain locations. Before traveling with a firearm, determine whether possession is lawful at the destination.
Restricted-location questions can involve:
- schools;
- government buildings;
- courthouses;
- polling locations;
- private property restrictions;
- other statutorily restricted areas; and
- location-specific rules or policies.
16. Penalties for Improper Storage
Violations of §131L can carry substantial criminal penalties. The potential penalty depends on factors including:
- the firearm involved;
- whether it is large-capacity;
- whether it is semiautomatic;
- whether it is a machine gun; and
- whether a person under 18 could gain access.
17. Vehicle Violations Can Affect Your License
Section 131C contains more than a monetary penalty.
The statute also restricts issuance of a new license or card for one year following the revocation.
18. Storage vs. Transportation
| Situation | Starting Rule |
|---|---|
| Firearm stored at home | Review §131L — locked container or qualifying engaged locking/safety device. |
| Firearm carried or under your direct control | It is not considered "stored or kept" under §131L, but other carry laws still apply. |
| Loaded firearm in vehicle | Review §131C — direct control is required under the applicable provision. |
| Large-capacity rifle or shotgun in vehicle | Unloaded and secured in a locked container under §131C. |
| Qualifying large-capacity feeding device during authorized travel | Unloaded and secured in a locked container under §131M. |
| Nonresident traveling under applicable §129C exemption | Applicable rifles/shotguns must be unloaded and in a locked container. |
19. GOAL Guidance
GOAL recommends treating firearm storage and transportation as separate questions from basic firearm possession.
Before leaving home with a firearm, identify:
- your license or exemption;
- the firearm type;
- whether the firearm is semiautomatic;
- whether it is large-capacity;
- whether it is loaded;
- whether a large-capacity feeding device is involved;
- how the firearm will be secured;
- whether it remains under your control; and
- whether possession is lawful at your destination.
Storage & Transportation Checklist
LTC, FID, nonresident LTC, or statutory exemption.
Handgun, rifle, shotgun, semiautomatic, large-capacity, or assault-style firearm.
Determine the firearm's condition before entering the vehicle.
Large-capacity firearms and feeding devices can trigger additional rules.
Make sure your storage method satisfies Massachusetts law when required.
Determine whether the firearm remains under your control.
Lawful transport does not necessarily mean lawful possession when you arrive.
Hunting, ranges, competitions, dealers, and interstate travel may involve additional laws.
Primary Sources
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131L — firearm storage.
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131C — firearms in vehicles.
- M.G.L. c. 140, §129C — licensing exemptions and certain nonresident possession and travel.
- M.G.L. c. 140, §131M — assault-style firearms and large-capacity feeding devices.
- M.G.L. c. 269, §10 — firearm possession and certain restricted-location provisions.
- GOAL — Chapter 135 Resource Center
Massachusetts firearm statutes, regulations, agency guidance, and court decisions can change. Verify current law before storing, carrying, or transporting a firearm or feeding device.