Massachusetts is not firearm friendly. If carrying, you need to pass on through the state quickly. Keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
Massachusetts Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: restricted
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: prohibited
Concealed carry: may issue on judgment, some permits from other states accepted
Vehicle carry handguns: prohibited
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded, cased and stored away
Official source information
Massachusetts General Law
Massachusetts Legislature
State Firearms Association
Massachusetts State Home Page
Do you have any experiences in Massachusetts that you care to share with other travelers?
How did Massachusetts devolve from the very cradle of the American Revolution full of gun nuts into a authoritarian Nanny State par excellence that bans guns?
Holy cow. I may be traveling through Mass. in 2010, but my gun will be locked up in my trunk, and I’ll be driving like a nun…
Great Web site!
This is bad information. MA DOES have a castle doctrine, and has for years now. Vehicle carry handguns is allowed locked and cased unloaded and out of the “direct control” of anyone in the vehicle, vehicle conceal carry is allowed with a Class A LTC, Only Handgun ownership is restricted, long guns only require FID card which is “Shall Issue”. And although open carry in NOT something you want to do in MA It is NOT illegal. This has been confirmed by the MA State Police….But Again Don’t do it…not worth it.