How to Sell a Gun in Massachusetts: A Comprehensive Guide of Massachusetts Gun Laws

Massachusetts has some of the strongest gun laws in the United States. There are special conditions set by the state legislature for residents of Massachusetts to own, transfer and sell a firearm in the state.

It’s a drawn-out, strict system in order to meet the requirements to own, sell and transfer a firearm that can be challenging to navigate. Being informed of these laws is crucial for gun owners and those looking to become a gun owner in the state. For those unfamiliar with the process to legally own, sell or transfer a gun in The Bay State, this article will help understanding some of the laws currently in place.

The following information is compiled from the official website of the Massachusetts State Legislature

What Selling Options do Gun Owners Have in Massachusetts?

There are a few ways gun owners can sell a firearm in a legal transaction:

Gun owners can sell a firearm to a local dealer. This is a good way to help ensure gun owners are complying with gun laws in Massachusetts for firearm sales. However, sellers may be leaving money on the table by selling for much less than the gun’s actual market value.
Gun owners can sell a firearm through a private transaction. In the state of Massachusetts, the law requires all individuals who sell, transfer, inherit or lose a firearm to report the sale, transfer, inheritance or loss of the firearms to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services Firearms Records Bureau. For those conducting a private firearms transaction, make sure all parties have a firearm license and that the transfer of the gun is recorded in the state database or the parties involved will risk legal troubles of their own.
Another option if simply wanting to legally dispose of a firearm is surrendering it to local law enforcement. However, by doing this, gun owners potentially lose on hundreds or even thousands of dollars those guns could be worth in a sale.

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What is the Process of Buying a Firearm from a Dealer in Massachusetts?

To purchase and possess a firearm legally, a Firearm Identification Card is required unless otherwise exempt. Your local police department is your licensing authority and can provide the forms and information needed to apply.

New FID applicants must be 18 years or older (or 14–17 years of age with parental consent). Applicants 14 years old may apply, but will not be issued the card until they reach age 15). In accordance with MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 129B; The fee for an FID card is $100.00 for people 18 years of age or older and $25 for applicants under 18 years of age. It is valid for 6 years.

Anyone buying a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer must complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms form 4473. The purchaser must, under the permanent provisions of the Federal Brady Law, also undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System check, which will be performed by the licensed firearms dealer.

The check will indicate to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background allows for the person to complete the purchase of the firearm. If the check disallows the sale for no warranted reason, there is an appeal process the purchaser can pursue to receive the necessary clearance to complete the purchase.

Massachusetts Firearm Ownership Restrictions

In Massachusetts, There is a “Assault Weapons” ban the restricts certian types of firearms. Prohibited guns according to Massachusetts law, a large-capacity firearm is defined as a semi-automatic handgun or rifle that can accept more than ten rounds or is a semi-automatic shotgun capable of accepting more than five shotgun shells or is an “assault weapon.” A rifle with a fixed tubular magazine designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber ammunition is not a large-capacity firearm.

No person shall sell, offer for sale, transfer or possess an assault weapon or a large capacity feeding device that was not otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994.

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FEDERAL DISQUALIFICATION CATEGORIES

Conviction (felony or misdemeanor) where the crime has a maximum imprisonment term exceeding 1 year (even if a buyer did not receive actual imprisonment exceeding 1 year).
Warrant (felony or out-of-state misdemeanor).
Felony pre-trial release.
Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence restraining/stalking/protection order mental health adjudication or commitment.
Unlawful use or addicted to a controlled substance (including marijuana).
Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
Renounced U.S. citizenship.
Illegal alien.

Save the Hassle, Sell your Gun to Dunlap Gun Buyers

If the hassle of navigating Massachusetts’ gun laws seems overwhelming, we’re excited to tell you that there’s a better way!

You can safely, easily and legally sell your handgun or long gun to Dunlap Gun Buyers and be 100% compliant with Massachusetts gun laws.

We have a Federal Firearms Licensee, who is licensed by the U.S. Government to help people with selling and transferring of firearms. We take care of the hard part and make the process safe, quick and hassle-free. The reality is you can sell your gun without leaving the house.

Just tell us which gun(s) you’d like to sell, we’ll make you an offer, and once we agree on a price, you’ll mail us your gun(s) with all expenses paid by us. When we receive your gun(s), we get you paid with a check in your hand within a few days.

When you use Dunlap Gun Buyers, you get the following unbeatable benefits!

Free gun appraisal – Fair price for your gun – Free shipping

Easy shipment tracking throughout the whole process. Speedy payment!

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“Disclaimer”
The information contained on this website has been prepared as a service to the internet community and is not intended to constitute legal advice. CashMyGuns.com has used reasonable efforts in collecting, preparing, and providing quality information and material, but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the information contained in or linked to this website. Users of information from this website or links do so at their own risk and should consult their local firearm law resources and/or an attorney when engaging in selling a firearm. The cited information in this article was obtained on 09/17/23 from https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section129B, mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-guns-and-other-weapons, mass.gov/info-details/gun-ownership-in-massachusetts, atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/massachusetts-firearms-statutes-and-codes/download, mircs.chs.state.ma.us/fa10/action/home?app_context=home&app_action=presentHome