2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Massachusetts (MA) for 2026

2026 Firearm Ownership Restrictions in Massachusetts

Massachusetts enforces a ban on both specific “Assault Weapons” and firearms defined as “Large-Capacity Firearms.” According to state law (M.G.L. c. 140, § 121), a “large-capacity firearm” is defined as:

• A semi-automatic handgun or rifle capable of accepting more than ten rounds of ammunition.
• A semi-automatic shotgun capable of accepting more than five shotgun shells.
• Any firearm that meets the state’s definition of an “assault weapon.”

An exception exists for rifles with a fixed tubular magazine designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; these are not considered large-capacity firearms.

Crucially, under M.G.L. c. 140, § 131M, no person shall sell, offer for sale, transfer, or possess an assault weapon or a large-capacity feeding device (a magazine, box, drum, etc., capable of holding more than 10 rounds or 5 shotgun shells) that was not otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994. Items possessed before this date are generally considered “grandfathered” (pre-ban) and may be possessed with the proper License to Carry (LTC).

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 Cash My Guns

Given the overwhelming complexity of Massachusetts’ gun laws—which mandate specific licenses (FID/LTC), compliance with the Assault Weapon Ban, and mandatory electronic reporting to the E-FA-10 system for transfers—selling a firearm privately can be stressful and legally hazardous.

Cash My Guns offers a simplified, safe, and fully legal alternative for selling your handgun or long gun, ensuring 100% compliance with all Massachusetts and federal regulations. We eliminate the hard part by utilizing our Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), who is government-licensed to manage the entire legal transfer process.

The reality is you can sell your gun without leaving the house: simply tell us which firearm(s) you wish 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, making the process safe, quick, and completely hassle-free.

When you use Cash My Guns, 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!

Begin our safe and discrete process here.