Question traveling in Mass

[Goathead75]

I live in CT close to the MA border and plan on making a trip to Smith and Wesson to use the range. My question is I know they have a hi-cap ban there so if I go there with my M&P with a 17 round magazine is that a no-no? Should I pick up a 10-round for when I head up there?

[LoboGunLeather]

Warning:

They burn handgun owners at the stake in Massachussetts. The old Salem witch trials are nothing when compared to how you might be treated today if you dare to enter Massachussetts with a handgun, large capacity magazine, or many other related items.

If you must go, do not take any firearms-related items with you, but a lawyer and bail bondsman in your pocket or carry-on bag may be handy to have regardless.

Enjoy your trip.

[SSW1911]

I live in Mass. and IRC being found in posession of any magazine with a capacity over 10 rounds is a felony.

For the lawyers, yes there are exceptions, license and preban to consider.This is an average Joe standard.

I would say that $30-$35 for a 10 round mag is short money relative to a felony charge and legal defense.

I think S&W may be real sensative to this as they have a lot to loose.

Give S&W a call they may even have some rental/demo mags that you can use. They have treated me as a customer very well.

What ever you do be careful the laws here are very specific, while at the same time extremely vague and leave a lot of room for confusion and/or interpretation. I don't think either is in your benefit if god forbid some how something happens and you become acquainted with the law here.

Welcome to our world!!!

[Goathead75]

So...sounds like I'll pick up a mag LOL. I know to enter the state I have to have a slide lock, trigger lock, then lock that in a case, then lock that case in the trunk, then fill the trunk with packing peanuts to deter any thieves, then hire an armed guard to ensure...ugh.

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely pick up a mag for the MA trips.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

If you don't have a non-resident permit, it is probably illegal to take the gun into MA. I'm looking at Chapter 140, section 131G, and it exempts for competition, and for meeting or exhibition of an organized group of collectors or hunting. It says nothing about going to the range. Even if you met those requirements, you would need a CT permit to carry. And that's just to POSSESS the gun in MA, no matter how you packed it.

BTW, the federal law doesn't help, either, since MA is your destination.

The only protection you have is the 2nd amendment to the U. S. Constitution, and that is mostly not in force these days.

[Goathead75]

Originally Posted by Model520Fan

If you don't have a non-resident permit, it is probably illegal to take the gun into MA. I'm looking at Chapter 140, section 131G, and it exempts for competition, and for meeting or exhibition of an organized group of collectors or hunting. It says nothing about going to the range. Even if you met those requirements, you would need a CT permit to carry. And that's just to POSSESS the gun in MA, no matter how you packed it.

BTW, the federal law doesn't help, either, since MA is your destination.

The only protection you have is the 2nd amendment to the U. S. Constitution, and that is mostly not in force these days.

I have my CT CCW permit. I had looked at that and interpreted that I could have the pistol as long as it was locked up per their requirements. I would not carry at all while there. I'll have to call the Springfield PD to get clarification on that before heading up there.

[Goathead75]

Just going through the laws again and it looks like it's ok to carry through the state, but not stop in the state so...screw prison, not worth the chance. Maybe I'll apply for a non-resident LTC next year.

[Engine 21]

Mass. is really go off the rails if Congress passes the federal reciprocity law to allow CC in any state if you have a concealed permit in your home state.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm not so sure that weird places like Boston & Brookline & Cambridge are all that happy that out-of-towners can carry in their jurisdiction, but that's the law. The sane parts of the state probably don't care. A record check is a record check, more or less.

[Goathead75]

Originally Posted by mook012

Mass. is really go off the rails if Congress passes the federal reciprocity law to allow CC in any state if you have a concealed permit in your home state.

I hope it does go through. Right now I live on the border so it's kind of ridiculous. With everything you have to go through to get your permit I mean...out of state drivers will kill more in MA than out of state ccw holders. That would be good if it goes through and passes though, I know CT supported it.

[Bob M.]

I'm so glad to have left that state back in '87. I couldn't stand having to deal with those crazy laws.