Storage & Transportation

Learn what Massachusetts law says about storing and transporting firearms.

Storage

Firearms storage

If any firearm is not under your control or being carried, it needs to be properly stored. When storing any firearm, it has to be "secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device". Examples of mechanical locks and safety devices include trigger locks and cable locks. The definition of secured in a locked container allows for storing firearms in lockable glove boxes and center consoles and locked vehicle trunks that are inaccessible from the passenger compartment.

Ammunition storage

Massachusetts fire code requires ammunition to be "stored in original containers and such containers shall be stored in a locked cabinet, closet or box when not in use." Additionally, regulations prescribe a limit to the amount of bulk ammunition that can be stored in a building without a permit. For example, for small arms ammunition the limits are as follows:

• Not more than 10,000 rounds of rim fire ammunition
• Not more than 10,000 rounds of center fire ammunition
• Not more than 5,000 rounds of shotgun ammunition

Citations

Transportation

When transporting firearms in a vehicle within MA, loaded handguns need to be under your control or otherwise unloaded. There are no other requirements for handguns.

Large capacity rifles and shotguns need to be unloaded and secured in a locked container. Trigger locks and cable locks will not be sufficient when transporting large capacity rifles and shotguns.

Other than needing to be unloaded, there are no transportation requirements set for rifles and shotguns that are not considered large capacity, such as bolt-action rifles or pump shotguns.

FAQ

Does a firearm need to be unloaded or kept separate from the ammo when storing it?

No, there is no requirement to keep firearms unloaded or separate from ammunition when being stored.

Can I store or transport a firearm in a soft but lockable bag?

Yes. Massachusetts law does not mention a required material type for the locked container when transporting or storing firearms.

Can I openly display my firearms in my home?

Yes, but any firearms that are not stored in locked containers or under your control must at least be equipped with a safety device or lock that renders them inoperable from unauthorized people.