Your First Gun In Massachusetts

Step 1 — Take A Basic Firearms Safety Course

Massachusetts requires a state-approved basic firearms safety course before you can apply for a license. Courses run a few hours and are taught by Massachusetts State Police certified instructors all over the area. Ask at the counter — we keep a current list of certified instructors we trust, from one-on-one teachers to programs at local clubs.

Step 2 — Apply For Your License At Your Local PD

With your safety certificate, you apply through the licensing officer at your local police department. The two licenses you'll hear about:

• LTC (License to Carry) — what most buyers get; required for handguns.
• FID (Firearms Identification card) — covers non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns.

Each department runs its own process and timeline, so apply early and be patient.

Step 3 — Come See Us. Here's Where It Gets Easier.

This is the part we've been doing since 1994. Massachusetts handgun sales must satisfy both the state's Approved Firearms Roster and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection regulations (940 CMR 16.00) — which is why some pistols you see online can't be sold new here. You don't have to memorize any of it: everything in our shop is MA compliant or properly exempt, and we'll tell you plainly why one model is on our shelf and another isn't. New handguns also come with the AG's required safety disclosures and an approved lock — all part of the purchase, handled at the counter.

The Safety Rules We Live By

Every new shooter gets this from us either way, so here it is in writing (courtesy of the NRA's rules of gun safety):

• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.
• Keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
• Know how the gun operates, and be sure gun and ammunition are compatible.
• Be sure of your target — and what's beyond it.
• Wear eye and ear protection; never mix alcohol or drugs with shooting.
• Store guns and ammunition locked and inaccessible to unauthorized users — especially children. (Teach kids the NRA Eddie Eagle rule: Stop. Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.)

After The Purchase

• Ammunition — bring your valid MA license every time you buy; it's required, no exceptions. See our ammunition page.
• Storage — Massachusetts requires firearms be stored securely locked. We stock safes, lock boxes and trigger locks.
• Join a club — the fastest way to become a good shooter is trigger time with good people. There are dozens of clubs around us — Woburn Sportsmen's Association, Mystic Valley Gun Club and the Massachusetts Rifle Association among them. Ask us which fits what you want to do.