Glossary
Key terms and abbreviations used in Massachusetts firearms law.
- AWB
- Assault Weapons Ban. Massachusetts state law (MGL Ch. 140 §131M) prohibiting the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity feeding devices.
- Class A LTC
- License to Carry Class A. Allows the holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess, and carry all legal firearms, rifles, shotguns, and feeding devices.
- Class B LTC
- License to Carry Class B. No longer issued; holders may carry non-large-capacity handguns and possess large-capacity rifles and shotguns.
- EOPSS
- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The Massachusetts state agency responsible for maintaining the Approved Firearms Roster and overseeing public safety.
- FA-10
- The firearms transaction report form that must be filed with the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services for all private firearms sales and transfers.
- FID
- Firearms Identification Card. Permits the holder to purchase, possess, and transport non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns.
- FRB
- Firearms Records Bureau. The division within DCJIS responsible for processing firearms licenses and maintaining records.
- Large Capacity
- A feeding device (magazine) capable of accepting more than 10 rounds of ammunition, or a firearm capable of accepting such a device.
- LTC
- License to Carry. The Massachusetts firearms license that permits the purchase, possession, and carrying of all legal firearms including handguns.
- MGL
- Massachusetts General Laws. The codified statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- MIRCS
- Massachusetts Instant Record Check System. The state background check system used during firearms transactions.
- Pre-Ban
- Refers to firearms manufactured before September 13, 1994, which may be exempt from certain provisions of the Massachusetts Assault Weapons Ban.
- Roster
- The Approved Firearms Roster maintained by EOPSS listing handguns approved for sale by licensed dealers in Massachusetts.
- Suitable Person
- A determination made by the local licensing authority that an applicant is a responsible individual based on character, background, and need for a firearms license.