Massachusetts Firearms Storage Laws:
What You Need to Know

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 131L^[1] establishes mandatory storage requirements for all firearms. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024^[2] enhanced the penalty structure significantly. Failure to comply can result in criminal charges, substantial fines, and loss of your firearms license.

The Law

It shall be unlawful to store or keep any firearm, rifle, or shotgun (including large capacity models and machine guns) in any place unless such weapon is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such weapon inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. Stun guns must also be secured in a locked container accessible only to the owner or authorized user.

What Counts as "Secured"

• A locked hard-sided gun case
• A gun safe or vault
• A trigger lock or cable lock properly engaged
• A lock box securely attached to a permanent structure

When Storage Requirements Do NOT Apply

The storage requirement does not apply when the firearm is being carried on the person of or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user. If you are home and the firearm is within your immediate control (such as on your person or within arm's reach), you are not required to have it locked. However, when you leave the room or go to sleep, the firearm must be secured.

Penalties (Tiered Under Chapter 135)

Chapter 135 introduced a tiered penalty structure based on weapon type and whether a minor gained access:

• Non-large-capacity rifle or shotgun: Fine of $1,000 to $7,500, or imprisonment up to 1.5 years, or both
• Large capacity weapon or machine gun: Fine of $2,000 to $15,000, or imprisonment of 1.5 to 12 years, or both
• Non-large-capacity rifle/shotgun where a minor under 18 (without FID) may access: Fine of $2,500 to $15,000, or imprisonment of 1.5 to 12 years, or both
• Large capacity weapon, firearm, or machine gun where a minor under 18 may access: Fine of $10,000 to $20,000, or imprisonment of 4 to 15 years, or both

Best Practices

• Invest in a quality gun safe rated by UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
• Use both a safe and trigger locks for additional security layers
• Store ammunition separately from firearms when possible
• Keep safe combinations and keys away from unauthorized persons
• Consider a quick-access biometric safe for home defense firearms
• Check the EOPSS list of approved locking devices for compliant options