Massachusetts Reciprocity

[TheArmedFarmer]

I have a medium-to-high public profile and carry for self-defense. My work takes me to Boston many times each year and it frustrates me to no end to leave my self-defense tools at home.

Texas honors the Mass permits, why can't we get them to honor ours? My question is: is there a specific roadblock to getting reciprocity with this state, and if not, how can a person get the ball rolling on this?

[lrb111]

I think the most often quoted reason for lack of reciprocity, is our lowered age limit for military. Members of the military in Texas can get concealed permits as young as 18. Some of the other states have the bar set at 21, no exceptions.

There are other reasons, some of them border on ridiculous. A good example was New Mexico did not honor Texas permits. But we could strap it on and carry openly as soon as we crossed state lines, with no permit at all. (full reciprocity w/N.M. now)

I cannot recall where it was, but there was a state out there that had a problem with Texas ability to carry in a few places where alcohol was served or sold. Like restaurants, 7-11s, Wal-mart, and grocery stores. Carry was banned in those places in that state, and they were concerned that Texans were not taught about those places.

[seamusTX]

Massachusetts issues licenses to carry a concealed handgun only to people who can demonstrate a need for one*. Generally that would be people like jewelers, high-profile individuals who have received credible death threats, and of course friends of politicians.

I think it would require an act of the Massachusetts legislature to grant blanket reciprocity to license holders from a shall-issue state, and you know how likely that is.

The Texas Attorney General is responsible for negotiating reciprocity agreements. IMO, Greg Abbott has been diligent about it. I'm sure if it could be done, it would have been done.

*There is some confusion about Massachusetts handgun licenses. The state requires a license to buy or own a handgun, but the type that is generally issued does not allow the person to carry a loaded weapon the way a Texas CHL does.

- Jim

[TheArmedFarmer]

I think it would require an act of the Massachusetts legislature to grant blanket reciprocity to license holders from a shall-issue state, and you know how likely that is.

Maybe some of my Boston friends can get the ball rolling. I'll bring this up next time I'm up there. It would be great if they could start spreading the word.

Last month when I was in Boston driving west on the MassPike, I noticed a massive sign for what I thought was a gun shop. It had pictures of AK-47's and said, "WE SELL GUNS!" and I was excited. I thought to myself, "Now, here's progress!!" Well, it turns out that it was an anti-gun billboard!

I googled and found a picture of it here:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massac ... billboard/

Glad to be a Texan.

[seamusTX]

The only possibility that I can see from a little googling is that you can apply for a Massachusetts permit if you can come up with a reason. Maybe you can find some Massachusetts RKBA group that can provide more information.

- Jim

[KBCraig]

You can apply for a Mass. LTC-A, and maybe even get one. It does cost $100 per year for non-residents, though, and must be renewed every year.

[TheArmedFarmer]

Ugh, $100 per year and even then, one has to ask permission and supply reasons for the application, and then place your hope for the license at the mercy of the rulers to grant the permission.

Still, it's better than being unarmed, I guess.

Thank you all for this information!

[jimlongley]

First of all, you have to consider the source, it's MA!

Where, in 1976, a Revolutionary War reenactor was arrested for possession of a genuine war relic.

It's a shame that the seat of the revolution has become a place that more closely resembles what was revolted against.

[davidtx]

TheArmedFarmer,

Did you ever pursue a permit for Mass? I have kids in NH and lots of friends and occasional business in MA and have been trying to figure out how to carry in both states. At a minimum, it looks expensive.

[marksiwel]

If I remember correctly (Former Boston Resident) you can have a license for Mass, but you need a special one to carry in Boston (I could be mistaken) or if you lived in Boston you had to get another license to own in the city.

Also this is a state where the local chief has to give you a license.
Read this story
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massac ... bay_state/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Fewer firearms on the street makes life safer for everyone," said Robert F. Crowley, Quincy's police chief. "The average citizen who has a gun 24-7 I don't believe has the experience, knowledge, and training to know when and if they should use a firearm."

Also
Edward Arsenault, 70, of Fairhaven, was turned down for his license renewal earlier this year because he had been convicted in juvenile court of stealing a chicken from a chicken coop when he was 9 years old, in 1946.

Theres a case of the Quincy Ex-Chief also turning down someone because they owed too much money to blockbuster on late fee's

Carry in Mass? Good Luck? Carry in Boston, get a lawyer

[marksiwel]

Also if Mass voters found out that "Texan Cowboys" are roaming their streets carrying *GASP* Guns! they would freak.

[ammo two]

Another thing is that the MASS AG has a list of approved firearms that may be carried in their State. Many of the ones that we choose to carry here in TX are not on the MASS AG's list of approved firearms. Here is the list: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/chsb/fir ... 8_2009.pdf

This may have something to do with it as well.

[seamusTX]

Thanks for posting that list.

No Colt?

No Kel-Tec or Bersa? The only .380 is the Walter PPK series.

- Jim

[marksiwel]

Another thing is that the MASS AG has a list of approved firearms that may be carried in their State. Many of the ones that we choose to carry here in TX are not on the MASS AG's list of approved firearms. Here is the list: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/chsb/fir ... 8_2009.pdf

This may have something to do with it as well.

My Browning Hi Power isnt on there? What the Deuce?

[davidtx]

no Kimber's - its worse than I though!