Massachusetts Law on the Sale of Antique Guns.

[maantiquegunguy]

Hello Again, I am wondering if anyone in here is from Mass and knows EXACTLY what the laws are for the sale of antique guns. I work for an auction house and my boss purchased approx. 100 antique guns (many i have posted on here and I have gotten wonderful help thus far) and we are very unclear on what the ACTUAL laws state. We do know that any antique gun that was made 1898 or earlier is considered to an "antique" gun and can be sold. However, I called the State house and talk to someone from the firearms division and they stated that, as the 1898 law is true, there are some guns that even though are made before 1898, may still actually be illegal to sell. I belive he said that any black powder or any "conventional centerfire ammunition" gun cannot be sold in the State of Massachusetts. The 1898 law is Federal so i know each state has it's own laws on the selling of antique guns. I ask that you can provide some sort of proof or eveidence so i can print it out and show my boss. He's not much of a computer guy and always likes things on paper. Thank You In advance

[A1A]

Everyone, especially in the business, should be familiar with the NRA-ILA site. Whether or not you can accurately interpret the laws is another story. Also, a Google search on Massachusetts firearm laws antiques will yield some reading.

NRA-ILA ::

[A1A]

We do know that any antique gun that was made 1898 or earlier is considered to an "antique" gun and can be sold. However, I called the State house and talk to someone from the firearms division and they stated that, as the 1898 law is true, there are some guns that even though are made before 1898, may still actually be illegal to sell. I belive he said that any black powder or any "conventional centerfire ammunition" gun cannot be sold in the State of Massachusetts.

Their definition seems to include a condition of "not designed for firing fixed ammunition or which uses fixed ammunition no longer manufactured ... ". It does sound like black powder fits the definition, but I am not a lawyer (or even a spokesperson).

[maantiquegunguy]

Well see our problem with figuring out what the hell the LAW actually states. As you said, being able to interpret what all the mumbo jumbo between the actual laws is the toughest part. I have read many of the laws as well as other things trying to figure this out, but the problem is, just like any law book or description of the law, it has to refer to other parts of the manual and then contradicts its self within the same paragraph. Its very confusing for us because we have never worked with antique guns. This is our first "shot" (no pun intended) at it and my boss wanted to make 100% sure he would not get in trouble for selling them. The way we see it, is a black powder gun cannot be sold because ANYONE with the knowledge of melting lead can make the lead ball used to fire the gun.

[Blackjack33]

If your boss bought 100 antique guns without knowing whether or not he can sell them, then I think it is time for him to hire some competent legal advise.....someone very familiar with Massachusetts firearms law. As a suggestion, contact your local NRA rep (go to the NRA website) and he/she might be able to point you in the right direction. Also, I believe your local bar association will give you suggestions as to attorneys in your area who specialize in this area. Good luck!

[maantiquegunguy]

To simplify, i understand what the law is stating, but how the hell do i know if a gun made 1898 or earlier is a fixed ammunition gun?

[maantiquegunguy]

If your boss bought 100 antique guns without knowing whether or not he can sell them, then I think it is time for him to hire some competent legal advise.....someone very familiar with Massachusetts firearms law. As a suggestion, contact your local NRA rep (go to the NRA website) and he/she might be able to point you in the right direction. Also, I believe your local bar association will give you suggestions as to attorneys in your area who specialize in this area. Good luck!

Well we had a gun broker tell us which one he said were legal to sell without any type of paper work. However, after calling the states firearms commission, they confused us by telling us that even though a gun may be manufactured before the 1898 date, it still may be illegal to sell. This is what im trying to tell everyone that keeps saying that we dont know what we're doing or whatever. We have taken all the necessary precautions but the 1 problem we ran into is what the state house said.

[maantiquegunguy]

@Blackjack, My boss is an old man that has been dealing with antiques for the past 30 years. You dont understand how this man really is. All he cares about is making money so if he goes over to Europe (like he did) and see's 100 antique guns for sale and he thinks he can make some money on them, he's not going to figure laws and regulations. He's going to want to get them in his possession and then sort out all the details. Thats why i am unfortunately in this predicament because he knows nothing about how to use a computer. I personally am not familiar with guns and any of its ammunition. Therefor i am a complete green horn when it comes to laws a regulations of the selling of antique guns. If my boss had to hire a lawyer, that would mean more money spent and less profit on the guns. Like i said, older man that very set in his ways and does things the old fashioned way. Hence why i am here posting trying to figure out as much info as i can instead of him paying a lawyer or someone in the field to figure it all out.

[Hobie]

A cartridge is "fixed ammunition" so it would seem that any cartridge gun is restricted. However, I am not a lawyer, don't live in MA (for a reason despite familial connections to the state) and you aren't to take my "advice". GET A LAWYER. Better yet, move the guns to VA to sell. No problems here.