Brief Overview Of Massachusetts State Laws Concerning Air Guns
Massachusetts state law prohibits furnishing an air gun to anyone under the age of 18, with the exception of a minor’s parent / guardian or an adult teacher / instructor.
Massachusetts state law also prohibits a minor from possessing an air gun in a place which the public has right of access to unless the are accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a sporting / hunting license and has a permit (on your person) from the chief of police in the town in which they reside granting them the right to possess the air gun.
State Air Gun Laws:
No minor under the age of eighteen shall have an air rifle or so-called BB gun in his possession while in any place to which the public has a right of access unless he is accompanied by an adult or unless he is the holder of a sporting or hunting license and has on his person a permit from the chief of police of the town in which he resides granting him the right of such possession. No person shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or so-called BB gun into, from or across any street, alley, public way or railroad or railway right of way, and no minor under the age of eighteen shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or BB gun unless he is accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a sporting or hunting license. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, and the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall be confiscated. Upon a conviction of a violation of this section the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall, by the written authority of the court, be forwarded to the colonel of the state police, who may dispose of said article in the same manner as prescribed in section ten.
Whoever sells to a minor under the age of eighteen or whoever, not being the parent, guardian or adult teacher or instructor, furnishes to a minor under the age of eighteen an air rifle or so-called BB gun, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months.
Massachusetts law prohibits anyone from furnishing an air rifle or BB gun to a person under age 18, except the minor’s parent, guardian or adult teacher or instructor. In addition, any person, including a parent, guardian or adult teacher or instructor, is prohibited from selling an air rifle or BB gun to a person under age 18.
Massachusetts law also prohibits any person under age 18 from having an air rifle or BB gun in his or her possession while in any place to which the public has a right of access unless:
•He or she is accompanied by an adult; or
•He or she is the holder of a sporting or hunting license and has on his or her person a permit from the chief of police of the town in which he resides granting him or her the right of such possession.
Whoever sells to a minor under the age of eighteen or whoever, not being the parent, guardian or adult teacher or instructor, furnishes to a minor under the age of eighteen an air rifle or so-called BB gun, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months.
No minor under the age of eighteen shall have an air rifle or so-called BB gun in his possession while in any place to which the public has a right of access unless he is accompanied by an adult or unless he is the holder of a sporting or hunting license and has on his person a permit from the chief of police of the town in which he resides granting him the right of such possession. No person shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or so-called BB gun into, from or across any street, alley, public way or railroad or railway right of way, and no minor under the age of eighteen shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or BB gun unless he is accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a sporting or hunting license. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, and the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall be confiscated. Upon a conviction of a violation of this section the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall, by the written authority of the court, be forwarded to the colonel of the state police, who may dispose of said article in the same manner as prescribed in section ten.
How old do you need to be to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts you must be 18 Years Old to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun.
Massachusetts Air Gun Hunting Regulations
Massachusetts allows air gun hunting for certain species. These species include:
• Chipmunk
• Porcupine
• Skunk
• Sparrow
• Weasel
• Woodchuck
Air Gun Laws In Local Jurisdictions
Below are a list of towns and cities from the state of Massachusetts and the laws and regulations regarding airguns, BB guns, pellet guns and the like for each jurisdiction.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
16-5B REGULATING REPLICA FIREARMS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON.
16-5B.1 Definitions.
As used herein, the following word shall have the following meanings: Replica firearm shall mean any toy, imitation, facsimile or replica pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, air rifle, B-B gun, pellet gun, machine gun, or other similar simulated weapon which, because of its color, size, shape, or other characteristics, can reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm capable of firing a bullet or other projectile. (Ord. 2015 c. 10 § 1)
16-5B.2 Regulation.
No person shall sell, offer to sell, possess, use, display or give away, any replica firearm on a public property unless:
a. The entire exterior surface of the imitation firearm is colored white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern; or
b. The imitation firearm is constructed entirely of transparent or translucent materials which permits unmistakable observation of the imitation firearm’s complete contents; and
c. The barrel of the imitation firearm, other than the barrel of a water gun, is closed with a blase orange plug, permanently affixed, of the same material of which the imitation firearm is made, for a distance of not less than one-half inch from the front end of said barrel; and
d. The imitation firearm had legibly stamped thereon, the name of the manufacturer or some trade name, mark or brand by which the manufacturer can be readily identified; and e. The imitation firearm does not have a laser pointer attached (Ord. 2015 c. 10 § 1)
16-5B.3 Enforcement.
If any individual under eighteen (18) years of age is found with a replica firearm by a member of the Boston Police Department, the officer shall contact his or her parent or guardian to inform them that the individual has been found with a replica firearm on public property. Parents or guardians shall be informed that they will be able to pick up the replica firearms at the district station after twenty-four (24) hours. The officer shall confiscate the replica firearm and bring it to the district station for holding. If the individual is over eighteen (18) years of age, the officer shall confiscate the replica firearm(s) and inform the individual that they can pick the item(s) up at the district station after twenty-four (24) hours. (Ord. 2015 c. 10 § 1)
BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 9.16 WEAPONS – Cambridge, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
9.16.060 – Bows, arrows and air gun discharge prohibited.
No person shall shoot with or use a bow and arrow or air gun in a street, or upon or from any bridge.
(Prior code § 13-12)
CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
ARTICLE IV. OFFENSES INVOLVING PUBLIC SAFETY Chelsea, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 16-76. Possession, use and sale of dangerous weapons.
(a) No person shall fire or discharge any air rifle, so-called BB gun, firearm or cannon within the city; however, this section shall not apply to the use of such weapons:
(1) At any military exercise authorized by the authority of the state or by the city council;
(2) At any military review;
(3) In the lawful defense of the person, family or property of any person; or
(4) By a police officer in the lawful performance of official duty;
provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to persons engaged in target shooting on a firing range within the building of a gun club licensed to be used for such purpose and who has in immediate possession a permit from the chief of police granting such person the right of such possession.
(b) No person, except as provided by law, shall carry, or carry under such person’s control in a vehicle:
(1) Those weapons and instruments mentioned in M.G.L. c. 269, § 10(b) and M.G.L. c. 269, § 12
(2) Any knife having any type of blade in excess of four inches by one inch tapered to a sharpened tip (except when actually engaged in hunting, fishing or in any employment which requires the use of such a knife or in going to or returning directly from such activities); or
(3) Other object or tool so redesigned, fashioned, prepared or treated that the same may be used to inflict serious bodily harm or for other unlawful purposes.
(c) Any individual who has violated any provision of this section shall be subject to arrest and a criminal fine of not more than $300.00 for each offense, and shall in all other respects be subject to the provisions of section 1-8
(d) Upon a conviction of a violation for the possession or use of a dangerous weapon, or a violation of this section, the weapon involved shall, by written authority of the court, be forwarded to the commissioner of public safety, who may dispose of said article in the same manner as prescribed in M.G.L. c. 269, § 12B.
(e) No person shall sell an air rifle or air pistol to a person under the age of 18 years.
(Code 1994, § 2-9)
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
No listed air-gun ordinances.
GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Gloucester, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 21-11. Playing ball, shooting air guns, throwing snowballs, skateboarding, etc.
(a) No person shall shoot with or use a bow and arrow, sling or air gun, play at ball, fly any kite or balloon or throw a stone, snowball or any other missile in any street of the city.
HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 54 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Holyoke, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 54-16. Air rifles, BB guns and paint ball guns.
(a) No person shall sell to a minor under the age of 18 any air rifle, BB gun or paint ball gun and no person, not being the parent or guardian, shall furnish to any minor under the age of 18 any air rifle, BB gun or paint ball gun. Whoever violates this provision shall be punished by a fine of $150.00.
(b) No minor under the age of 18 shall have any air rifle, BB gun or paint ball gun in his possession while in any place to which the public has a right of access unless he is accompanied by an adult or unless he is the holder of a sporting or hunting license and has on his person a permit from the chief of police, granting him the right of such possession. Whoever violates this provision shall be punished by a fine of $100.00.
(c) No person shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle, BB gun or paintball bun in or across the streets, highways, public parks, school properties or any other public areas of the city. Whoever violates this provision shall be punished by a fine of $100.00.
(d) Any police officer witnessing a violation of subsections (a), (b) or (c) shall have the right to arrest such person without a warrant.
(Ord. of 10-7-08 [11th amd.], § 1; Ord. of 12-20-11 [13th amd.], § 1)
LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 9.12 WEAPONS – Lawrence, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
9.12.010 – Discharging firearms.
No person shall, except in the performance of some duty required by law or upon permission from the city council, discharge any air gun or gun, pistol or other firearm in or upon any street or public place, or within 100 yards thereof, or in any building, or within 100 yards of any building in the city.
(Prior code § 20-5)
MEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Medford, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 58-2. – Use of firearms; building of bonfires.
No person shall fire or discharge a cannon, gun, fowling-piece, air rifle or firearm, or make any bonfire within the limits of the city, except at a military exercise or review authorized by the military authority of the commonwealth or by the city council, and except in the lawful defense of persons or family or property of a citizen, except by authority provided by law; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to persons engaged in trap or target shooting on the grounds of a gun club licensed for such purposes by the city.
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 17 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS – New Bedford, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 17-7. – Discharging weapons, throwing of missiles, depositing stench bombs, etc.
No person shall, except in the performance of some duty required by law, discharge any gun, pistol or other firearm or any “BB” gun, air rifle, paintball gun or other such gun, or use a bow and arrow, or throw stones, snowballs or other missiles, or throw, drop, pour, deposit, discharge or squirt any liquid gaseous or solid whether or not it be injurious to person or property or whether it be nauseous, sickening, irritating or offensive to any of the senses, with intent to wrongfully injure, molest, discomfort or discommode another, in or upon any street, public place or wharf in the city or upon, at or from any vehicle moving or stationary, or at any building, tree or other public or private property or upon or at any person in or upon such street, public place or wharf, except by the written permission of the chief of police.
NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 10 MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES – Newburyport, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
Shooting bow and arrow, sling, air gun; flying kites, balloons; throwing stones, snowballs, etc.
No person shall shoot with or use a bow and arrow, sling or air gun, play ball or fly any kite or balloon, or throw a stone, snowball or other missile in any street.
PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 20 OFFENSES Peabody, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 20-1. Discharge of firearms; prohibited; exceptions.
No person shall, except as authorized or required by law, fire or discharge any gun, fowling piece or other firearm or an air rifle within the city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the chief of police or other police officers in the performance of their duties nor to the use of such weapon at any military exercise or at any established rifle range or in the lawful defense of the person, family or property of any citizen, nor to the rights and privileges of an owner or lessee of land as set forth in M.G.L.A., c. 131 nor shall the provisions of this section apply to persons lawfully upon private property with the express written permission of the owner thereof nor to persons upon public property with the express written permission of the chief of police.
QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 9.08 OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY – Quincy, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
9.08.020 – Air gun, bow and arrow and slings—Use prohibited.
No person shall shoot with or use an air gun, bow and arrow or sling in the city.
REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 9.20 WEAPONS* ** – Revere, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
9.20.010 – Discharging firearms or air guns.
No person shall fire or discharge a cannon, gun or other firearm within the limits of the city except at a historical occasion or military exercise or review authorized by the military authority of the commonwealth or by the city council or mayor of the city or in lawful defense of a person, family or property of any citizen or any law enforcement officer acting in the discharge of his or her duties; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to persons engaged in trap or target shooting on the grounds of a gun club licensed to be used for such purposes by the licensing authorities of the city, nor to persons licensed for hunting under the laws of the commonwealth while hunting game with a shotgun.
Chapter 9.12 OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY – Revere, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
– Playing and throwing things on streets.
No person shall shoot with or use a bow and arrow, sling or air gun, play ball or throw a stone, snowball or other missile in any street.
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 24 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Salem, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 24-26. Imitation firearms.
(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, “imitation firearm” means:
(1) Any nonfunctional imitation of an original firearm which was manufactured, designed and produced since 1898, or
(2) Any nonfunctional representation of a firearm other than an imitation of an original firearm, provided such representation could reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm.
Such term does not include any lookalike, non-firing, collector replica of an antique firearm developed prior to 1898, or traditional BB or pellet-firing air gun that expels a metallic or paint-contained [paint-containing] projectile through the force of air pressure.
(b) Restrictions.
(1) No person shall give, offer for sale or sell any imitation firearm. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any imitation firearm, which, because of its distinct color, exaggerated size or other design feature, cannot reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm.
(2) No person shall draw, exhibit or brandish a facsimile of a firearm in a public place for the purpose of intimidation or engaging in criminal activity or simulate a firearm in the presence of a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic engaged in the performance of his duties knowing or having reason to know that such peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic is engaged in the performance of such duties.
(3) No person shall alter, remove, modify, paint or conceal from an imitation firearm any feature as required by 15 USC § 5001 that distinguishes it from a real firearm.
(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent carrying or display of a replica gun by a person involved in a living history presentation or other activity for historical interpretation or educational purposes, or by a person participating in a parade if such activity or parade participant is associated with an established historical organization, museum, military preservation organization, or other group with a mission to educate the public at various events through the use of historical artifacts, clothing, vehicles, aircraft, maritime vessels, and firearms or replicas thereof.
(c) Violation—Penalty. Any person violating subsection 24-26(b) shall be fined no more than $300.00 for each offense.
SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Somerville, Massachusetts Code of Ordinances
Sec. 9-86. Shooting guns and firearms.
No person shall, except in the performance of some duty required of him or her by law, discharge any cannon, gun, pistol or other firearm, loaded with ball or shot, or with power or other explosive only, or any flobert rifle, so-called, or any air gun, without authority of the board of aldermen.
WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Westfield, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 10-11. – Discharging firearms.
No person shall, except in the performance of some duty required by law, or upon permission from the chief of the police department, discharge any air gun or gun, pistol or other firearm in or upon any street or public place, or within 100 yards thereof, or in any building, or within 100 yards of any building in the city.
WINTHROP, MASSACHUSETTS – AIR GUN LAWS
Chapter 9.08 OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY – Winthrop, Massachusetts – Code of Ordinances
9.08.010 – Discharge of firearms within town limits.
No person shall, except as authorized, justified or required by law, fire or discharge any gun or other firearms or an air rifle within the limits of the town, but the provisions of this section shall not apply to any member of the police department in the performance of his or her duties or to the use of such weapons at any military exercise or in the lawful defense of the person, family or property of any citizen.
Disclaimer
These rules and regulations were compiled to the best of my ability. The information on this article should not constitute as legal advice. Always check with your local jurisdiction for the final ruling.