Massachusetts CCW issues by town


Depends on many factors

That map isn't entirely accurate - lists two towns I've lived in as red - but that wasn't the case. In the first town I was converting from a non-resident permit, and the second was just a move.

Keep in mind - the more credentials you have, and the better prepared you are (NRA, state-approved course certificates, perhaps more than one), using the correct phraseology on the application - dress up for the interview, etc,. etc. - the better your chance for a uneventful application or renewal.

For renewals it is pretty straightforward (unless there is a new, anti chief.) For first time applicants, not only do the above, but perhaps also consult with a firearms attorney. That is especially if there is anything in your background, no matter how long ago. Spending some money of expert advice is usually much cheaper than trying to fight for an upgrade, or a denial.

Also, keep in mind it can depend on the police official who does the permits. In two cases (out of six renewals) the person was gruff, and asked unauthorized questions. I was polite, non-confrontational - and simply referred to the information on the application or answered their questions with minimal additional information. In both cases they simply moved on with the process. To me that doesn't make them red towns - but your mileage may differ.

Bottom line - you need to know how to deal with the authorities (police) - that's where the legal counsel can help you if you don't have experience in those kinds of situations (meaning getting what you want from someone who may not want to give it to you - or is looking for a disqualifier.)

By the way - for permits - there tend to be two Massachusetts - those within Route 128 - and those outside.
 

I live in Tewksbury, I applied for my LTC on 7/14, they cashed my check on 8/10. I called a couple of times in October, no one got back to me. I then stopped by the police station on 11/6 and was told my information has not come back from the State Police yet. Do I have any options? Is there someone I should be calling or more research I should be doing?
 
Dealing with a slow permit process

You might want to contact a firearms attorney and see if your town's police department has a reputation for stonewalling. There is a list of Massachusetts firearms attorneys on the Four Seasons (gun store) page at: Link Removed - scroll to the bottom and you'll see them listed. You do not want to use just any attorney - the firearms laws are very complex and you need a specialist here.

Unless you know what's going on with your local police (personnel turnover issues, sloppy administration, anti-gun attitude, some issues in your background, etc.) you really don't know what you're dealing with there. A processing period of 60 days tends to be the turnaround time usually cited by most departments. Your 120 days (July to November) seems excessive. That being said, my understanding is that there can be a lot of multiple checks required if something pops up in the background check. Remember, Massachusetts has this "suitability" issue at the chiefs' discretion. You didn't say if your application was initial issue.

A knowledgeable firearms attorney can give you pointers on how to deal with the police (on licensing and other issues) - or perhaps intervene on your behalf, if necessary. Most lawful citizens don't really deal with their local police (or any police) very much, so they don't know how to go about it - especially if the police decide to be unresponsive and uncooperative. Lawyers deal with the police all the time - and are more experienced with the "rules of the game", so to speak - and how to discreetly apply pressure. In other words, you need to know what you can and cannot do, what is an appropriate way to escalate the pressure, etc. Some attorneys will coach you and let you carry the ball (knowing the rules) some may have dealt with the department before and just pick up the phone - you just don't know. Remember that police aren't necessarily impressed by attorneys - they deal with them a lot, too. That's why you need an experienced firearms attorney.

A lawyer may cost you a few bucks - but if you want the permit - it may be a cost you have to incur.

It shouldn't be that way - but in some towns it is.

Good Luck.
 
You might want to contact a firearms attorney and see if your town's police department has a reputation for stonewalling. There is a list of Massachusetts firearms attorneys on the Four Seasons (gun store) page at: Link Removed - scroll to the bottom and you'll see them listed. You do not want to use just any attorney - the firearms laws are very complex and you need a specialist here.

Unless you know what's going on with your local police (personnel turnover issues, sloppy administration, anti-gun attitude, some issues in your background, etc.) you really don't know what you're dealing with there. A processing period of 60 days tends to be the turnaround time usually cited by most departments. Your 120 days (July to November) seems excessive. That being said, my understanding is that there can be a lot of multiple checks required if something pops up in the background check. Remember, Massachusetts has this "suitability" issue at the chiefs' discretion. You didn't say if your application was initial issue.

A knowledgeable firearms attorney can give you pointers on how to deal with the police (on licensing and other issues) - or perhaps intervene on your behalf, if necessary. Most lawful citizens don't really deal with their local police (or any police) very much, so they don't know how to go about it - especially if the police decide to be unresponsive and uncooperative. Lawyers deal with the police all the time - and are more experienced with the "rules of the game", so to speak - and how to discreetly apply pressure. In other words, you need to know what you can and cannot do, what is an appropriate way to escalate the pressure, etc. Some attorneys will coach you and let you carry the ball (knowing the rules) some may have dealt with the department before and just pick up the phone - you just don't know. Remember that police aren't necessarily impressed by attorneys - they deal with them a lot, too. That's why you need an experienced firearms attorney.

A lawyer may cost you a few bucks - but if you want the permit - it may be a cost you have to incur.

It shouldn't be that way - but in some towns it is.

Good Luck.

+1. I would consult an attorney. I believe I have read before if over 40 days with no response assume a denial and to consult an attorney. Best of luck and keep us posted!
 
Finally did get my permit. Was given no reason for the delay. Now off to the gun show on Sunday !

Last I had heard they were getting behind due to the growing demand for them. I have seen the trend growing here in MA. Last weekend I went in to my local shop to pick up a holster I had ordered. I saw my new 22 pistol in the case. It followed me home. In the time I was in the store there were 4 sold including mine. 3 were new owners I'm a repeat customer.

Douglas resident. I was issued unrestricted Class A. I know the lieutenant, one of the sergeants, and his father who retired as the issuing Lt. Very simple, routine checks, 5 weeks application to issue.

Now I need to get a RI non-res because I'm always going through or stopping in that state. Friends etc...
Anyone have luck getting one there? If so which town?

Peace...
 
Feeding Hills, MA

Feeding Hills MA will issue a LTC to anyone who is legally allowed to do so, ALL of their licenses are NONE RESTRICTED. they have a very good attitude towards everyone who applies, and there is no sit down interview with the Chief either. Good news for those who live in Feeding Hills MA
 
LTC None Restricted (ALP)

Ok folks i know the following towns do issue none restricted licenses to those legally able to obtain an LTC. Agawam, Feeding Hills, Holyoke, Ludlow, West Springfield.
 
Ok folks i know the following towns do issue none restricted licenses to those legally able to obtain an LTC. Agawam, Feeding Hills, Holyoke, Ludlow, West Springfield.

Not that I'm an authority when it comes to Western MA, but isn't Feeding Hills just a neighborhood in Agawam?
 
I have been renewed a few times in Mansfield including this month. My wife got one in Middleboro and renewed in Mansfield. LTC ALP.
 
I live in Dighton MA and when I got my first LTC I had one arrest but no conviction. the police took one and a half years after I gave them the application and the money to say yes, here you go. here is your new LTC. is this not against the law to take so long to let me know yes or no? and this was an initial issue
 
Mary and others in Mashpee were great to do business with. And I had a in-depth research performed due to special circumstances took a wile longer but all in all very pleasant.
 
I guess that summarizes things easily! Where did you come across that map?

Here is a more up to date map. There are many green towns not showing on that one.

All credit to eric_07 at northeast shooters for maintaining it.

Link Removed
 
Can he do that?

Yup! MA passed a crap gun control laws (91' I think) which gave police Chiefs discretionary power over who got a permit. It was SUPPOSED to be used when they had reason to believe someone who was good on paper still shouldn't have guns....good in theory. What it turned into was every police Cheif playing god with permits. Although MA is may issue, many towns are SHALL issue by practice. Some will give you a permit if you prove a "need" and the rest give restricted target and hunting permits. The problem is the MA gun owners never step up and actually fight. There have been MANY things in the works as far a OC events (legal in MA, although you'll never see it). Gun functions or simple getting together to protest and fight for rights to be restored. 90% of people don't out of laziness or fear of loosing their permit. MA's system of scaring people into shutting up and taking it works perfectly! The MA gun rights org (GOAL) also doesn't do much. When ever people try to gun a pro gun event going, they never back it. There just as bad.
 
Like the map shows, I got an unrestricted LTC-A in Wellesley, MA. I'm 22 years old.

The cop was very cool about the whole procedure, much more relaxed process than I was expecting.
 
I'll let you guys know how I make out, I just put in an application in Ashland. Process with the APD was good, and the officer very friendly and polite. He said the process should take 6-8 weeks and they would call me to pick it up which takes me to second week of April.
 
Holden MA here. When you take the course here, which will not be offered anymore by them after June, they tell anyone looking for a "pistol Permit" to get the class A. Follow the MA rules and here it is easy , no restrictions.
 
about 12 weeks from when I dropped off paper work till I received my class A large capacity no restriction in Hingham
 
it is NOT against the law... they can take as long as they see fit.... you may inquire after a certain amount of time has passed(not sure exactly what amount that time is)
I live in Dighton MA and when I got my first LTC I had one arrest but no conviction. the police took one and a half years after I gave them the application and the money to say yes, here you go. here is your new LTC. is this not against the law to take so long to let me know yes or no? and this was an initial issue
 

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