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2017 USPSA Area 7 Championship (Harvard, MA) Sept 8,9,10

Great news. When can we sign up?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I would expect registration to open in March or April for a match to be held in September. Area 7 typically sells out in hours if not minutes.
 
There have been several questions about the legality of out-of-state competitors coming into MA for a match.

First, here’s the obligatory “I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on TV or the internet”. Any legal advice you take from anyone on the internet you should research for yourself and ask for citations of the statutes that backup what people said. Again, I’m not a lawyer. The following info has been reviewed with others with more experience with the laws regarding firearms in Massachusetts, and I’ve included the statute citations and links to the MA laws for you to read for yourself. Don’t take the words of internet keyboard commandos. There is lots of incorrect information being spread around. Having said all that….

Question: Can non-residents come into MA for a competition?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Chapter 140, Section 131G. Carrying of firearms by non-residents; conditions
Any person who is not a resident of the commonwealth may carry a pistol or revolver in or through the commonwealth for the purpose of taking part in a pistol or revolver competition or attending any meeting or exhibition of any organized group of firearm collectors or for the purpose of hunting; provided, that such person is a resident of the United States and has a permit or license to carry firearms issued under the laws of any state, district or territory thereof which has licensing requirements which prohibit the issuance of permits or licenses to persons who have been convicted of a felony or who have been convicted of the unlawful use, possession or sale of narcotic or harmful drugs....”

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section131G

This law has remained unchanged for years. MA has a long history of hosting big matches, including many USPSA, IDPA, and others. So yes, non-residents are fine coming into MA for a competition.

=

Question: What's the deal with magazine capacity?
------------------------------------------------------------------
“Chapter 140, Section 121: Firearms... definitions….application of law; exceptions
Large capacity feeding device'', (i) a fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip or similar device capable of accepting, or that can be readily converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells; or (ii) a large capacity ammunition feeding device as defined in the federal Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. section 921(a)(31) as appearing in such section on September 13, 1994. The term ''large capacity feeding device'' shall not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with,.22 caliber ammunition.”

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section121

Basically MA still lives under the old Federal Assault Weapons ban. So pre-ban magazines are fine. The magic date for the mag is 'on or before 9/13/1994'. Anything manufactured after that date must be 10 rounds or less.

Also see: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section131m (note section 121 is about getting a dealer’s license, so if you’re not a dealer or not LEO, you can not have a post-ban hi-cap mag in MA). Again, pre-bans are fine.

Question: But I heard that non-residents couldn’t even bring pre-ban mags?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Chapter 269, Section 10: Carrying dangerous weapons...; possession of large capacity weapon or large capacity feeding device; punishment
Section 10. (a) Whoever, except as provided or exempted by statute, knowingly has in his possession; or knowingly has under his control in a vehicle; a firearm, loaded or unloaded, as defined in section one hundred and twenty-one of chapter one hundred and forty without either:...
…..
(4) having complied with the provisions of sections one hundred and twenty-nine C and one hundred and thirty-one G of chapter one hundred and forty; or
….”
Note the key phrase is ‘except as provided or exempted by statute’. Recall that non-residents are allowed to bring their gear into MA for a competition without needing a license-to-carry. And it’s explicitly mentioned here in exemption (4)... C 140, S 131G is the non-resident statute. 129C is about possession as it relates to an FID card (firearms identification card), which doesn’t apply since a non-resident is exempted under 131 G.

So yes, a non-resident coming into MA for a competition can bring their legal pre-ban magazines into MA.

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section10

Question: I heard that non-residents couldn’t bring ‘large capacity weapons’ into MA too?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Same as above. C 269 S 10 covers both ‘large capacity weapon’ and ‘large capacity feeding devices’. And exemption (4) allows for non-residents when following C 140 S 131G.

Question: I heard it was illegal for kids to participate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 140, Section 130 ½: Lawfully furnishing weapons to minors for hunting, recreation, instruction and participation in shooting sports
“Section 1301/2. Notwithstanding section 130 or any general or special law to the contrary, it shall be lawful to furnish a weapon to a minor for hunting, recreation, instruction and participation in shooting sports while under the supervision of a holder of a valid firearm identification card or license to carry appropriate for the weapon in use; provided, however, that the parent or guardian of the minor granted consent for such activities.”



Question: What’s this about ‘MA Compliant’ handguns? Can’t I bring my new wiz-bang new fangled blaster?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 140, Section 131 ¾: Roster of large capacity rifles, shotguns, firearms, and feeding devices
“Section 1313/4. The secretary of public safety shall, with the advice of the gun control advisory board established pursuant to the provisions of section 1311/2, compile and publish a roster of large capacity rifles, shotguns, firearms and feeding devices, all as defined in section 121, and such weapons referred to in clauses Eighteenth to Twenty-first, inclusive, of section 123.
The secretary shall, not less than three times annually, publish the roster in newspapers of general circulation throughout the commonwealth, and shall send a copy thereof to all dealers licensed in the commonwealth under the provisions of said section 122 of said chapter 140; and further, the licensing authority shall furnish said roster to all cardholders and licensees upon initial issuance and upon every renewal of the same.
…..”

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section1313~4

Recall that C 140, S 122 is the part about being a licensed dealer. (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section122)

And C 140, S 121 (Firearms sales; definitions; antique firearms; application of law; exceptions) outlines the definitions of the words used for describing the dealer sales.
(https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section121).

So, the laws about MA Compliant guns are dealer based and primarily have an effect on what MA FFLs can sell or transfer to consumers. They do not apply to what you can personally own/sell/possess. Note that mere possession of a noncompliant handgun, is NOT a criminal offense. This can't be stated enough, as many in MA improperly use terms like "illegal in MA" or "banned in MA" to describe a handgun which a DEALER cannot sell or transfer. It does not impact what you as a person can have. There is no prohibition on what handguns can be legally possessed, sold or carried by an individual.
 
“Chapter 140, Section 131G. Carrying of firearms by non-residents; conditions
Any person who is not a resident of the commonwealth may carry a pistol or revolver in or through the commonwealth for the purpose of taking part in a pistol or revolver competition or attending any meeting or exhibition of any organized group of firearm collectors or for the purpose of hunting; provided, that such person is a resident of the United States and has a permit or license to carry firearms issued under the laws of any state, district or territory thereof which has licensing requirements which prohibit the issuance of permits or licenses to persons who have been convicted of a felony or who have been convicted of the unlawful use, possession or sale of narcotic or harmful drugs....”
Click to expand...
We have never had a problem with a non-MA resident being jacked up for attending a match, but:

1. Note that being from a state that does not require a handgun permit is not the same as "has a permit or license to carry firearms". Those from free states like VT or NH who claim "I don't need a permit since my home state does not require one" are manufacturing an additional exemption from imaginary cloth.

2. Some have argued that no state has a permit system that totally precludes issuance of licenses to drug users, therefore, no permit qualifies for the exemption. Wesson v. Fowler gives plenty of room to argue this provision is unconstitutional as applies to < 1oj MJ convictions (Comm2A won that case)

Mainly, if you come, try to get lost in a crowd of one rather than stand out like a turd in a punchbowl.
 
We are pleased to announce registration plans for the 2017 USPSA Area 7 Championship.

Match Website: http://www.harvardactionshooters.com/ipsc/area7_2017.html

The match is being hosted by the Harvard Sportsmen's Club in Harvard, MA, on September 8-10, 2017. With help from many clubs throughout the Area, we plan to have 10 stages plus chronograph. Final round count will be in the neighborhood of 270. Final round count TBA.


Match Details:
----------------
When: September 8th, 9th, and 10th
Match Fee: $175.00 USD
Staff Shoot: Friday

Plaques awarded only for placement. (depending on number of shooters in div/class)

This will be a level III USPSA match with the following divisions: Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Revolver, Single Stack, and Carry Optics. We can not accommodate PCC this year.


Registration:
----------------
Opens on February 27, 2017 @ 7:00 PM. Registration closes on September 04, 2017 @ 12:00 AM (times are local to America/New York time). Competitors may choose from available slots on either Saturday or Sunday. Friday slots are for staff and sponsored shooters only.

Link for Registration: https://practiscore.com/2017-uspsa-area-7-championship/register


Match Fee:
----------------
Adult: $175
Junior: $85 (Please be sure to select &quot;Junior&quot; in the category listing; otherwise you will be charged the full fee.)

Entry fee includes one lunch for each competitor (sandwich, chips, drink and snack) and a limited-edition, custom Area 7 match tee-shirt in a size of your choosing!


Contacts:
----------------
Match Directors: Betsy Grecoe (email: [email protected] )
Ira Grossman (email: [email protected] )

Registration/Stats: Steve Piche (email: [email protected] )
Sponsorship: Brent Carlton (email: [email protected] )


Resident Area 7 / Non-Resident Policy:
----------------
All interested competitors are eligible to submit an entry when registration opens on February 27th at 7:00 PM EST(A7 Residents &amp; Non-Residents alike). Entries will be approved for Area 7 residents only until March 6th at 7:00 PM EST. After that time, all entries will be approved in order of registration.


Payment Policy:
----------------
After you submit your registration, it will be sent to the match admin for review. Once approved, you will receive an email with a link to pay online and to select a squad. Payment must be made online within 7 days of your registration being approved. If payment is not received within 7 days, your entry will be voided and we will move to the next person on the waiting list.


Cancellation Policy:
----------------
$20 cancellation fee in effect until June 30th, 11:59 PM EST.
July 1 thru August 15, 11:59 PM EST: 50% refund of match fee.
No refunds after August 16.


Sponsor Slots:
----------------
If you are using a slot from one of our match sponsors, please be sure to check the box at the bottom of the registration form to avoid confusion.


Inclement Weather Policy:
----------------
In the case of severe weather that causes the match to be cancelled, all incurred expenses will be covered from collected match fees. Partial refunds will then be distributed equally to all competitors from the remaining funds. This policy will only be exercised in extreme circumstances (ex: impending direct hit from a major hurricane...), however all decisions will be made by match management and will be final.


Prize Policy:
----------------
All prizes donated from our sponsors will be awarded by random draw. Small prizes will be placed in your gift bag that will be handed out at registration. If you win a larger prize that is too large to fit in the bag, or something that is restricted (like a firearm), a certificate will be placed in your bag to redeem with match staff. Please be sure to check your bags after check- in!


Hotel Info:
----------------
We have rooms reserved at several local hotels for competitors. Staff rooms will be handled separately.

Westford Regency available for $129/night including breakfast.
Contact the Westford Regency Inn, 219 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886.
Tel: 978-692-8200, Fax: 978-850-4927
http://www.westfordregency.com
Ask for "Area 7 - IPO Room Block". A limited number of rooms are available.

Courtyard Boston Littleton for $139/night not including breakfast.
Contact Courtyard Boston Littleton, 102 Constitution Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460.
Tel: 978-440-5040
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boslt-courtyard-boston-littleton
Ask for Harvard Sportsmen’s Club Area 7 rooms.

Holiday Inn Express available for $129 plus breakfast.
Contact Holiday Inn Express and Suites..Boston/Marlboro, 121 Coolidge Street,
Hudson, MA, near Cabelas.
Tel: 978-562-1001
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/hudson/boshd/hoteldetail
Ask for the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club Area 7 rooms.

Reservation info will also be included in your registration confirmation email.


Volunteers:
----------------
Current volunteers will be sent a separate email with a link for staff registration. All requests will be checked against our approved volunteer list before being accepted to squad on Friday.

We have a full complement of volunteers at this time and are not accepting any more. We do have a wait-list in case we have people who need to un-volunteer. Please contact Betsy and Ira to be added.
 
Last edited:
Maybe a dumb question, but I'm still new to USPSA. [grin]

Are "awards" given to each classification?


For instance, if you were a 'C' shooter in Production at the time and you finished with the best score of the 'C' shooters in Production.



Saw a guy with an Area 5 'B' class winner plaque. That's what got me wondering.
 
CTjer said:
Maybe a dumb question, but I'm still new to USPSA. [grin]

Are "awards" given to each classification?


For instance, if you were a 'C' shooter in Production at the time and you finished with the best score of the 'C' shooters in Production.



Saw a guy with an Area 5 'B' class winner plaque. That's what got me wondering.
Click to expand...

Match Details:
----------------
When: September 8th, 9th, and 10th
Match Fee: $175.00 USD
Staff Shoot: Friday

Plaques awarded only for placement. (depending on number of shooters in div/class)

This will be a level III USPSA match with the following divisions: Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Revolver, Single Stack, and Carry Optics. We can not accommodate PCC this year.

From Dave Bolds post above
 
10mmdave said:
Match Details:
----------------
When: September 8th, 9th, and 10th
Match Fee: $175.00 USD
Staff Shoot: Friday

Plaques awarded only for placement. (depending on number of shooters in div/class)

This will be a level III USPSA match with the following divisions: Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Revolver, Single Stack, and Carry Optics. We can not accommodate PCC this year.

From Dave Bolds post above
Click to expand...


So, YES, if there is a requisite number of competitors in your class. Ok.
 
eboos said:
Yeah, I saw that but my confirmation email says match is full and that I am waitlisted. Cannot select a squad until registration is approved and paid.
Click to expand...

Ohh right right. Forgot about the process since I registered back in March or April.
 
ipscdrl said:
Yup. The forecast for stage building days, not so great. Feel free to swing by Harvard Wednesday or Thursday and lend a hand if you have the time.

See Y'all next weekend.
Click to expand...

I wish I could! I work until 530 then over an hour drive in rush hour traffic to Harvard [hmmm]

Definitely appreciate all the hardworking staff that manage to put these matches together.
 

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