On page 3 of the MA LTC Application it asks, "Reason(s) for requesting the issuance of a card or license:"
This question is on the application to address the following requirement in Massachusetts Law (MGL Ch 140, Sect 131(d)) emphasis added:
Answering this question with the simple phrase "ALL LAWFUL PURPOSES" has historically been a popular answer. While some towns may issue an unrestricted LTC regardless of your answer, other towns--including some 2A friendly towns--will want you to state a specific reason for your request in accordance with the law quoted above. Note that they're not asking you what you want, but the reason you want it.
So what should you write? First, you need to answer this truthfully--this is not a creative writing challenge. In general, it's best to keep your answer short. This is not the place to rant or cite constitutional law.
If you can legitimately cite a specific "reason to fear injury" then that could be your best justification. But for the average applicant a general reason is probably more common.
In BATTY V. ALBERTELLI, the applicants stated their reasons were for “personal protection and defense" and "to protect themselves and their families." While this case is still being litigated, this answer seems to be a reasonable "other reason."
Turning this into a complete sentence and adding a little more detail (credit to mlaboss) a reasonable answer might be "I request a license with no restrictions for personal protection of myself and my family both within and outside the home."
Understand that certain towns have refused to issue unrestricted licenses to the average (non-prohibited) applicant, regardless of what you put on your application. In this case you should seriously consider contacting a lawyer, GOAL, and COMM2A. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice.
Mods: can we sticky this so we can refer folks to this thread--it's a common question.
thanks!
This question is on the application to address the following requirement in Massachusetts Law (MGL Ch 140, Sect 131(d)) emphasis added:
...licensing authority or said colonel may issue [license to carry firearms] if it appears that the applicant is a suitable person to be issued such license, and that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to his person or property, or for any other reason, including the carrying of firearms for use in sport or target practice only...
Answering this question with the simple phrase "ALL LAWFUL PURPOSES" has historically been a popular answer. While some towns may issue an unrestricted LTC regardless of your answer, other towns--including some 2A friendly towns--will want you to state a specific reason for your request in accordance with the law quoted above. Note that they're not asking you what you want, but the reason you want it.
So what should you write? First, you need to answer this truthfully--this is not a creative writing challenge. In general, it's best to keep your answer short. This is not the place to rant or cite constitutional law.
If you can legitimately cite a specific "reason to fear injury" then that could be your best justification. But for the average applicant a general reason is probably more common.
In BATTY V. ALBERTELLI, the applicants stated their reasons were for “personal protection and defense" and "to protect themselves and their families." While this case is still being litigated, this answer seems to be a reasonable "other reason."
Turning this into a complete sentence and adding a little more detail (credit to mlaboss) a reasonable answer might be "I request a license with no restrictions for personal protection of myself and my family both within and outside the home."
Understand that certain towns have refused to issue unrestricted licenses to the average (non-prohibited) applicant, regardless of what you put on your application. In this case you should seriously consider contacting a lawyer, GOAL, and COMM2A. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice.
Mods: can we sticky this so we can refer folks to this thread--it's a common question.
thanks!
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