So what qualifies a handgun as solely designed for target shooting (yes, I'm trying to read M.G.L. c.140, § 123 )? Is there an overview beyond MGL on the qualifications for the target roster?
You won't find it in the MGL; the statute merely creates the option. The actual criteria are set forth in the REGULATIONS created to implement that statute. Here you go:
501 CMR 7.13: Criteria for Placement on the Formal Target Shooting Firearms Roster
The Formal Target Shooting Firearms Roster shall contain firearms designated by the Secretary, with the advice of the GCAB, as solely designed and sold for formal target shooting competition. The GCAB shall make a recommendation as to whether a firearm should be placed on the Formal Target Shooting Firearms Roster using the following criteria:
(1) In order for a firearm to be considered for placement on the Formal Target Shooting Roster:
(a) the firearm manufacturer shall submit a report to the GCAB that certifies by affidavit that the firearm is solely designed and sold for formal target shooting competition; and
(b) the report shall identify specifications and features of the firearm which make it a formal target shooting competition firearm, including but not limited to the component requirements listed in 501 CMR 7.13(5) that are a standard part of that model firearm.
(2) The firearm manufacturer shall submit to the GCAB either a list of the specific types of formal target shooting competition for which the firearm was designed and sold, or documentation indicating that the firearm is recognized by a national organization as a firearm used in formal target shooting competition.
(3) Such manufacturer shall include any advertising or marketing materials sufficient to demonstrate that the firearm is solely sold for formal target shooting competition.
(4) The firearm, if it is a pistol, must have a barrel length of at least five inches, and if it is a revolver, must have a barrel length of at least six inches.
(5) The firearm must have match grade adjustable rear sights, or a match grade optical target sighting system.
(6) The Firearm.
(a) if a pistol, must have four or more of the following components, all produced at match grade:
1. A target trigger
2. A custom or bull barrel
3. A ported barrel or compensator
4. A custom barrel bushing
5. An adjusted, beveled or improved magazine well
6. An extended or custom slide release button
7. A target hammer
8. A custom feed ramp
9. A custom ejection port
10. A custom extractor
11. Target grips
12. A trigger pull weight of less than four pounds; or
(b) if a revolver, must have three or more of the following components, all produced at match grade:
1. A target trigger
2. A custom or bull barrel
3. A ported barrel or compensator
4. A target hammer
5. Target grips.
(7) After receiving a recommendation from the GCAB, the Secretary shall determine whether the firearm shall be placed on the Formal Target Shooting Firearms Roster.
(a) The Secretary shall notify, in writing, the manufacturer of a particular make and model of a firearm, whenever such make and model is approved for addition on the next published roster. This notice shall serve as certification that the particular make and model has been approved by the Secretary as being in compliance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 123.
(b) The Secretary shall also notify, in writing, the manufacturer of a particular make and model of a firearm, whenever such make and model is denied for addition on the Formal Target Shooting Firearms Roster.
Which is why I advise that as much,
if not more, attention be paid to
REGULATIONS.