So, given that MA doesn't seem to recognize just the receiver/frame alone as a firearm, does that mean that if I have a gun disassembled on a bench for cleaning, that I don't have to lock it up until I reassemble it?
If you enjoy the forum please consider supporting it by signing up for a NES Membership The benefits pay for the membership many times over.
Be sure to enter the NES/MFS May Giveaway ***Canik METE SFX***
To clarify, in Massachusetts, if a handgun is in a vehicle, it must be securely stored once it is no longer in the "direct control" of a properly licensed person. If we are speaking about guns in buildings, they must be securely stored once they are on longer in the "control" of a licensed person.
Small distinction, but I think there is slightly more latitude for when a gun in a building must be securely stored.
Darius
Thanks. Has there been any litigation or anything that sheds light on the difference between "direct control" and "control"?
Bob
And what about something with the firing pin removed?
I am working on a shotgun and don't really want to have to lock it up before the new parts come in...
A shotgun doesn't lose its essential character as a shotgun just because it's missing a firing pin.
Have disabled guns used for display purposes lost their inherent characters of being guns?
Wanna be the first test case?
A shotgun doesn't lose its essential character as a shotgun just because it's missing a firing pin.
Yes, my discussion with Ron Glidden included the example of dropping the trigger group out of an M1. Even separating the barrel/receiver assembly from the trigger group did NOT make the lock requirement go away!
Just do it . . . it's easier and cheaper than paying an attorney to defend your actions.
Okay, I'll bite. If you disassemble yer M-1 Garand, and widely separate the pieces, which portion requires the lock?
I hope I'm not too off topic asking this here but I've always wondered about gun stores that have racks of firearms unlocked. How are they in compliance with MA storage of firearms? I would assume that they're not in direct control.
Direct control isn't the issue. "Control" is. They've got that covered.
I'm so freakin' confused.......
NO!
...the frame must have a lock on it if unattended or be in some sort of locked case/closet!
...
Insane? YES!!
...
Regrettably we are dealing with morons when we get stuck with laws written by people who are 150% clueless what they are doing.
The laws were written without any reference to common sense ...
my vote goes for:
The piece that includes the receiver would be most likely to be recognised as a gun, despite some obscure interpretation of MGL that would technically exempt a bare receiver.
However, if you field strip a FAL, I wouldn't bet anything of value that a non "gunnie" would correctly distinguish between the upper and lower receiver.
OK, so taking the example of a gun shop with a bunch of rifles standing in racks in the area of the store where customers can walk around, if that is under control, then is having an unsecured firearm in my livingroom leaning up against the wall while my non-licensed girlfriend is in the room with me also OK?
Does the use of the word "locked" in this thread mandate that said firearm is secured to the house (i.e. bolted to the floor)?
Hey, I made damn sure I was a good little Mass. Subject tonight while cleaning my SKS:
Of course, laws can be rewritten: Redo MA gun laws!