Massachusetts 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule 2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80 lower receivers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Massachusetts?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF and are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Massachusetts.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Massachusetts?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Massachusetts you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver you certainly can if necessary through our engraving services for 80 lowers.

Key Gun Laws in Massachusetts

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Massachusetts.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

The state of Massachusetts requires individuals to be 18 years of age in order to legally purchase a long gun. In order to purchase a handgun, buyers must be at least 21 year of age and possess a handgun purchase license. Michigan specifically considers all long guns to be at least 26 inches in length. Long guns themselves do not require any extra license for purchase. However, minors may possess firearms. For persons between the ages of 14 and 18, they may apply for a Firearm Identification Card (FID) which requires an application including the applicant’s parent or legal guardian’s permission to do so. Minors can apply as early as 14 years old but will not be approved for an FID until they are 15 years old. For adults purchasing a firearm, they also require the FID, a state license which is processed through Massachusetts’ Instant Record Check System aka (MIRCS).

All firearm purchases require a background check including private party transfers (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Massachusetts is not a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, dealers must conduct their background checks by going through the FBI’s NICS.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Massachusetts is a “may-issue” state which means local authorities must determine whether CCW permits should be given to any individual citizen or not. Open and concealed carry are both legal in Massachusetts but only for those with ccw’s in the form of “LTC” or license to carry. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and complete a state approved firearms training course. For more details on Maryland’s carry conceal policies check out the state’s reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

NFA restrictions are heavy in the state of Massachusetts. Suppressors can only be owned by law enforcement officers. Most “destructive devices” are banned at the state or local level because some counties are looser than others on this. Massachusetts does also restrict “assault weapons.” See Massachusetts definition of an “assault weapon” here. In order to legally own an “assault weapon” they require a permit, however, these are rarely issued. On the other hand, Short barreled shotguns, any other weapons and short barreled rifles are legal as long as they have the proper documentation filed with the ATF as long

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There IS a “large capacity” magazine ban in Massachusetts limiting all magazines to only 10 rounds. For shotguns, the magazine capacity limit is only 5 rounds.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

Residents should be aware of the extensive mandatory “safe storage” laws and read up on those here. Be sure to exercise caution because you can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 ways to safely store firearms at home.

Self-Defense

Massachusetts is a castle doctrine state which means there is no legal duty to retreat when at home if met with a threat. However, when outside the home there is a duty to retreat if possible before responding with lethal force in the name of self-defense as there is no stand your ground law in place in Massachusetts.

Ammunition Purchase

In order to buy ammo in Massachusetts, buyers must have an FID. Buyers must be at least 18 years old to purchase long gun ammunition. To purchase handgun ammo buyers must be at least 21 years of age. Massachusetts prohibits the manufacturing, possession or sale of armor-piercing bullets. Massachusetts does require a license for the sale of ammunition which only lasts 3 years. Sellers are not required to maintain a sales record. All online bulk ammo sales require buyers to be at least 21 years old.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Massachusetts residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. Take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep and bear arms while you can! That means investing in 80% Arms! Grab our  patented lower jig and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.