Is Massachusetts now "restrictive may issue" like NJ and MD?

[BamaBoy]

Recent threads indicate that Massachusetts is now requiring that applicants show "need" to obtain the unrestricted version of the LTC permit. Is this in fact the case? Has Massachusetts joined New Jersey and Maryland in placing an almost insurmountable obstacle in front of applicants?

In other words, should I forget about applying for a nonresident permit?

[imrambi]

From what I have been told, it depends on your area if you live in Mass. You do have to show cause. Some areas are easier, than others. If you are a resident, you have to go to the towns police for your interview, if you are a non-resident, you have to go near Boston for the interview. From what I've been told they ask the same questions that are on the form.

I've looked into things, and from what the Mass Constitution states, you do have the right. Now if the police officers will agree might be a different story.

From what I see:

In Part the first:

Article I. All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

Art. XVII. The people have a right to keep and to bear arms for the common defence. And as, in time of peace, armies are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be maintained without the consent of the legislature; and the military power shall always be held in an exact subordination to the civil authority and be governed by it.

There might be more, but also IANAL.

[Turkules77]

It is up to the Chief of the town/city you live in. I live in a town that doesn't issue unrestricted unless you can show a reason you need it. Took me a little bit of work, but I got mine. Some towns/cities issue to everyone though.

[Phillip Gain]

It is up to the Chief of the town/city you live in. I live in a town that doesn't issue unrestricted unless you can show a reason you need it. Took me a little bit of work, but I got mine. Some towns/cities issue to everyone though.

Agreed - it depends on the town. In my town, I had zero problem. The form asked for a reason, and I responded with "self defense and all other lawful purposes." I was concerned because the certificate for the course I took (NRA Basic Pistol) was more than 5 years old, but it turned out to be no problem at all.

Non-resident permits may be more of a problem. I don't know for sure.

[BamaBoy]

Thanks for your responses, guys. Mass sounds kind of like Pennsylvania and California, where for residents of some counties it's tough, but for residents of others it's easy. Not sure I want to drive 1,200 miles for an interview, though. If appreciate hearing from anyone who has obtained a nonresident permit recently.

[BC1]

Most states are discretionary issue. Even the ones that claim they're "shall issue." They will still deny the permit if their is something bad in your background. The second amendment is still not being treated as an inaliable right that cannot be denied.

[6shootercarry]

Agreed - it depends on the town. In my town, I had zero problem. The form asked for a reason, and I responded with "self defense and all other lawful purposes." I was concerned because the certificate for the course I took (NRA Basic Pistol) was more than 5 years old, but it turned out to be no problem at all.

Non-resident permits may be more of a problem. I don't know for sure.

MA is a great example of how selective acknowledgement of natural rights is a legitimate threat of liberalism. Some towns have police chiefs that are reasonable and have respect for the Bill of Rights and treat people as law abiding citizens with respect. Others choose to treat people like subjects and decide by arbitrary means, who gets a permit and who does not...

I know one person who lives in another state who applied for and received a non resident permit for MA. He indicated that he had to prove need. He was also active military at the time he applied so I'm not sure if that had some influence..

[father-of-three]

Go with what 6shooter said (I love the "Give peace a chance" statement!) It does not sound like Massachusetts is as strict as New Jersey, but that doesn't mean they won't compete!

The only Pennsylvania county that tries its very hardest to be may issue is Philadelphia. The gun-hating city council there recently passed a law prohibiting nonresident permits in Philadelphia, even though passing such a law violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.

[ctktmrider]

Is this true? My non res permit is useless in Philly?!?

[ctktmrider]

I'm a non res Mass applicant and just went to Chelsea last week for photos and prints. They also verbally asked questions that are on the app. As well as why I wanted the ltc. The whole process went surprisingly well. Anyone know approximately how long of a wait before I see a permit in the mail? Assuming they give me one of course. FYI. I have several other non res permits from other states as well as my home state. Mass was a tough process that will have to be done anualy. Sheeshhh!