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Airgun law · United States
Are Airguns Legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow, usually age verification and, in some places, a low-power threshold.
Tier 3: Moderate
Mainly age verification (typically 18+), with some local variance.
MA
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Massachusetts is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationNot a firearm
Age rule18+ for sales
PossessionFree for adults
Transfer / saleAge verification
TransportNo state rule
PreemptionLocal rules govern
The rules in detail
Classification
Not a firearm
Not a firearm under state law.
Age rule
18+ for sales
18+ by statute: selling or furnishing an air rifle or BB gun to a minor under 18 is a crime (M.G.L. c. 269 §12A).
Possession
Free for adults
Lawful for adults. Minors under 18 may not possess an air rifle or BB gun in a public place unless accompanied by an adult or holding a hunting/sporting license plus a police-chief permit (M.G.L. c. 269 §12B).
Transfer / sale
Age verification
Standard sale; verify 18+.
Transport
No state rule
No state-specific transport rules; no one may discharge an air rifle or BB gun into, from or across any street, public way or railroad right of way (M.G.L. c. 269 §12B).
Preemption
Local rules govern
No state firearms preemption: cities and towns may adopt stricter local rules.
Hunting with an airgun
Express prohibited-species list; general allowance for other species
Deer
Not allowed / prohibited
Prohibited
Turkey
Not allowed / prohibited
Prohibited
Small game
Explicitly allowed
Allowed for species not on prohibited list
Predators
Explicitly allowed
Allowed for species not on prohibited list
Other big game
Not allowed / prohibited
Bear prohibited
Keep exploring
Open the interactive mapSee how this compares across the map and switch between legal and hunting views.Find a place to shootAirgun-friendly ranges, flagged where confirmed.Ballistics toolkitCheck energy, velocity, and range for any airgun and load.Ammo databaseBrowse 600+ pellets and slugs by caliber and weight.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.