Massachusetts Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Are assault weapons banned in Massachusetts?

1. Yes, completely

2. No, not at all

3. Yes, but with exceptions for military and law enforcement

4. Yes, but only high capacity models

The correct answer is: Yes, completely

The correct answer is that assault weapons are completely banned in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has specific legislation that prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of assault weapons, as defined by state law. This ban includes a wide range of firearms that are categorized as assault weapons, effectively making them illegal for civilian use within the state. While there are exceptions for certain individuals—such as military personnel and law enforcement officers—who may have authorization to use these weapons for their official duties, the general public is not allowed to possess assault weapons. This stringent regulation aims to enhance public safety and control the proliferation of firearms that are considered more dangerous due to their design and capabilities. The context around other potential answers revolves around the state's comprehensive approach to firearm regulations, which specifically do not allow for the legal possession of assault weapons outside the designated exceptions. Moreover, the high-capacity model references are also encompassed within the broader definition of assault weapons in Massachusetts law, reinforcing the state's commitment to strict controls on firearms access and ownership.