Is Open Carry Legal in Massachusetts?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Open carry is generally prohibited in Massachusetts. The state requires firearms to be concealed when carried in public, even with a valid License to Carry.
What This Means for You
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and open carry restrictions are part of that framework. Even if you have a valid License to Carry, displaying your firearm openly can result in criminal charges. This makes Massachusetts fundamentally different from many other states where open carry is permitted or even preferred.
The Detail
Massachusetts law generally prohibits the open carrying of firearms, even by licensed individuals. The state requires that firearms be kept concealed when carried in public spaces. This applies to both handguns and long guns, with very limited exceptions for specific activities like hunting or target shooting when traveling directly to and from those activities.
The prohibition on open carry is enforced regardless of whether you hold a valid License to Carry. Massachusetts licensing authorities and law enforcement take the position that even licensed carriers must keep their firearms concealed. Violating this can result in charges ranging from disturbing the peace to more serious firearms violations, depending on the circumstances and local prosecutor discretion.
There are extremely narrow exceptions to this rule. Licensed security personnel may open carry while on duty in certain circumstances. Additionally, law enforcement officers are exempt. Some competitive shooting sports may allow open carry during sanctioned events, but this requires careful coordination with event organizers and local authorities.
The practical reality is that Massachusetts treats any visible firearm as a potential public safety issue. Even printing or accidentally exposing a concealed firearm can draw unwanted attention from law enforcement. The state's interpretation of proper carry methods is conservative, and courts generally defer to law enforcement's assessment of what constitutes proper concealment versus improper display.
Build Impact
If you're building firearms in Massachusetts, focus on compact designs suitable for concealed carry rather than full-size options better suited for open carry states. Your build choices should prioritize concealability and ease of concealment over features that work well for open carry applications.