Massachusetts Shotgun Laws (2026): SBS, Shockwave & Permits

Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsProhibited

Owning, possessing or carrying a sawed-off shotgun (barrel under 18 inches or overall length under 26 inches) is a crime, and the statute lists no exception for federal NFA registration.^[1]

M.G.L. c. 269 § 10(c); c. 140 § 121

14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Unclear — see notes

Massachusetts defines a 'shotgun' as having a barrel of at least 18 inches and an overall length of at least 26 inches, so a 14-inch firearm is not a 'shotgun' under state law. The sources reviewed do not say how such a firearm is otherwise classified or whether it can be sold in the state.^[2]

Semi-auto / feature rulesFeature rules apply

Under the 2024 law, a semiautomatic shotgun is an 'assault-style firearm' if it has at least 2 of these: a folding or telescoping stock, a thumbhole stock or pistol grip, a protruding grip for the non-trigger hand, or the ability to accept a detachable feeding device. Revolving-cylinder shotguns (e.g. Street Sweeper, Striker-12) and roster-listed guns are covered. Semiautomatic shotguns that cannot hold more than 5 rounds are excluded.^[2]

M.G.L. c. 140 § 121 ('assault-style firearm'); c. 140 § 131M

Magazine limitsLimit: 5 shotgun shells (10 rounds for other ammunition)

A large-capacity feeding device is one holding more than 10 rounds or more than 5 shotgun shells. A tubular magazine in a lever-action firearm or on a pump shotgun is exempt.^[2]

Permit to buyPermit / ID required

Buying or possessing a shotgun requires a Firearm Identification Card (FID) for non-large-capacity, non-semiautomatic shotguns, or a License to Carry (LTC), which covers all lawful firearms.^[3]

Waiting periodNo waiting period

There is no waiting period between purchase and transfer, though first-time buyers wait for the FID/LTC license, which must be acted on within 40 days.^[4]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Also know

Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 is in effect; it requires semiautomatic rifle and shotgun owners to be 21 or older. Ballot Question 9 on Nov. 3, 2026 asks voters whether to keep (yes) or repeal (no) the law.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with Massachusetts's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags Massachusetts's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

Shotgun laws in Massachusetts

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Shotguns to consider

Sources

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