Move over, NASCAR! America’s new favorite sport is taking place at the local shooting range, instead of taking ‘pace’ on the track.
Gun ownership seems to be on the rise, and with that increase in sales comes an increase in gun knowledge and practice. Target shooting at your town’s gun range may be the ideal place to learn about how to find the perfect gun for the beginner, but what about those who want to take their favorite piece to the shooting range? Is it possible in Massachusetts to use a Concealed Carry to a Shooting Range?
For a quick review, MA prides itself on holding lots of restrictions when it comes to concealed carry laws. The state can be challenging when it comes to any law regarding guns. Though the state isn’t very user-friendly when it comes to gun and carry rights, numbers seem to be on the rise.
Between 2015 and 2016, there was an increase in licenses granted. A 7.8% increase, to be exact, according to the Dept. of Criminal Justice Information Services. That is an impressive increase of 24,700 licenses granted for a calendar year.
Applications and requirements can be found at your local police department, or online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license. The fee for the application is $100. For those applying for the first time, a firearms training course that is approved by MA is required; must be completed.
An answer is usually received within 40 days.
After applying for and gaining approval for a Class A LTC, the permit is active for six years.
So, for those already owning a Class A LTC conceal carry permit or for those currently applying for one, what does that mean for trips to the gun range?
Conceal Carry laws within the state of MA might be lengthy, but here at Hot Brass Firearm and Bow Range, the rules are simple. Here are some general guidelines to follow when visiting Hot Brass:
· To shoot high-or low-capacity firearms, long guns or high- or low-capacity handguns, shooters must be at least 21 years or older. A Class A LTC (license to carry) is also required.
· To shoot low capacity long guns, you must be at least 18 years old and possess an FID card.
· Those over the age of 21 who own a firearm permit may share a lane with someone under the age of 18.
· We have the right to refuse service to anyone at Hot Brass Firearm and Bow Range.
So, maybe you have ammo questions as well. Here are some ammo-related rules to keep in mind:
· Factory-packaged ammunition can be brought with you.
· NOT allowed is reloaded ammo, steel jackets, and steel core bullets.
· We reserve the right to inspect all ammo.
Still waiting on your permit to be approved? Not yet a gun owner and want to try a few different options? We have the perfect solution. Stop by and try our rental process. Rent a handgun (over 21) or rifle, buy ammo from us and head to the rentable lane at our shooting range. Get a feel for different gun options and learn which one is perfect for you. This requires a certified instructor to attend your session.
Get your license, buy that perfect model and visit us often with or without an annual membership. You can learn more about membership packages here. (https://www.hotbrassma.com/memberships)
The friendly staff here at Hot Brass will answer all your questions and will help get you pointed in the right direction. Spend some time at our lanes and start hitting those bulls-eyes!
References:
https://aliengearholsters.com/blog/massachusetts-concealed-carry/