Understanding the Massachusetts Approved Firearms Roster

Massachusetts maintains a list of handguns approved for retail sale. This guide explains what the roster is, how it affects your purchases, and what recent legislation changed.

Guide Last updated: February 11, 2026 8 min read

1. What Is the Approved Firearms Roster?

Massachusetts publishes approved firearms rosters through Mass.gov. Those rosters affect which firearms licensed dealers can sell at retail. Separate Attorney General handgun-sales regulations under 940 CMR 16.00 may also affect dealer sales.

The roster exists to ensure that handguns sold at retail meet certain safety and reliability criteria. Manufacturers must submit their handguns for testing and pay the associated fees to have a model listed. The testing evaluates basic safety mechanisms such as drop safety, firing pin blocks, and other mechanical safety features.

Key points about the roster

  • Only applies to dealer sales. Licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) in Massachusetts can only sell handguns that appear on the approved roster. If a handgun is not on the list, a dealer cannot sell it to you.
  • Private transfers are a separate reporting workflow. Private transfers are handled through the state transaction portal and are not the same thing as a dealer retail sale. Confirm the current rules for the specific handgun before arranging a transfer.
  • The roster is not the same as a ban. A handgun that is not on the roster is not illegal to own or possess in Massachusetts. The restriction applies only to the retail sale channel.

2. How to Check the Roster

The official approved firearms rosters are published on Mass.gov. Check the current roster documents before assuming a handgun is approved for retail sale by a licensed dealer.

The roster is updated periodically as manufacturers submit new models for testing or as existing approvals expire. If you are planning a purchase, check the roster shortly before visiting a dealer to confirm the handgun you want is currently listed.

Tips for searching

  • Search by manufacturer name first, then look for the specific model.
  • Pay attention to caliber and variant. A manufacturer may have one version of a model approved but not another (for example, a 9mm version may be listed while the .40 S&W version is not).
  • If a model does not appear, it does not necessarily mean it is banned. It may simply mean the manufacturer has not submitted it for testing.

3. What the Roster Means for Buyers

The practical impact of the roster depends on how you are acquiring the handgun.

Buying from a dealer

If you are purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer in Massachusetts, the handgun must be on the approved roster. Dealers are legally prohibited from selling non-roster handguns. This is the most significant restriction the roster imposes. If the handgun you want is not on the roster, a dealer cannot sell it to you regardless of whether it is legal to own in the state.

Private party transfers

Private transfers and dealer retail sales are different workflows under Massachusetts law. If you are considering a handgun that is not listed on a current roster, confirm the transfer path with current Mass.gov guidance, the Firearms Records Bureau, or a qualified Massachusetts firearms attorney before money changes hands.

Frame transfers

Frames and receivers occupy a different regulatory space. A stripped frame that has not been assembled into a complete handgun may be transferred differently than a finished handgun. However, the rules around frames are evolving, particularly after the 2024 modernization act. If you are considering building a handgun from a frame, review the current regulations carefully or consult with a firearms attorney.

4. The Modernization Act Changes

The 2024 firearms modernization act (Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024) introduced several changes that affect the approved firearms roster and handgun sales in Massachusetts.

Changes to roster testing

The modernization act expanded the testing criteria for handguns seeking roster approval. New safety and performance standards were added, which may affect which models manufacturers choose to submit for testing. Some manufacturers may decide the additional testing requirements are not worth the cost, potentially reducing the number of models available on the roster over time.

Impact on availability

As the new testing standards take effect, there is uncertainty about how many currently approved handguns will maintain their roster status and how many new models will be submitted. Buyers should be aware that the roster may change in the coming months as manufacturers respond to the updated requirements.

Other relevant changes

  • Serialization requirements for self-manufactured firearms now affect how home-built handguns are registered and tracked.
  • The modernization act made changes to the definition and regulation of firearms components, which may affect frame transfers and parts purchases.
  • Enhanced record-keeping requirements for dealers may affect the transaction process at the point of sale.

5. Roster vs. AWB (Assault Weapons Ban)

The approved firearms roster and the Massachusetts assault weapons ban (AWB) are two separate laws that regulate different things. Understanding the distinction is important because they often get confused.

The approved firearms roster

  • Applies primarily to handguns.
  • Regulates which handguns dealers can sell at retail.
  • Based on safety testing and manufacturer submissions under 940 CMR 16.00.
  • Does not make non-roster handguns illegal to own. It only restricts the retail sale channel.

The assault weapons ban

  • Applies primarily to rifles and shotguns (and some handgun configurations).
  • Bans the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms with specific features (such as detachable magazines combined with pistol grips, flash suppressors, or folding stocks).
  • Based on feature-based definitions in MGL Chapter 140, Section 131M.
  • Makes certain firearms illegal to possess, not just to sell at retail.

A handgun can be legal under the AWB but not appear on the roster (meaning you can own it but a dealer cannot sell it to you). Conversely, a firearm could theoretically be on the roster but still violate the AWB if modified with prohibited features. These are independent legal frameworks, and you need to comply with both.

6. Common Questions

Licensed dealers are generally limited to handguns that satisfy the applicable roster and dealer-sale rules. Private transfers are a different workflow, but they still require correct licensing, transaction reporting, and compliance with current Massachusetts law. Confirm the specific transfer path before money changes hands.
A handgun only appears on the roster if the manufacturer has voluntarily submitted it for safety testing and paid the required fees. Many manufacturers choose not to submit every model they produce, particularly newer models, limited-production variants, or models that may not sell in high enough volume in Massachusetts to justify the testing costs. The absence of a handgun from the roster is not a statement about its safety or legality.
A used handgun sold by a licensed dealer can still implicate dealer-sale roster requirements. Private transfers are handled separately through the state transaction portal. Because the answer can depend on the seller, firearm, and transaction type, verify the current rule before relying on a private-sale assumption.
Yes, but they are narrow. Law enforcement officers may acquire non-roster handguns for duty or department-approved use, typically with a letter from their department. This is not a blanket personal purchase exemption. Certain other limited exemptions may exist depending on the specific circumstances. If you believe an exemption applies to your situation, consult with a firearms attorney to confirm before making a purchase.

7. Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local police department or a licensed attorney.

Information in this guide reflects our understanding of Massachusetts law as of February 2026. The approved firearms roster, testing requirements, and related regulations may have changed since this guide was last updated.

Need help navigating the roster?

Stop by the shop and we can help you figure out what is available, what your options are for non-roster handguns, and how to handle private transfers.

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