Best 5.56 Rifles You Can Get in MA (2025): Ultimate Massachusetts Compliant Guide
- baystatesurplus
- Jul 21
- 6 min read
Are you searching for the best 5.56 rifles you can get in MA in 2025? With new legislation like Bill H.4885, many gun owners are confused about which 5.56/.223 rifles remain legal and available in Massachusetts. At Bay State Surplus in Plymouth, MA, our goal is to arm you with up-to-date information and the very best MA compliant rifles in 5.56 so you can buy with confidence and peace of mind.
How Do Massachusetts Laws Affect Your 5.56 Rifle Choices?
Massachusetts continues to have some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. The 2024 reforms have largely banned “assault style” rifles with detachable magazines and banned features (such as a pistol grip, flash hider, collapsible stock, etc.)—meaning most AR-15s and similar platforms are no longer available for purchase in the state. However, there are important exceptions and legal rifle options remaining. Understanding these nuances is the key to making your next purchase.
Bolt-action rifles are completely exempt from the assault weapons restrictions. You can configure these with any accessory or feature you like.
Fixed-magazine semi-automatic rifles are also exempt from all “evil feature” rules. If the mag is non-detachable and was manufactured that way, all features are allowed.
Featureless semi-automatic rifles with detachable mags and NO banned features are still MA legal.
Always check with a knowledgeable MA gun dealer (like us at Bay State Surplus!) before buying and modifying any firearm.
Best Massachusetts Legal 5.56 Rifles for 2025
Here’s our expanded list of top choices for those seeking a MA compliant 5.56 rifle or AR15 alternative you can get in MA right now. Every option below is tailored for maximum performance, versatility, and state compliance.
Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch & Standard Models)
Mini-14 in a compliant configuration (Non-threaded barrel/ Fixed Stock/ No Foregrip/ No Pistol Grip)
The Ruger Mini-14 has been a Massachusetts favorite for decades, and it still shines as one of the best MA legal 5.56 rifles for 2025. In its classic Standard and Ranch configurations, the Mini-14 avoids all those “evil features” that are banned on most semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines—there’s no pistol grip, no flash hider, and no collapsible or folding stock. Instead, you get a robust, reliable self-loading rifle with a traditional profile and an outstanding track record of accuracy and durability.
The Mini-14’s versatility makes it great for everything from range fun to practical applications and even varmint control. Its ability to accept detachable magazines adds to the appeal, while the non-tactical wood stock models are particularly attractive for compliance in Massachusetts.
The one caveat is to stay away from the Tactical and Folding Stock variants, which can fall afoul of state law. When you shop at Bay State Surplus, we’ll help you select the right, compliant model every time.
Kel-Tec SU-16
If you’re searching for a lightweight and versatile 5.56 rifle that takes AR-15 mags but still checks every compliance box, the Kel-Tec SU-16 should be near the top of your list. The SU-16 is distinctly designed to avoid Massachusetts’ ban features—it uses a fixed stock with a straight “sporting” profile, lacks a pistol grip, and comes with a simple muzzle (no flash hider). This unique design allows you to enjoy rapid follow-up shots and simple manual of arms while staying within the law. The SU-16 is also famous for its folding capability, which allows you to stow and transport it much more easily than most rifles (when folded for storage only, not as an in-use stock). It’s available in several versions and generally ships with no features that would put you at legal risk in Massachusetts. We regularly keep compliant Kel-Tec SU-16s in stock at Bay State Surplus for those who need an AR mag-compatible, legal alternative for 2025.
Kel-Tec RDB
Kel-tec RDB Survival (This variant of the RDB is legal due to the absence of a pistol grip)
The innovative Kel-Tec RDB is another popular option for shooters looking for a modern, MA legal 5.56 rifle in 2025. As a bullpup, the RDB’s design shifts the action and magazine behind the grip, resulting in a much shorter overall length while retaining a full-length 16” barrel for excellent ballistic performance. The standard RDB configuration, unlike many bullpups, can be found without prohibited features such as a flash hider or “military style” pistol grip, keeping it in line with Massachusetts law. It’s fully ambidextrous with downward shell ejection and has adjustable gas, allowing for maximum versatility for shooters of any size or skill level.
Its unique ergonomics and reliable AR-15 mag compatibility have made it a sought-after alternative for those who want something modern and compact. Bay State Surplus works with distributors to source MA compliant Kel-Tec RDB configurations—let us know if you’re interested!
CMMG BR4 (Featureless AR-15 Alternative)
CMMG BR4 (Accepts detachable AR-15 Magazines)
The CMMG BR4 is perhaps the best AR-15 alternative available to Massachusetts residents in 2025. This “featureless” rifle was built specifically to comply with the most restrictive gun law states, including Massachusetts. The BR4 typically features a fixed, non-adjustable “featureless” stock, an angled or Thordsen-style grip that is not classified as a pistol grip, and a non-threaded or muzzle-brake-equipped barrel that eliminates the need for a banned flash hider. The BR4 allows you to keep the familiar AR-15 controls and ergonomics—plus standard AR mags—but without risking any feature-related noncompliance. With a modern look, robust build, and all the sight and accessory rails you want, the BR4 is perfect for shooters who want the closest possible experience to an AR-15 that is still legal for sale and transfer in Massachusetts. Our staff at Bay State Surplus can help you with featureless AR selection, compliance, and custom orders.
Bolt-Action 5.56 Rifles
Sig Cross Chambered in 5.56
When it comes to bolt-action .223 or 5.56 rifles, Massachusetts shooters get maximum freedom—and they’re a fantastic choice for accuracy, customizability, and hassle-free legal ownership. The best part? None of the state’s “evil feature” restrictions apply. That’s right: you can configure a bolt-action with a pistol grip, folding or collapsible stock, flash hider, threaded muzzle, high-cap mags (if pre-ban), and any optic you like without running into MA’s strict semi-auto ban. Bolt-actions offer legendary precision and reliability for target shooting, hunting, and even home protection.
Popular models like the Ruger American, Savage Axis II, Remington 700 SPS, and CZ 527 are all available in .223/5.56 and ready to be your next completely legal Massachusetts rifle. At Bay State Surplus, we always stock a rotating inventory—just ask what’s new this week!
Factory-Built Fixed Magazine AR-15 Pattern Rifles
Do you love the AR-15 platform and want something as close to the real thing as possible—features and all? Good news: if you purchase an AR-style rifle manufactured at the factory with a fixed magazine (non-removable without disassembly), you’re fully exempt from the Massachusetts “assault weapon” ban on features. That means you can have a full pistol grip, adjustable or folding stock, threaded barrel, flash hider, and more! Fixed magazine ARs most often use a 10-round mag and load either via the ejection port or a side-loading device.
While you lose the rapid reload capability, you gain all the handling and accessory options that make ARs so popular. CMMG, Juggernaut, and other manufacturers are now offering fixed-mag MA legal AR-15s—come see us at Bay State Surplus to learn more and check current inventory!
Pre-Ban 5.56 Rifles (Grandfathered & Lawfully Owned)
Another important and often-overlooked legal category for Massachusetts gun owners is the pre-ban 5.56 rifle. Under Bill H.4885, if you lawfully possessed any 5.56/.223 rifle in the Commonwealth when the new law took effect, you are allowed to keep it—regardless of its features or configuration. This means any AR-15, AK variant, bullpup, or other modern sporting rifle in 5.56 that was properly registered and owned in Massachusetts before the bill’s passage is “grandfathered.” These rifles may still have detachable magazines and all the “evil features” (pistol grip, flash hider, collapsible stock, etc.) that are otherwise banned on new purchases.
As the owner, you’re still fully entitled to use and possess your pre-ban 5.56 rifle in any configuration. This provision is a significant one for long-time gun owners and collectors. If you’re fortunate enough to own one of these grandfathered rifles, keep it registered, store it securely, and make sure you’re following all record-keeping rules. For new buyers, while you can still get your hands on these rifles. Expect to pay premium, for every 1 pre-ban rifle in the state, there is 10 people who want one.
Table: MA-Compliant 5.56 Rifles (2025)
Model | Action | Detachable Mag | Fixed Mag Option | “Evil” Features Allowed | MA Legal in 2025? |
Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch/Std) | Semi-auto | Yes | No | No | Yes (Not All) |
Kel-Tec SU-16 | Semi-auto | Yes | No | No | Yes (Not All) |
Kel-Tec RDB | Semi-auto | Yes | No | No | Yes (Not all) |
CMMG BR4 (Featureless) | Semi-auto | Yes | No | No | Yes |