Can You Still Buy an AR15 in Massachusetts in 2025? (Latest Massachusetts AR15 Laws Explained for 2025)
- baystatesurplus
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
If you’re searching “Can you still buy an AR15 in Massachusetts in 2025?” or looking to understand the new Massachusetts AR15 laws, you’re not alone. As one of the most frequently asked questions at Bay State Surplus here in Plymouth, these concerns have only grown since the recent passing of Bill H4885. This comprehensive update to Massachusetts firearms regulation has gun owners, enthusiasts, and soon-to-be buyers asking: What’s still legal? What’s changed? And can you even buy an AR-15 in Massachusetts anymore?
Massachusetts AR15 Laws: What Changed in 2025?
Bill H4885 radically reshaped the legal landscape for so-called “assault weapons” in Massachusetts. As the law goes into full effect in 2025, AR15 legality in Massachusetts has become even more complex – creating a patchwork of options, exceptions, and grey areas that can be difficult to navigate. Many residents wonder if it’s still possible to buy or own an AR15 in Massachusetts, and if so, what kind? At Bay State Surplus, we’re here to clear things up and keep you informed, safe, and compliant.
What AR15’s Can You Buy in Massachusetts in 2025?
If you’re wondering where the legal AR15 options in Massachusetts stand, here’s a breakdown. In 2025, there are three main ways an ordinary, law-abiding gun owner can legally obtain and possess an AR15-pattern rifle in the Commonwealth:
1. Fixed Magazine AR15s (Starting Around $450+)
Fixed mag AR15s in Massachusetts are now the most accessible legal AR15 option for most people. With a fixed (non-detachable) magazine, these rifles are specifically configured to avoid the “assault weapon” definition in the new laws. While you lose the ability to rapidly swap magazines, this style gives you the greatest freedom to customize your rifle — you’re still allowed to run forward grips, folding/telescoping stocks, flash hiders, and other accessories that would otherwise be restricted.
Key points:
Non-removable magazine (usually 10 rounds)
Most features/accessories are allowed
Most affordable legal AR option
Extensive customization potential
2. Featureless New AR15s ($1,700+)
The "featureless AR15" is designed from the ground up to work around Massachusetts AR15 compliance requirements. Generally, these rifles strip away various cosmetic and ergonomic features (like pistol grips, flash hiders, and collapsible stocks) to avoid falling under the “assault weapon” classification. While they may look awkward at first glance, guns like the CMMG BR4 MA Compliant or the Sig MCX Regulator are still high-performance rifles for Massachusetts shooters.
Highlights:
Complies with 2025 Massachusetts AR15 restrictions
Usually limited to one “evil feature” (stock, grip, etc.)
Legal to purchase new in MA (from dealers in 2025)
Still compatible with many AR15 upgrades for the future
3. Certified Pre-Ban AR15s ($2,500+)
If you want a “true” AR15 with all the bells and whistles, a Certified Pre-Ban AR15 is your holy grail. To qualify, these rifles must have been both manufactured prior to 9/13/1994, —and, crucially, lawfully possessed & registered prior to August 1, 2024 (under the new bill).
Since dealers can’t import pre-ban AR15s from out of state under H4885, the local supply has become even more precious—raising prices by the thousands.
The only thing that you aren't allowed to swap out is the lower receiver, meaning sky is the limit for modification.
The pre-ban market is hotter than ever, but authenticity and proper paperwork are everything!
Grey Areas in 2025: The “In-Between” Massachusetts AR15s
Massachusetts gun law has always been defined by grey zones—and the new 2025 AR15 laws are no exception. The key issue? The law’s specific language around what was “lawfully possessed” and what was “an assault weapon” as of August 1, 2024.
The Big Questions:
Was your firearm considered an “assault weapon” on August 1st, 2024?
Was it lawfully possessed and properly registered on August 1st, 2024?
For example, if you bought a stripped AR-15 lower receiver before August 1 but never completed or registered it as a rifle, is it a “pre-ban” AR15? If your MA-compliant AR15 was assembled or registered right before the new law, but the paperwork lagged, what category does it fall into? There are no definitive answers—only time (or a court case) will tell.
What about “pinned and welded” AR15s?
Before 7/20/16, dealers could sell “compliant” AR15s with pinned compensators, but in July 2016, Attorney General Maura Healey issued an enforcement notice reinterpreting the law. According to her office, these rifles were suddenly considered “illegal copies,” except those already registered and possessed prior to the 2016 notice. Under Bill H4885, these rifles' legal status is even murkier, especially if you transferred or registered yours in the window between 2016 and 2024. Some experts say they’re safe if they’re in state databases; others strongly disagree.
Our advice at Bay State Surplus: If you have questions about your rifle’s legal status, bring the paperwork—don’t rely on hearsay! And stay on the lighter side of grey areas!
Special Models & Copycat AR15s: Legal Loopholes?
Some AR-platform rifles like the Sig MCX and certain other brands thread the legal needle. The MCX, for instance, isn’t classified as an AR15 “copy or duplicate” under Massachusetts law, which allowed it to sidestep some of the state restrictions/grey areas from 2016-2024. If you’re interested in an AR15-style firearm that’s explicitly not considered an AR15 by Massachusetts authorities, these are a fantastic (albeit expensive) option.
The 2025 Long Gun Roster: The Next Challenge
The story doesn’t end with H4885. Another major part of the 2025 Massachusetts gun law update is the upcoming Long Gun Roster—a state-mandated list of the only rifles and shotguns Massachusetts dealers can sell. As of early 2025, the roster isn’t final, but the expectation is no AR15s will be allowed for sale once it’s active.
What does this mean for you?
If you want ANY kind of AR15 in Massachusetts, you’re running out of time.
Even legal options may disappear if not specifically listed on the state roster.
Buy, register, and verify everything before the cut-off dates!
Want more info? Read our companion piece: The Upcoming MA Gun Ban Nobody is Talking About.
FAQ: AR15 Ownership in Massachusetts (2025)
Q: Can you buy an AR15 in Massachusetts in 2025? A: Only certain compliant models! Fixed-mag, new featureless, or certified pre-ban AR15s are legal.
Q: What is a Massachusetts compliant AR15? A: An AR15 that meets specific feature restrictions (featureless) or uses a non-removable magazine, or was lawfully owned and registered before the new laws fully passed.
Q: Are AR15 “clones” or “copies” legal in MA? A: Only some. Specific models not classified as “substantially similar” to an AR15 under MA law (like the Sig MCX) are still allowed.
Q: What if I already own an AR15? A: If lawfully owned and registered as of August 1, 2024, you may keep it and transfer it, just make sure you know what "lawfully" means.
Conclusion: Get Help From Local Experts
Massachusetts AR15 laws in 2025 are highly complex and subject to change. Striking the right balance between compliance and ownership isn’t easy. At Bay State Surplus, we take pride in helping local gun owners find fully legal, compliant firearms—including AR15 variants—no matter how confusing the law gets.
Stop in, call, or email our Plymouth gun shop for the latest legal updates, model recommendations, or help with MA-compliance questions. Your safety, your rights, and your peace of mind are always our top priorities.
Can you still buy an AR15 in Massachusetts in 2025? Yes, but only if you know the law, trust experts, and act fast!
Bay State Surplus – Your Trusted Massachusetts Gun Shop in Plymouth (Driving safe, legal AR15 ownership for Plymouth and beyond!)
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