Inherited Guns in Massachusetts and Don't Have an LTC? Here's What to Do
A family member passed away and left you their firearms. You don't have a License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearms Identification (FID) card. Now those guns are sitting in your house and you're wondering: is this even legal? Am I in trouble? What am I supposed to do with them?
Take a breath. You're not a criminal, and you have options. Here's exactly how it works in Massachusetts — in plain English, from a licensed dealer who does this all the time.
Yes — you can legally possess inherited firearms without a license (for a limited time)
Massachusetts law specifically protects heirs. Under M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 129C, if you inherit a firearm from someone who legally owned it, you are allowed to possess it without any license for up to 60 days after it comes into your possession. The law understands that you didn't ask for these guns — they came to you through a death in the family.
And here's the part most people don't realize: within that same 60-day window, the law expressly allows you to sell or transfer those firearms to a licensed dealer. You don't need to get licensed yourself first. You don't need to figure out storage laws long-term. You have a clean, legal path to hand them off.
The 60-day clock is real — don't sit on it
That 60-day protection is a grace period, not a permanent right. Once it runs out, possessing firearms in Massachusetts without the proper license is a serious matter. So the smart move is simple: handle it well before day 60. The good news is that resolving it usually takes one phone call and one visit — not a legal odyssey.
In the meantime, keep the firearms stored safely and unloaded, and don't carry or use them. Just secure them and make your plan.
Your three options as an heir
You basically have three legal paths:
Sell them to a licensed dealer. The cleanest, fastest option. A licensed dealer (like us) can take the entire collection off your hands legally, pay you fair value, and handle all the paperwork and compliance. You walk away with cash and zero lingering legal exposure.
Transfer them to a licensed family member or buyer. If a relative or friend holds a valid MA LTC/FID, the firearms can be transferred to them — but this must be done properly and reported through a dealer or the state, not hand-to-hand.
Get licensed yourself and keep them. If you actually want to keep the guns, you can apply for your own LTC or FID. Just know the licensing process takes time — often longer than 60 days — so you'll likely need a dealer to hold or handle them in the meantime.
Why most people just sell the collection
For the majority of heirs we work with, they don't want the guns — they want the situation resolved, and they don't want to leave money on the table. Inherited collections are often worth far more than families expect. Older military rifles, pre-ban firearms, quality shotguns, and even the ammunition and accessories can carry real value that a quick pawn-shop lowball will never reflect.
A reputable dealer will appraise the whole collection honestly — the valuable pieces and the ordinary ones — and make you a fair offer on all of it at once. One transaction, done right, fully legal.
How Bay State Surplus helps
We're a licensed firearms dealer in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and helping families with inherited firearms is something we do regularly and with respect. Here's what we handle for you:
Honest, no-pressure appraisal of the entire collection — firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
Full legal compliance — we handle the transfer paperwork and MA reporting so you don't have to navigate it.
Fair value for everything, bought as one lot, so you're not stuck trying to sell pieces one at a time.
A discreet, respectful process — we understand these guns came from someone you cared about.
Whether it's a single handgun or an entire safe full of rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, we can help you resolve it legally and get real value for what your family member left behind — all well within your 60-day window.
Not sure what you have? Call us.
The first step costs you nothing. Call Bay State Surplus at (781) 205-0673 or email baystatesurplus@gmail.com, tell us what you've got, and we'll walk you through your options — no obligation, no judgment. If you'd rather come in, we're in Plymouth and happy to help.
Inheriting firearms doesn't have to be stressful. Handle it the smart way, the legal way, and the fair way. That's what we're here for.
This article is general education, not legal advice. Massachusetts firearms law is complex and changes over time — verify current requirements (M.G.L. c.140 §129C and related statutes) and consult the appropriate authorities or an attorney for your specific situation. When in doubt, call a licensed dealer before moving or transferring any firearm.
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