The Upcoming Massachusetts Gun Ban Nobody Is Talking About
- baystatesurplus
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Introduction
If you live in Massachusetts and have any interest in firearms, you’ve probably heard about the sweeping new legislation that was signed into law last year — Bill H4885. While many are focused on the new restrictions for so-called “assault weapons,” there’s another part of these new MA gun laws flying under the radar: the impending Massachusetts gun ban that will fundamentally change which guns residents can legally own, purchase, and transfer. This isn’t just about semi-autos or high-capacity magazines—this is about nearly every firearm in the state.
Today, at Bay State Surplus in Plymouth, Massachusetts, we want to shed light on something nobody is really talking about: the long gun roster that’s coming soon to Massachusetts gun shops.
New Massachusetts Gun Laws: An Overview
Most enthusiasts are aware of the current wave of new MA gun laws targeting the configurations of semi-automatic rifles. As of mid-2025, you can still walk into a gun shop and (after settling for a compliant grip or thumbhole stock) walk out with most of the modern firearms you want. Sure, you might have to settle for a strange workaround, but there’s still something available.
But if you think this is as bad as it gets for Massachusetts gun owners, get ready — because things are about to change in a way that could make today’s rules seem almost permissive.
What Is the Massachusetts Long Gun Roster?
As part of Bill H4885, the state introduced a whole new concept: the Massachusetts long gun roster. Those familiar with the state’s infamous handgun roster know the drill, but this one’s even broader.
Here’s how it works:
The Massachusetts long gun roster will be an official list of every model of long gun that gun dealers are allowed to transfer to residents.
If your desired firearm isn’t specifically named on this spreadsheet, no dealer can legally transfer it to you — no exceptions.
Manufacturers must pay a $10,000 application fee and submit five brand-new units of their firearm for destructive testing to try and get that model on the roster. There’s no guarantee it will be included, and the state can remove models at any time.
Unlike most gun bans in Massachusetts which target only semi-automatic rifles or handguns, the new roster applies to all long guns — bolt actions, single-shots, shotguns, .22LRs... you name it.
This means an old, single-shot .22 from the 1950s is now just as restricted as the most modern tactical rifle, unless it’s on the roster.
Everything Is Banned by Default
This is the critical point: instead of telling you which guns are banned in Massachusetts, the state will now default to banning everything — and then only allow the specific makes and models named on the roster. If it’s not on the list, you can’t get it from a dealer.
Why Isn’t the Long Gun Roster Implemented Yet?
For all the urgency and drama surrounding H4885, there’s still a waiting period on this part of the law — and it’s all about logistics. Creating and administering the roster demands new infrastructure and bureaucracy, something the state is struggling to roll out quickly. As of today (July 13, 2025), there’s still no clear timeline on when the Massachusetts long gun roster will actually take effect.
What Does This Mean for Gun Owners and Dealers?
The immediate impact of the new Massachusetts gun ban (namely, the restrictions on semi-autos) has already been devastating for local gun shops. But the future impact of the long gun roster will be even worse:
Dealers will be limited to a small selection of new inventory.
Older, discontinued firearms — even classics and collectibles — won’t be eligible since manufacturers have zero incentive to jump through expensive legal hoops for guns they no longer produce.
Every gun shop’s stock will start to look the same: just a handful of new, roster-approved guns. Say goodbye to that unique find or affordable used rifle.
The supply of approved long guns in Massachusetts will shrink dramatically, with prices likely to rise.
So, Which Guns Will Be on the Massachusetts Roster?
Unfortunately, no one knows yet. The roster hasn’t been published, and the process manufacturers face is so arduous and expensive that many simply won’t bother.
Key takeaways for “what guns are banned in Massachusetts” going forward:
If it’s not on the MA long gun roster, it’s effectively banned for dealer sales.
The list will skew heavily toward brand-new, currently manufactured models.
Guns discontinued before 2024 are extremely unlikely to make the cut.
What Can You Do Right Now?
Here’s the one loophole: The roster only regulates dealer-to-customer transfers. It does not apply to private transfers between Massachusetts residents (as current law stands). Once the roster is active, the only way to legally acquire non-roster guns will be through private sales.
So, the best move right now? Get as many firearms into private circulation as possible while you still can.
Buy now from your local FFL while options are available.
Consider privately selling or trading legally owned firearms within the state — the pool of available guns will never be bigger than it is today.
Stay informed — at Bay State Surplus, we’ll share updates as soon as there’s news about implementation dates or roster details.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Massachusetts long gun roster will mark a seismic shift in the Commonwealth’s firearms landscape. Forget the “assault weapon” bans — this new system is the ultimate Massachusetts gun ban, covering almost every type of long gun and making virtually all firearms banned by default unless officially sanctioned.
Don’t wait. Now is the time to act, before the long gun roster closes the door on your options.
Want advice, have questions, or need to see what’s still available? Visit us at Bay State Surplus in Plymouth. We’re here to help you navigate these new MA gun laws and keep you updated on “what guns are banned in Massachusetts” — and, just as importantly, which ones you can still own.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s protect our rights together.