Massachusetts has some of the most restrictive and complex firearm laws in the country. These laws regulate not only complete firearms, but also parts, accessories, magazines, ammunition, and firearm industry conduct. Together, they create strict compliance requirements and expanded civil liability that make it impractical for out-of-state retailers like Arm Or Ally to sell or ship regulated products into Massachusetts.
What Is Massachusetts’ Gun Industry Liability Law?
In 2024, Massachusetts enacted legislation expanding civil liability for firearm industry members. The law allows the state to bring civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers if their sale, marketing, or distribution of firearm-related products is alleged to contribute to a public nuisance or public harm, even when the seller complied with federal law.
Official legislative information:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4139
Why Does This Increase Risk for Online Retailers?
Massachusetts’ liability framework allows lawsuits based on how firearm-related products are marketed or distributed, not just on illegal conduct or defective products. This means an online retailer could face civil claims arguing that ordinary sales practices failed to include sufficient safeguards, even when the retailer followed all applicable federal requirements.
For out-of-state sellers, defending against these claims can be costly and unpredictable, creating legal exposure that extends beyond traditional e-commerce risk.
Other Massachusetts Laws That Add to the Compliance Burden
Massachusetts also enforces additional firearm and ammunition laws that complicate shipping and compliance, including:
- Firearm and ammunition licensing: Massachusetts requires residents to hold state-issued licenses to purchase or possess firearms and ammunition, with strict dealer verification requirements that complicate direct-to-consumer sales.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/firearms-licensing - Assault weapon restrictions: Massachusetts enforces an assault weapon ban with definitions that differ from federal law and are subject to state interpretation and enforcement guidance.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/the-massachusetts-assault-weapons-ban - Magazine capacity limits: Massachusetts restricts magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with limited grandfathering exceptions.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-large-capacity-feeding-devices - Unserialized and privately made firearm restrictions: Massachusetts regulates unfinished frames, receivers, and privately made firearms, including serialization and transfer requirements.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ghost-guns-and-privately-made-firearms
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. Massachusetts’ expanded civil liability framework and layered firearm regulations significantly increase compliance costs, operational complexity, and legal exposure for out-of-state retailers beyond what is practical for Arm Or Ally.
Will Arm Or Ally Sell to Massachusetts in the Future?
At this time, no. Until Massachusetts law becomes clearer, more predictable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, or ammunition into Massachusetts.
