Chapter 135 (H.4885) – Large Capacity Feeding Devices

The following should not be taken as legal advice.

Like all of Chapter 135, the “Large Capacity Feeding Device” (LCFD) laws are a mess.

But here are a few things you should know. As usual, these interpretations are fluid and ongoing.

Restrictions on Possession:

Must have been lawfully possessed on, or before, September 13, 1994. (It does not specify possessed in Massachusetts, but the Attorney General will likely have a say in that.)

• On private property owned or legally controlled by the person in possession of the large capacity feeding device.
• On private property that is not open to the public with the express permission of the property owner.
• While on the premises of a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for the purpose of lawful repair.
• At a licensed firing range or sports shooting competition venue.

Mandatory Storage:

When traveling to and from the “permitted” locations they must be stored unloaded and secured in a locked container in compliance with the storage and transportation laws.

Transfers/sales:

It is unlawful to “import” any LCFDs into Massachusetts.

Transfers are limited to heirs, someone outside the State, or to a retailer. We have not yet found an exemption for retailers to transfer to persons inside the commonwealth.

Definition:

“Large capacity feeding device”, (i) a fixed or detachable magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition or more than 5 shotgun shells; or (ii) any part or combination of parts from which a device can be assembled if those parts are in the possession or control of the same person. “Large capacity feeding device” shall not include: (i) any device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds of ammunition or more than 5 shotgun shells; (ii) an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or (iii) a tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm or on a pump shotgun.