Yesterday the Appeals Court confirmed that a firearm identification (FID) card does not permit its holder to possess a handgun.
The questions at issued was
Does an FID card issued pursuant to G.L. c. 140, Sec. 129B authorize possession of a firearm in an individual’s home?
The answer, according to the Appeals Court, is no.
[A]n FID card entitle[s] the cardholder to possess a rifle or shotgun that [is] not a large capacity weapon but [does] not authorize the possession of handguns.
To lawfully possess a handgun in Massachusetts a resident needs a class B license (G.L. c. 140, Sec. 131[b]). To legally possess and carry a concealed handgun, a class A license is required (G.L. c. 140, Sec. 131[a]).
The full opinion is attached below.