Massachusetts Magazine Limit: 10 Rounds

Massachusetts General Laws chapter 140, section 121 defines a large capacity feeding device as one that has a capacity of, or can readily be converted to accept, more than 10 rounds or more than 5 shotgun shells. It also reaches any part or combination of parts from which such a device can be assembled when they are in the same person's possession or control.

Section 131M confines the exception for devices lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994 to specified private property, a licensed dealer or gunsmith for repair, a licensed range or competition venue, and travel between those places with the device unloaded and in a locked container. Transfers are limited to an heir or devisee, a person residing outside the Commonwealth, or a licensed dealer.

Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, in effect since October 2, 2024 under an emergency preamble, wrote the current versions of sections 121 and 131M. It is the subject of Question 9 on the November 3, 2026 state election ballot: a yes vote keeps the law in place and a no vote repeals it. The 1998 version of section 131M, enacted by Chapter 180 of the Acts of 1998, barred selling, offering for sale, transferring, or possessing a large capacity feeding device that was not otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994.

There is no federal magazine capacity limit; the 1994 federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

Federal baseline verified 2026-10-20. Scope: Detachable magazine round-count restrictions for handguns and long guns. States not listed have no capacity limit.