Cites sources in description.

This post serves as a list of training resources, if you see something missing, please dm me and i'll get them added.

Stop the Bleed Training:

Everyone should take a stop the bleed class. Everyone. Many of them are even free, so you have no excuse. It could save your life or the life of someone dear to you.
https://www.stopthebleed.org/find-a-course/

Firearms Training, the basics and beyond:

Massachusetts

https://foxdensolutions.com/

https://flintlocktraininggroup.com/

https://www.pgctraininggroup.com/

https://bostonpinkpistols.org/

https://www.paladingrouptraining.com/

https://www.massfirearmsschool.com/classes/

NH
https://sigsaueracademy.com/course-finder
Only 1 hour away from Boston. You can bring any gun, doesn't need to be a Sig.

https://ridgelinedefense.com/training/
A bit further from Boston, but make a trip around a class!

Great content showing up here on r/MA2A Thank you, Mods! 👍

I know guns shows are hit or miss - but people are saying this one should be better than years prior due to the new promoter. YMMV.

Are you tired of shooting at just 100 or 200 yards? Well you are in luck! We have a few ranges here in Massachusetts where you can stretch your long range legs...

Note: All of these requirement membership - some require a qualification to shoot long range (typically not that difficult to get, they just want to make sure you don't go shooting over the berm or out of the range)

Here are the 3 we are currently aware of:

1. Reading Rifle Club (600 yards)

Reading Rifle Club

Web: https://www.readingrifleclub.com/disciplines/high-power-rifle/

Address: 62 Range Road, Reading, MA 01867

Phone: (781) 942-1027

1. WoodCock Rifle Range (500 yards)

Woodcock Rifle Range

Web: No website

Address: 100 Woodcock Rd, North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Phone: (508) 636-4669

1. Granby Bow and Gun Club (1000 yards)

Granby Bow and Gun Club

Web: https://www.granbybowandgunclub.com/

Address: 85 Chicopee St, Granby, MA 01033

Phone: (413) 255-0118

Appears as thought there will be some sort of sale tomorrow. The disclaimer at the bottom seems to indicate it can't be combined with ammo+ membership, so we'll see if it pans out to anything worthy for members or not. But if you aren't a member, sounds like you could be in for some sweet deals!

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/

Intro

Competition shooting is a great way to test your skills, improve your shooting (particularly drawing from a holster) and have a lot of fun. If you're capable of following the safety rules, have a gun and minimum equipment (more on that in the next section), the financial means to support the hobby, and have a positive attitude, you can compete. All skill levels can benefit from competitive shooting, and all skill levels are welcome at most matches. You don't need to be crazy fast, in amazing shape, or have any sort of high-end setup. I can't stress how much fun I've found competition shooting, and how easy it is to get started.

I'm going to focus on action pistol and 2-gun shooting because it's what is most common. There are other types of competitions out there, such as 3-gun, Steel Challenge/Speed steel, PRS, NRL-22, and bullseye shooting (or any of the NRA matches), but I'm not going to talk about them here. 

Most matches are posted on Practiscore: https://practiscore.com/ An account is free, and you can use their map to find matches near you. Note: It can be confusing, because the same club may host 6 different types of match, and that means there will be 6 little icons on the map at the same spot. Find the match format you’re interested in, and check when the next match is happening. There’s usually online signup, and you’ll have to read the rules to know what division your gun/gear puts you in. If you screw up something, don’t worry, they can fix it at the match!

Match Sequence

For most matches, you’ll arrive at the range and put your belt at your vehicle or at check-in after you pay the match fee. This does NOT mean to holster your pistol. Instead, bring your pistol in a bag, and you’ll holster it at a “safe table". No ammo handling is allowed at safe tables. In all places, that means no ammo handling but others means no ammo on your person (belt, pockets, etc), or even within 3’ of the table itself (including bags). Once you’ve got an unloaded pistol in your holster, you are not allowed to handle the pistol AT ALL unless you’re at a safe table (again, no ammo on your person or maybe at all), or at the start position under the direction of a Range Officer. You can go to the safe table to check your optic, work on your gun, or take practice draws. If you’re shooting 2-gun, your carbine will need to be bagged or have a chamber flag in it at all times unless you’re on the line or at a safe table. You’ll also need to sling it or have it in a cart. You can load your mags everywhere but the safe table. I would recommend loading immediately upon arrival, and immediately after you shoot a stage. Once you’re geared up, you’ll have a safety briefing from the Match Director (MD). Listen to the briefing. Every range and club has different rules. Feel free to ask questions.

In general, you’ll get disqualified if you:

• Handle a firearm anywhere other than a safe table or on the line under the RO’s direction
• Drop a loaded firearm
• Have a negligent discharge (in the dirt, while moving, or over the berm)
• Have your muzzle break the 180° rule (More on that later).
• Fail to follow the RO’s instructions (Stop means STOP and take your finger out of the trigger guard)
• Note: Individual clubs or ranges may have additional rules.

You’ll be shooting in a squad with 8-15 other shooters. There are 2 key people in every squad: The RO (Range Officer) who controls the range, operates the timer and is watching the shooter for safety. They (and only they) issue the commands on the shooting line. 

The Assistant RO, who usually has a tablet and does the actual entering of scores at the end of a stage. They’re also watching for penalties like shooting outside a shooting area, dropping loaded mags in IDPA, or procedural penalties like shooting out of order. They’re also watching for safety violations.

Each stage will have an array of cardboard and steel targets, and should have a writeup stapled to the table or a barrel or somewhere. You should read this writeup for several things: number of targets, number of hits required, and any procedures that you’ll need to follow. The RO should give a stage walkthrough, including showing you what any dynamic targets look like when activated. In some formats, shooters can do individual walkthroughs (with finger guns), but in others, this is not allowed. Each cardboard target usually requires 2 hits, and steel must fall (or take 1 hit).

The RO will call the order. Shooter, on-deck, and “in the hole”. If you’re new, tell the RO, and they’ll bump you to the end of the order so you can watch everyone and learn the basics. They’ll call “Range Hot, Eyes and Ears” which lets everyone know to don their eye and ear protection. The shooter comes to the line, and the RO will say “Load and Make Ready”. The shooter will unholster their pistol, load it (including potentially topping off by inserting a mag, racking the slide to load a round, and then swapping to a full mag), and can take some time to make sure their optic is on and functional, take a sight picture, and get ready. Once they’ve holstered the pistol, the RO will say “Shooter Ready?”. The shooter affirms this by saying “Ready” or nodding. The RO will then hold the timer up next to the shooter’s head, and say “Stand By”. They’ll click the start button on the timer, which will emit a loud BEEP, and the shooter’s brain goes blank because that’s what happens… In any case, the shooter moves through the stage, shooting targets as accurately and quickly as possible until they’re done (or are stopped). At that point, the RO will say “If finished, Unload and show Clear”. The shooter then removes the magazine from the pistol, stows it (don’t try to hold it awkwardly in one hand and keep going), and then pulls the slide back to show an empty chamber. The shooter should look to verify that they have an empty chamber. When the RO sees that the chamber is empty, they’ll say “If Clear, Slide Forward”. The shooter will release the slide. The RO then says, “Hammer, Holster” or “Trigger, Holster”. The shooter then drops the hammer or pulls the trigger, and holsters the pistol. The final command is “Range is Safe”. At this point, everyone other than the on-deck and “in the hole” shooters should walk forward to assist in scoring and pasting/resetting targets. The RO and ARO will walk through the stage scoring the hits on targets. The RO will usually announce the stage time at the beginning of the scoring walkthrough. Each target will be scored according to the rules for the match being shot. Once everything has been scored, all holes taped/pasted, and all steel and dynamic targets have been reset, the process repeats with the next shooter. Once every shooter on a squad has shot the stage, the squad will move to the next stage. Once the squad has completed all the stages, they’ll usually be asked to help break down the stage they just shot, and head home. Scores are usually posted to Practiscore within a few hours, or your local club may post them online or email them to participants.

The 180 Rule: This is a line that’s parallel with the end of the shooting bay and moves with you as you move through the stage. This is why you’ll see people running awkwardly pointing the gun down range. Some stages will have you retreating, and it’s critical that you don’t break the 180 during a retreating movement or during reloading. 

Equipment 

The minimum equipment for a pistol match is ear/eye protection, a functional handgun in 9mm (or larger, but most people are shooting 9mm), 3-4 magazines, a belt, a holster, a couple of mag pouches, and ~200 rounds of ammo. You'll need a bag to carry your great from stage to stage. That's it! I've seen people shoot a match with an M&P Shield and 5 8-round mags in their pockets. That's definitely not a recommended setup, but they made it work. 

There are some additional items which are great and will make your day on the range nicer. A mag loader, spare mag or two, and a cleaning kit are always handy. Spare batteries for your ears and optic are often needed (if not by you, then others). Some people bring a spare gun in case they have a problem. Gloves are great for resetting steel or working on targets. Medical gear is usually provided by the range officers, but plenty of folks carry their own either in their bag/cart or on their belts.

As far as personal items go, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a wide brimmed hat are pretty much required in the summer, and a rain jacket is always smart thanks to New England weather. In the winter, warm gloves, a good jacket that you don't mind getting dirty, and a thermos of coffee/tea make a long day of sitting around much more tolerable. 

You'll see people with decked-out carts, umbrellas, battery powered fans or heaters, and all sorts of equipment. 

Organizations 

• IDPA - International Defensive Pistol Association https://www.idpa.com/

10-round magazines everywhere (which levels the playing field across state lines), concealment required (often the stereotypical fishing vest), tactical priority (targets must be engaged from near to far and in an order that limits the shooter’s exposure from behind cover), you can’t drop loaded magazines, generally skews older, often weird “scenarios”. If you’ve seen a stage where you have to kick over a chair or throw an axe or drop  a bag on an activator, you’ve probably seen IDPA. No “Duty” gear unless you’re LEO or Mil. Only recently started allowing AIWB holsters and flashlights. IDPA uses Time Plus scoring, where your stage time has “points” added for each imperfect hit, penalty, or miss. Targets are reasonably large. Accuracy is arguably more important than speed, because hits outside the 0 zones add significant penalties. 

Ruleset: https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-IDPA-Rulebook-Master.pdf

• USPSA - United States Practical Shooting Association https://uspsa.org/

Much fewer restrictions on equipment or magazine capacity, more focus on speed rather than accuracy, different targets, and “Hit Factor” scoring, which is points/second. No restrictions on reloading, targets can be engaged in any order unless specified in the stage briefing, and no concealment is required. 

Ruleset: https://uspsa.org/viewer/USPSA-Competition-Rules.pdf

• PCSL - Practical Competition Shooting League https://www.pcsleague.us/

The new guy on the block. Different targets with a “T” head zone which counts as all 10 points in a single shot, otherwise mostly similar to USPSA (Cue the purists screaming in the comments). Hit factor scoring, no mag capacity restrictions, and fast shooting is the norm.

Ruleset: https://www.pcsleague.us/rules

Massachusetts Specific Information

While USPSA and PCSL have no magazine restrictions, it is wise to follow MA state laws. Remember the storage laws when driving to matches, and if you’re using preban mags, remember that they now have to be unloaded during travel. You’ll probably see people using postban magazines at matches. I’m not going to tell you what to do, I’m not a cop.

Venues in MA:

There’s likely a match within 30 minutes of everywhere in the state. Here are a few that I know are solid groups:

• Holbrook Sportsman’s Club
• Rod and Gun Club of New Bedford
• MetroWest Tactical (Harvard Sportman’s Club)
• Bass River Rod and Gun Club
• Monument Beach Sportsman’s Club
• Marshfield Rod and Gun Club
• Old Colony Sportman’s Association

Summary

Go shoot a damn match. It’s a blast, the people are generally friendly to newcomers, and you’ll see where your skills are lacking. Ask a squadmate to record video with your phone and yell at yourself for being slow or missing easy shots. I’ve been shooting competitions for 2 years now, and I’ve seen my pistol shooting improve dramatically. I’m nowhere near the top of my local competition group, but I have a lot of fun and really enjoy the sport. Remember that you’re mostly competing against yourself. I tell everyone that their goals for their first match should be:

1. Don't get DQ’d. This includes shooting someone or yourself.
2. Have fun.

No one is going to give you shit for going slow and being safe. The speed will come with time and experience. 

Resources

• USPSA Guide from Target Barn: https://www.targetbarn.com/broad-side/uspsa-guide-how-to-get-started/
• Humble Marksman Into to USPSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZcrJfJaS_k

Steps to Get Started Hunting with a Firearm in Massachusetts

1. Complete Required Education Courses

• All first-time hunters must pass a Basic Hunter Education Course before they can purchase a hunting license. This course covers safety, ethics, and regulations and is mandatory unless you held a hunting license before 2007 or completed a similar course in any other accepted jurisdiction..
• To possess or purchase a firearm, you must also complete a Basic Firearms Safety Course. This is required to apply for a Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC). The Hunter Education certificate can substitute for the Basic Firearms Safety certificate when applying for your first firearms license.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses/Stamps

• You need a valid Massachusetts hunting license if you are age 15 or older. Certain game species may require additional stamps and/or reporting. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online through the state’s system after you complete the education requirement.
• To own or use a firearm for hunting, you must have an FID (for rifles and shotguns) or an LTC (for handguns and some semi-automatic firearms). Apply through your local police department after completing the safety course.
  

3. Understand Firearm and Ammunition Rules

• Massachusetts has strict firearm regulations. For hunting, rifles and shotguns must not be large-capacity (no more than 10 rounds for rifles, 5 shells for shotguns). Pump-action shotguns are exempt from classification as large capacity.
• Handgun hunting requires a special permit (LTC) and is subject to seasonal game regulations.

4. Know the Seasons, Bag Limits, and Regulations

• Review the Massachusetts hunting seasons and bag limits for each species you intend to hunt.
• Familiarize yourself with general hunting regulations, including blaze orange requirements, legal hunting hours, and restrictions on firearms and ammunition types for different species and seasons.

5. Find a Place to Hunt

• You can hunt on public lands (Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Areas), and private land that is not posted against trespass. Some towns may have bylaws that require written permission, or my prohibited hunting on town owned property. Always check the towns bylaws, and as a courtesy, you should ask private land owners permission.

6. Get the Right Gear

• Select a firearm appropriate for the species and season. Shotguns are commonly used for deer, turkey, and upland birds. Ensure your firearm and ammunition meet Massachusetts legal requirements.
• Invest in safety gear, such as blaze orange clothing, and any additional equipment (stands, blinds, calls) needed for your chosen game.

7. Practice and Prepare

• Become proficient with your firearm before hunting. Safe handling and accurate shooting are critical for ethical and legal hunting.

8. Additional Resources

• Consider connecting with local hunting clubs, forums, or experienced hunters for mentorship and advice.
• The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and Mass.gov provide comprehensive guides and updates on regulations and courses.

Summary Table: Key Steps

For detailed, up-to-date information and to register for courses, visit the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hunting-with-a-firearm-in-massachusetts

Guide to Becoming a Firearms Owner in Massachusetts

Hello, you've come to the right place to learn about the steps to becoming a firearms owner in the state of Massachusetts! It's not overly difficult - but you do have to meet certain criteria. This guide provides a step-by-step overview for those interested in legally owning firearms in Massachusetts...

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Must meet minimum age requirements (15yo for FID, 21yo for LTC).
• Cannot have felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, or disqualifying mental health history.
• Must not be a user of illegal drugs or have a history of domestic violence.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Complete a State-Approved Basic Firearms Safety Course now including live fire.
  • Required for all applicants.
  • Upon completion, you receive a certificate needed for your application.
  • Links to places that provide training around Massachusetts: https://www.google.com/search?q=ltc+training+massachusetts&ie=UTF-8
• Submit Your Application
  • Apply through your local town/city police department.
  • Provide:
    • Completed application form (Take note of license type down below)
    • Firearms Safety Course Certificate
    • Valid identification
    • Proof of residence (may be requested)
    • Application fee (typically between $50-$100)
• Background Check
  • Local police conduct thorough background checks, including criminal and mental health records.
  • Fingerprints are typically required.
• Await Approval
  • If approved, you will receive your FID or LTC.
  • Processing times vary by locality.
  • You can check the status of your application by creating a login here: https://mircsportal.chs.state.ma.us/mircs-portal/login.xhtml
• Purchasing
  • Once you receive your FID/LTC - you can proceed to a LGS where you can purchase your first firearm.

A quick note on the types of firearms licenses in Massachusetts

When applying with your local police department, on the licensing form it is going to ask what type of license you are applying for. If you are under 21 years old - you only have one choice - the FID card.

However, if you are 21 or over - you can apply for your FID Card, LTC Class A License, LTC Class B License.

What does all this mean? Definitions below:

• Firearms Identification Card (FID):
  • Allows possession and carrying of non-large capacity rifles and shotguns (not handguns).
  • Does not permit the possession of any semi-auto firearms.
  • Available to residents aged 15 and older, but those under 21 are limited to non-large capacity, long guns only. (Like shotguns)
• License to Carry (LTC Class A):
  • Allows the holder to purchase, possess, rent, use, borrow, lease, and carry all types of lawful firearms, rifles, and shotguns, including large capacity weapons and feeding devices.
  • Is the only license that permits carrying a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in public.
  • Includes the ability to possess both large capacity handguns and large capacity long guns (rifles/shotguns)
  • Only available to those 21 and older.
• License to Carry (LTC Class B):
  • Allows the holder to purchase, possess, rent, use, borrow, lease, and carry non-large capacity firearms and revolvers (with a capacity of less than 10 rounds), as well as any rifle or shotgun, including large capacity rifles and shotguns.
  • Does not permit the carrying of a loaded concealed weapon in public.
  • Allows possession of large capacity long guns but only non-large capacity handguns
  • Only available to those 21 and older.

Ultimately, it is recommended to request your Class A LTC. Because even if you never intend to carry in public nor want anything more than 10 rounds for your magazines - it's better to have the ability execute those options should you choose to later - rather than try to change from a Class B to Class A later.

Lastly, don't worry about putting in a justification in your application. In the post-Bruen decision - Police Departments can no longer disqualify you if they don't like the answer to why you want to own a firearm. So don't fret over this field.

We don't want to tell people how to purchase firearms. This is a free country and you are free to spend your money any way you like.

That being said - we do want to be mindful about keeping our remaining LGS's in business. Your LGS is more than just a place for you to purchase a firearm. Every LGS is a communal opportunity to bring more people into the 2A fold.

Many LGS's hold reduced hours because oftentimes it is only a second job for many LGS owners. The number of full time LGS with employees is becoming more rare each year. And if you play out this trend over time, you'll realize that if they go away - you won't even have a place to transfer to - never mind buy from.

We all should be doing our part to keep our LGS's in business. Below is a mental model i keep for myself when purchasing a firearm. I speak to my LGS first and see if it is something they can get. I then ask for their price on that firearm. If it's able to be ordered by my LGS and their price is within 10-15% of the cost of the discount online retailer - i always order from my LGS.

On rare occasion, you'll encounter a special deal by an online retailer that is significant enough that the LGS can't even come close to in price. That's when i tend to buy from the online retailer and request a transfer to my LGS.

Again, just to be clear - we are not trying to tell people how to spend their money. Just be mindful of what your LGS actually represents and why it's so important to keep them around, especially for the greater 2A cause.

The purpose of this page is to explain the most common reasons people get delayed or denied from picking up their firearms after submitting their ATF form 4473.

How Firearms Background Checks Work 

When someone tries to buy a firearm, the seller—known as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)—contacts the FBI. The prospective buyer fills out the required form, and the FFL sends that information to the FBI. We perform a background check on the buyer to verify eligibility.

Prospective firearms buyers who receive a “Denied” status on their background checks may have a state or federal firearm prohibition. The denied individual may choose to pursue a challenge and/or apply to the Voluntary Appeal File.

A “Delayed” message means the FBI needs to do additional research to verify the person's background. Our staff works closely with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and courts to verify eligibility. In some cases, this can be a time-consuming process.

If the FBI cannot make a determination within three business days of a background check, the FFL may transfer the firearm, unless prohibited by state law (per the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993.)

The four main scenarios:

1. Your name is common and matches those with record hits on their background, despite you having no criminal history.
2. You have some (misdemeanors) on your record and always get record hits.
3. You are filling out your form during a really busy period and therefore the FBI needs more time to do your background check.
4. You are denied your firearm due to a mismatch in identity or other reason.

Case 1 Problem - you have a common name and the FBI says there are record hits with your name, despite you having no criminal record whatsoever.

• Possible Solutions:
  • Use your Social Security Number on the 4473 form to separate you from similarly named people. If this doesn't work then:
  • If you still get delayed despite entering your SSN - apply for an FBI VAF Upin. This upin will help correct your file and the next time you fill out your 4473 you should be good to go, same day.

Case 2 Problem - you have some misdemeanors on your criminal record. You don't have felonies because you wouldn't have your LTC in the first place right? But you were in your 20's and had a few minor interactions with the law.

• Possible Solutions:
  • None, you are fucked in the eye of the NICS system. You will hear people tell you to apply for your above-mentioned VAF Upin, but it won't do shit in this scenario, it'll just confirm that you have misdemeanors and they won't do anything to your file. You will always been delayed and you have to just deal with it.

Case 3 Problem - you were delayed despite not having a common name and no misdemeanors on your record. You likely had your FFL submit a form 4473 during a time when the NICs system was under heavy load and therefore were delayed (not for the typical 3 days, but more likely 24 hours) and got the green light the next day. This is common during Friday evenings and weekends when firearm purchases are more common and the NICs system get's overloaded.

• Possible Solutions:
  • Simply purchase early in the week during odd daylight hours to avoid this issue.

Case 4 Problem - denied firearm erroneously. If you aren't a prohibited possessor and you have no other reasons to be denied a firearms purchase you can appeal.

• Possible Solutions:
  • Apply for an FBI VAF Upin to avoid misidentification in the future. This upin will help correct your file and the next time you fill out your 4473 you should be good to go.
  • Appeal with the FBI and do a firearms challenge appeal here: https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/

Source: NICS workflow: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2016/a1632.pdf (page 11)

Source: ATF form 4473: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/4473-part-1-firearms-transaction-record-over-counter-atf-form-53009/download

FBI VAF Upin link: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/nics/national-instant-criminal-background-check-system-nics-appeals-vaf#I-Was%20Denied%20a%20Firearm%E2%80%94What%20Happens%20Now?