Always read the fine print. I saw a report on a bill filed in Massachusetts, HD 353.

MA may now ban all semi-auto rifles and shotguns
Virtually all semi-automatic firearms would be banned under a proposed Massachusetts law expanding the reach of its existing “assault weapons” ban.
[…]
The bill replaces the state’s lengthy definition of “assault weapon” with the phrase “any rifle or shotgun containing a semiautomatic mechanism.” Handguns are not mentioned in the bill.

Yes, and no. The bill does change some definitions in current law, specifically “Large capacity weapon”, any firearm, rifle or shotgun.” That would include assorted characteristics involving capacities and magazines.

“Large capacity weapon”, any firearm, rifle or shotgun: (i) that is semiautomatic with a fixed large capacity feeding device; (ii) that is semiautomatic and capable of accepting, or readily modifiable to accept, any detachable large capacity feeding device; (iii) that employs a rotating cylinder capable of accepting more than ten rounds of ammunition in a rifle or firearm and more than five shotgun shells in the case of a shotgun or firearm; or (iv) any rifle or shotgun containing a semiautomatic mechanism. The term “large capacity weapon” shall be a secondary designation and shall apply to a weapon in addition to its primary designation as a firearm, rifle or shotgun

MA Gen L ch 140 § 121, which the bill in question is modifying, already defines “firearm” as “a pistol, revolver or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which a shot or bullet can be discharged.”

So while HD 353 doesn’t use the words “handgun” or “pistol,” it does include “firearm,” which does include them.

With this bill any fixed mag or revolving pistol holding more than 10 rounds would be banned. And any detachable magazine autoloader would be banned because if it takes a detachable mag, it’s “capable” of taking a large capacity mag.

Between state permits to purchase and transfer registration, all those would-be banned autoloading pistols are effectively registered. So the cops will know whose doors to knock on down.

As for semiauto rifles and and shotguns…

(iv) any rifle or shotgun containing a semiautomatic mechanism.

And reinforced in…

SECTION 4. Section 123 of said chapter 140, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the words “assault weapon”, in lines 146 and 147, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- any rifle or shotgun containing a semiautomatic mechanism.

This would effectively ban virtually all semiautomatic handguns, rifles, and shotguns currently lawfully possessed in Massachusetts. But, as always, those unlawfully possessed by bad guys?

Not so much. Theirs probably aren’t registered.

Nor would this ban on evil, nasty weapons of mass death apply to cops.

Odd, that.

 

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