Basic Firearm Safety Course (MA LTC)

If you've been thinking about getting your Massachusetts License to Carry, the window is closing. Licensing requirements change after April 2nd, 2025, and anyone applying after that date will face longer courses, live-fire requirements, written testing, and higher costs.

Certificates issued under the current process expire on that date. Acting now locks in the existing requirements.

Kent Burns is an NRA-certified, Massachusetts State Police-certified, Utah Non-Resident certified, and USCCA-certified instructor. His motto: "Safety is not a choice it's your obligation. Exercise your right to bear arms." He runs classes at two locations and travels to your location for group training.

Classes typically run Saturday or Sunday mornings in Randolph (close to Lombardo's, minutes from Boston). By appointment only.

You must be: - 21 or older for License to Carry (LTC) - 15 or older for Firearms Identification Card (FID)—minors under 18 need parental consent - U.S. citizen or permanent resident - Completed firearms safety training from approved course - No felony convictions, active warrants, or restraining orders - No DUI convictions after 1994 in Massachusetts - No dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces - No current mental health or substance abuse commitment (may reapply after 5 years with physician affidavit)

4-hour classroom course | Valid in 30+ states

Covers NRA's three rules for safe gun handling, causes of accidents, firearm parts, unloading procedures, ammunition components, cleaning, care, and safe home storage. Students receive: - NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook - NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure - Basic Firearm Training Program brochure - Course completion certificate

Firearms covered: Single and double action pistols, semi-automatic rifle, bolt action rifle, over-and-under shotgun, pump action shotgun.

This is the first course to take if pursuing an LTC. Non-live-fire classroom only, though live fire can be arranged separately.

6-hour course with live fire | Valid in MA, CT, FL, and other reciprocal states

Covers pistol parts and operation, ammunition, gun safety, shooting fundamentals, and shooting activities. Live fire conducted at local range using .22 semi-automatic and .38 revolver.

Requires either: - Completion of Home Firearm Safety course first, OR - Prior firearms experience

Includes written and shooting exams. Certificate awarded upon completion. Meets MA LTC requirements plus non-resident permits in CT, FL, and states requiring live-fire component.

Classroom + dry fire practice | Pistol not required

After the Basic Firearm Safety Course, this class covers: - Proper loading and unloading procedures - Firearm take-down (break-down) for cleaning and inspection - Re-assembly - Grip basics and proper hold - Dry fire shooting - Factors to consider for initial firearm purchase - Local range recommendations

Bring your own firearm if you have one, but it's not required.

Two formats available:

• •Adult-only session — Learn how to teach your children at home at your own pace.

• •Family session — Parents and children attend together for tailored safety instruction.

Topics include firearm fundamentals, ammunition basics, four universal gun safety rules, safe handling at home and range, accident prevention, secure storage, and making gun safety a family responsibility.

Students receive a comprehensive handbook valued at over $40.

Allows concealed carry in 30+ states

Utah honors permits from other states, and this course enables reciprocal carry across the nation. Personal responsibility to know the laws of states you plan to visit.

Covers conflict avoidance, color codes of situational awareness, handgun basics, ammunition, clearing malfunctions, shooting fundamentals (grip and stance), physiology of violent encounters, legal aspects of deadly force, and gear (holsters, tactical flashlights).

Develops personal and home protection plans, firearm basics, home security evaluation, mental preparation for self-defense scenarios, AR-15 platform, shotgun ammunition, use of force in your home, and tactical lighting (flashlights, firearm-mounted lights, laser sights).

Group Rates Available — Burns offers reduced pricing for groups and one-on-one private instruction

We Travel — Can conduct training at your location

Live Fire Option — If interested in shooting during class, it can be arranged. Firearm, ammunition, and range access are included in the fee.

Child Attendance — Minors 15-20 are eligible for an FID. Children ages 15-17 need parental permission on the FID application. Minors (under 18) attending with a paying adult are charged half price ($75).

Gun Range Access Without License — You can visit a range without an LTC as long as one person in your group has a license.

Want to give the gift of safety? Gift cards are available for any amount and funds never expire.

Phone: (857) 273-1223 Email: [email protected] Hours: By appointment only

As of September 16, 2024, the Massachusetts State Police reported that new BFS (Basic Firearm Safety) course requirements have been suspended for 18 months. Classes will continue after October 23 under the current rules.

Key points: - Anyone issued an FID or LTC on or before August 1, 2024 is grandfathered—no new requirements when renewing - Those applying after August 1, 2024 but before the Act becomes effective may be issued under current law, but will face new requirements when renewing - No approved course yet exists for the new legislation

1. Start here: Basic Firearm Safety Course (MA LTC) — $150 2. Next step: NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting — $175 (if live fire required for your state) 3. Additional skills: Pistol Familiarization & Cleaning, Concealed Carry, or Home Defense Fundamentals

Use promo code BFSMA for US LawShield.