Non-resident LTC arrived, WTF?

[ixia]

Got my out of state LTC-A today. It is restricted to target and sporting. Nowhere on my application or in the interview did I mention either of those things. The interview went well, the guy read my statement and said "so, basically you want this for self protection?" and I said yes.
One month, a trip to Chelsea, and $100 later, I get it for the two things I will rarely, if ever, do in MA. Awesome!

[glide]

What do you mean? You drove down here to go to the range. That's why you have it on you.

[ixia]

I wish. I work for a company in Boston, where I'm liable to work odd hours, which is why I applied for one. I might be hard pressed to explain why I'm on my way to the range, on foot, at 11pm in the city.

[nhjsg]

ixia -

Was this a first time application, or a renewal where you had previously been granted an unrestricted LTC-A temp non-res permit, and now were issued restricted under the "chelsea interview" scheme?

[Tim94gt]

I wish. I work for a company in Boston, where I'm liable to work odd hours, which is why I applied for one. I might be hard pressed to explain why I'm on my way to the range, on foot, at 11pm in the city.

Lots of ranges have 24 hour access key cards, and your car is in the shop.

[machocheese]

Is this a new development? I didn't think they placed restrictions on non-residents in the past.

[LenS]

Is this a new development? I didn't think they placed restrictions on non-residents in the past.

True, but they are now.

I'm willing to bet that it's marching orders from up on high!!

[machocheese]

True, but they are now.

I'm willing to bet that it's marching orders from up on high!!

Well, that sucks. I'd bet you're correct, and once they start restricting them, they'll restrict all of them.

Doesn't that make it almost pointless for a non-resident to even get one? What benefits does it even offer at this point? They don't entitle you to purchase firearms/ammo here, you wouldn't need it as a non-resident hunter, right? You can come here for shooting events as long as you transport lawfully. I always thought carry was the only reason to get the NR-LTC.

[ixia]

This was my first MA permit. I emailed the person that set up my interview and was told that I can write a detailed letter next year explaining why I need one, and that I would like my restrictions removed. I was also told that most permits will have restrictions, as per this letter that comes with the application (excuse the long wall of text):

June 1, 2009

RE: Restrictions for Non-resident Temporary License to Carry Firearms

Dear Applicant:

The Firearms Records Bureau (FRB) may apply certain restrictions on a non-resident temporary license to carry firearms. These restrictions detail the terms and conditions that govern the possession of a firearm under the license pursuant to G.L. c. 140, §131F.

The following restrictions may be applied to a non-resident temporary license to carry firearms:

NONE – the LTC is issued for all lawful purposes with no restrictions.

EMPLOYMENT – restricts possession to business owner engaged in business activities or to an employee while engaged in work related activities, and maintaining proficiency, where the employer requires carry of a firearm (i.e. armored car, security guard, etc.). Includes travel to and from activity location.

TARGET & HUNTING – restricts possession to the purpose of lawful recreational shooting or competition; for use in the lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; for personal protection in the home; and for the purpose of collecting (other than machine guns). Includes travel to and from activity location

SPORTING – restricts possession to the purpose of lawful recreational shooting or competition; for use in the lawful pursuit of game animals and birds; for personal protection in the home; for the purpose of collecting (other than machine guns); and for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, cross country skiing, or similar activities. Includes travel to and from activity location.

OTHER –

Restrictions are based upon the information provided in the license application. Please ensure that you provide a detailed reason for requesting the issuance of a license in Massachusetts. Include information regarding how and where you intend to possess or use a firearm and your knowledge and training in Massachusetts firearms laws.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the FRB at (617) 660-4782.

Thank you,

Jason A. Guida, Esq.
Director of the Firearms Records Bureau
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

[drgrant]

Are you a non-US citizen? (eg, a legal alien).

The people at CHSB or wherever recently started applying that part of the law. Anyone who is not a US citizen will not get an unrestricted nonresident license.

-Mike