You have genuinely never touched a firearm. Will you be the only one?

No. First-timers are the majority of every class we run. The whole course assumes you are starting from zero, and the instructor stands next to you on the range.

How long is the class?

Four to five hours. One visit. Classroom and live fire on our range — there is no second appointment to book.

How many times do you need to attend?

Once. We recommend you keep practising afterwards, but the license class is a single visit.

Do you need your own firearm?

No — and please do not bring one. We provide the firearm, the ammunition and your ear and eye protection. Never come to class with your own firearm, especially if you are travelling from out of state. Bring a photo ID and wear closed-toe shoes.

Can you do any of it from home?

We send a prep video as soon as you book and you can watch it at home. It is a head start on the material, not a replacement for any part of the class. The four to five hours happen here, in person.

What is live fire, and why does it matter?

You practise with a real firearm on our indoor range — no plastic, no simulators. Police chiefs like to see that you trained somewhere that does it. Taking a course without live fire is like getting a driver's license without ever driving a car.

Which class should you take?

The Basic Firearm Safety Course at $249 covers the Massachusetts license. The 40 State Multi License Course at $349 covers six states' courses, so you can apply for those licenses and carry in up to 40 states — most of the country. You take one, and the Multi already includes Massachusetts.

Is the course up to date with the new MA law?

Yes — approved under the new Massachusetts gun laws: Course LTC035, Massachusetts Pistol License Course.

Does Boston Firearms handle your license application?

We go over the basics of the application in class, so you feel prepped to do it on your own. Filing it is your own step with your own police department — what we teach is the course and the law Massachusetts requires before you apply.

What if you get denied?

If you take the course, follow the instructions, have no disqualifications and apply within a reasonable timeframe but are still denied, we refund the cost of your course.

Can you take it in Spanish, Mandarin or Portuguese?

The class itself is taught in English. Your prep video is recorded in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin, so you can go through the whole course in your own language first.