I am a woman wanting to get certification as a concealed carry gun owner. The thought of classes with a bunch of know-it all men is more than less than appealing but I wanted certification. I decided to either pick and pay for a class or forget about it altogether. So, I researched a few classes but Mass Firearms (about an hour from where I live) seemed the most appealing mostly because it had the live fire component and really because it offered the option of a women's only class. After all of that, the women's only class was not available at the time I was planning to attend so I signed up for the regular class. I was pleasantly surprised by the relaxed atmosphere, the incredibly knowledgeable and personable instructor (Bob Caron), the gun instructors who aided each student on the handling and operation of each firearm (pistol and revolver), and the Mass Firearms staff who were more than willing to assist as requested. I reside in one of only a couple of towns that requires a sign off from the instructor on the shooting target. Despite being one of the coldest days of winter (it was minus something and barely reached anywhere near 10 degrees that day), the instructor allowed me and one other student to fulfill the live fire component in order to sign off on the target to be included with the certification application to our respective police departments. He certainly did not have to do that for just two students after asking the rest of the class to return during warmer weather - for the safety of both students and instructors - but he did and that was more than we could ask for. When I mentioned to one of my employers who is a licensed gun owner and a former prosecutor about the selection of firearms available at Mass Firearms, he scoffed and suggested I look elsewhere assuming they'd have huge markups. When I showed him two photos I took from the Mass Firearms selections I was interested in purchasing after receiving certification, he was very surprised and commented how competitive and reasonable their selection and prices were. So, armed (see what I did there?) with that information I am returning to Mass Firearms to test and purchase my firearms. Mass Firearms also had a great deal at the time I attended which was a waiver of the registration fee for membership if you signed up immediately after class. Unfortunately, I spent so much time fawning over the selection of firearms that I left without signing up (I did purchase a hoodie) so that was a missed opportunity for me...sadly. My decision to attend the Mass Firearms certification class turned into a pleasant experience. I cannot think of any negatives except how uncomfortably cold it was that day but that of course is not the fault of Mass Firearms. I really enjoyed myself and look forward to returning fairly soon. Thanks MASS FIREARMS and Bob Caron! read more

I attended the Mass Basic Firearms Safety class on a Friday in November of 2011 with a friend. It was a terrific class. Although we both have prior experience with firearms, we learned far more than we expected to learn when we originally signed up for the class. I was also pleased that this was a simulated range rather than a life fire range. I would have been nervous with live fire among 20 strangers who were just learning. The simulator felt real enough but the instructors were firm, relaxed and sometimes even funny. Confronted with live fire I doubt they would show much humor when some neophite puts his finger on the trigger at the wrong time. The class left me with much to think about as I consider my plans to own and use firearms in this state. In particular, I learned not only how little I knew, but also that: 1. I need to take much more training than just this class before I even consider carrying. 2. The training must be ongoing to be useful. In fact, it should be integrated into my lifestyle very much like the training and practice of a martial art. 3. Carrying a concealed weapon is serious business; if I am properly trained, the practice might protect me; but if I am poorly trained, the practice could deliver me to prison. 4. Handling a weapon safely and effectively requires constant practice until it becomes "muscle memory". 5. If I intend to be serious about firearms, I should join a club and use its facilities regularly. 6. In this state, there are too many rules regarding firearms that don't make sense; but we have to know them and follow them to avoid getting tangled up in the justice system. 7. Use common sense when handling and displaying firearms. All behavior is sensitive to its context. Stripping away ones clothes in the changing room of a health club is legal and acceptable; stripping a gun in a shopping center even if you have a license to carry, may be legal but it is definitely not acceptable. 8. By carrying a firearm I take on an enormous responsibility. I decided to take many more courses from this firearms school before deciding to carry. read more

I took their Mass Basic Firearms Safety class to get the process going for my LTC. Our instructor (Rich) was excellent! I didn't know what to expect from the 4 hour class, but I came out understanding the legal issues, the process involved in getting your LTC, Gun Safety, and how to handle a pistol. A four hour class early in the morning could be exhausting, but this class was quick moving, and interesting with good use of media, and instructor/student interaction. The Gun handling portion of the class was extremely informative, as it had you learn to safely handle both a revolver and a semi-automatic. At the end of the Classroom sections we went to the Live Fire sessions, which topped off the class nicely. We got to fire both a revolver and a semiautomatic at I think 20 feet, maybe closer. The caliber for both guns were 22, but for me that was perfect since this was the first time I shot. My range instructor was awesome, after informing him this was my first time shooting, he took his time to (re)explain how to hold the pistol and gave advice on how to properly shoot. I enjoyed the shooting part so much, I took another class "Personal Range Time with an MFS Instructor". Again, I didn't know what to expect from this class (well maybe lots of shooting at paper targets), but my Instructor Jimmy noticed that I while I was able to stay on my target, I sometimes pulled the trigger too hard and gave suggestions on how to improve my shooting. He also adjusted the training to fit my ability so I got to learn a bit more and also made it more fun by using a different set of targets and doing more than just hitting the center of the basic target. Looking forward to the next class! read more

If you are thinking of getting your LTC And Or want a place to practice or become formalized and proficient with it then Mass Firearms is the place for you. I recently took the LTC course offered by them and I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the instructors wich made the time go fast and I left the building with all the knowledge I needed to complete the process with confidence. After receiving my LTC I purchased a pistol and within three visits to the range I am very comfortable shooting it and found out that I am actually a very good shot and found I have a love for shooting that I never knew I had. When I show up to reserve a lane I am Always greeted by the smiling faces of Very knowledgeable people who truly enjoy their jobs and are more than willing to help you and answer even the simplest of questions and let's be honest that is very hard to find nowadays. So if your on the fence about utilizing your Second Amendment Get Going Now before Maura Healey tries to strip you of that right or at the Very Least make the process harder and or take longer. It took me 4 months to get mine and my female friend who lives in Boston and was assaulted in a hate crime on the T is still waiting to get hers and she started a month before me. Again if your thinking about doing it Do It Now! get the paperwork going and once you have it It's yours and because you have it you can purchase a rifle or pistol any time you want or not but is Is Your Right, Don't let them strip you of it. PS Thanks Mass Firearms you boys are the best. read more

Took the basic 4 hour course so I can apply for my license in Mass. I have never been around nor handled any type of firearm before in my life so this was a new experience for me. Chris was our instructor and he was fantastic. He was informative, helpful, and engaging. Chris kept things interesting and fun while maintaining professionalism. I would recommend this course for others looking to take their basic course requirement. Chris answered any questions we had even if they were a bit more in depth and maybe not typically covered in this particular course. Being that this was the very first time I'd ever picked up and handled a firearm, I was a bit unsure of myself and lacked confidence that I was holding the guns correctly. Even after being walked through it once already. While we were waiting to fire the guns in the range, Chris walked me through handling a gun (using the available plastic one in the room) once more and confirmed the hand positioning was correct etc. This made me feel much more comfortable and confident for when I did step into the range to fire the (real) guns. Overall this was a great and fun experience. With Chris' help I feel I understand basic gun safety and handling skills and I look forward to practicing and learning more once I obtain my license. Thank you MFS and Chris for a fun and informative experience. Rebecca Worcester, MA read more

My first experience with MFS was the firearms safety course, I found that instructor excellent and I was able to apply for my LTC without any issue. His name was Melvin Clark. In Massachusetts there are many firearm laws...and you need to know them! Melvin was great - easy going and spoke to all levels with ease, and did an excellent overall job in preparing you for what to expect during the LTC process. Weeks later, I returned to the Gun range to try out various firearms. I couldn't buy one yet, but I wanted to make a good decision. At MFS, you can both rent/test out firearms with a licensed expert instructor. My instructors name was Sean Lively, and he was again...Excellent!!! He was very smart, professional, and methodical. It was both easy and enjoyable. He was sorta just calm and matter of fact. His Instructions were clear, not rushed and was extremely helpful and informative. I was grouping right out of the gate, because of the way he instructed. He made it simple, maybe it was beginners luck...but it was easy and I got an opportunity to test out a variety of firearms under his supervision. It really takes allot of the guess work out of eventually purchasing the right firearm for you. This place is EXCELLENT...Use it as resource for both information and training. Thanks MFS - you are absolutely the real deal! -Brett L. read more

My wife and I attended the Basic Safety Course back in June and the course and instructor were absolutely phenomenal. The classroom portion mixed with hands on teaching, really helps those who have never handled firearms get a good understanding of how they operate and how to safely handle them. Due to my wife being pregnant at the time, she was unable to attend the live fire portion of the class. Today I called and spoke with Steve to inquire if my wife could go back and do the live fire portion and he was beyond helpful. He informed us she could jump in on an existing class to do the shooting or that he would even extend an offer for her and I to do a private lesson so she could get more hands on experience. Not only was he helpful, but he was extremely polite, professional and beyond courteous. It's very rare that you call ANY company and receive the kind of courteous help that Steve extended to me today. Being a member at MFS, the majority of the staff there is very helpful, patient and polite. I highly recommend MFS to anyone looking to take classes with experienced professional staff and also recommend their shop. They may not be the cheapest place in Mass, but the attention and patience they give each of their customers is totally worth your business read more

I have wanted an LTC for awhile now, so I took a course at MFS with Rich what a great class!! He is very knowledgeable. He went over everything you need to present your application to your local police chief. He answered all questions anyone asked. It is a 4 hour class that went by fast thanks to Rich. The class went over laws, handling of weapons and we had hands on training loading and unloading a revolver and a semi automatic. Last part of the class we went in range and shot the revolver and semiautomatic. I got my LTC and decided to use the coupons that came in the packet from class. I did purchase a semiautomatic. They were super busy when I went to the store but they were all very friendly and answered my questions. I signed up for a private range class. What a great decision!!! Dave my instructor was awesome!! He went thru everything on how to load to how to clean. We spent a lot of the class in the range, gotta say his patience is a plus. I have done a lot of research on different ranges to join and so far they are on the top of my list. I would recommend MFS to anyone who is looking for instructions of any kind or just a range. I would like to thank Rich and Dave for helping me.!! I know I will be taking more classes from MFS. read more

If you're looking to get serious about shooting, and gun safety, Mass Firearms is the perfect place to begin. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was impressed by the clean, well-organized space and the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a complete beginner, this club is the perfect place to train, practice, and build confidence. As a novice shooter, I was initially nervous, but the instructors here were hero. They are patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly understanding, taking the time to explain safety procedures and proper techniques without any intimidation or pressure. Their calm and encouraging approach made learning not only stress-free but also enjoyable! The ranges are well-maintained with a variety of shooting options to suit all skill levels. Safety is clearly a top priority, which gave me complete peace of mind throughout my experience. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or take your very first shot, this is the place to come. I can't recommend it highly enough! After a couple of sessions with and an instructor, the training wheels were off and I got my annual membership. read more

Training with Donovan is an outstanding experience. He is incredibly detailed, taking the time to explain the "how" and the "why" behind every movement, safety protocol, and decision point. What truly sets him apart is that he teaches far beyond the basics, incorporating real-world scenarios that build confidence, awareness, and practical skill. Donovan is also one of the most patient instructors I have ever worked with. Whether you are brand-new or looking to sharpen your skills, he meets you where you are and guides you without pressure or judgment. His calm teaching style makes learning comfortable and effective. Above all, safety is Donovan's top priority. He reinforces safe habits consistently and clearly, creating an experience where you feel secure and fully supported throughout the session. If you are looking for an instructor who is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in your growth, sign up with Donovan. You walk away more confident, more skilled, and far more prepared. Mass Firearms also has other instructors with great experience, so no matter who you train with, you are in excellent hands. read more