Mass. progressives arm themselves amid political uncertainty
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A growing number of left-of-center types in Massachusetts are gravitating toward guns in 2026, arming themselves for self-protection as the nation's future grows more uncertain.
Why it matters: Liberal gun owners are developing strategic shopping approaches and building community networks outside traditional conservative firearms culture.
What they're saying: "Society is devolving quickly, and chaos is ensuing, and everybody feels uneasy," attorney and gun owner Dee Dee Edmondson-Korom told Axios.
- A longtime Second Amendment activist and liberal Democrat, Edmundson said she's converted her wife into a gun owner to protect their home.
- "It almost feels like our society is fraying at the edges," she said.
State of play: The Liberal Gun Club has emerged as a key organizing hub. The group says membership has tripled in recent years as progressives seek Second Amendment advocacy without NRA-style politics.
The big picture: There are some significant challenges to arming up in 2026 when most gun shops, even in Massachusetts, seem to be dominated by supporters of President Trump and right-wing political messaging.
- Progressives say they're driven by concerns about political instability, a rise in fascism in America and the defense of marginalized communities.
- Many say they're frustrated that gun culture and the Second Amendment have been "ceded to the right."
By the numbers: The latest state gun licensing data available shows a boom in applications in late 2024 and a spike in issuances throughout the first half of 2025.
- Between January and July 2025, the state added 42,785 active carry permits, compared with just 19,049 in the previous 12 months.
- The state does not track the political affiliation of gun license applicants.
Some liberal gun buyers are using the classic "hold your nose" strategy and primarily shopping at large corporate retailers like Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough or Cabela's in Berlin rather than at locally owned gun stores.
- Even if a megastore's profits sometimes fund conservative politics, they offer political neutrality during the shopping experience.
- Employees are trained to avoid overt political discussions, so lefties and independents will feel less out of place.
Zoom out: Online communities have become critical networks for progressive gun owners who may want to avoid traditional gun rights groups or rural gun clubs.
- Forums like Reddit's r/liberalgunowners help buyers identify "apolitical" local dealers and avoid shops displaying things like anti-Democratic Party paraphernalia or Confederate flags.
- Massachusetts shops like Mass Firearms in Holliston and On Target in Dracut get credit from online commentators for keeping politics out of the store.
Yes, but: In general, gun stores "are easing up" when it comes to overt displays of right-wing support, Edmondson-Korom said.
- Shops in Greater Boston usually keep political rhetoric to a minimum, she said, or sometimes have a MAGA flag next to a rainbow pride flag.
Between the lines: For many in the LGBTQ+ community, self-protection with firearms isn't a new concept.
- Groups like Boston Pink Pistols gather for brunch every month before carpooling to a gun range to practice shooting.
- Their slogan: "Armed Queers Don't Get Bashed."