Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Montana gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Big Sky Country below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Montana?
Open carry is legal in Montana without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and who can legally own a firearm. Concealed carry is legal without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally own a firearm in most locations. Montana recognizes permits from states that require criminal records background checks.
Montana Concealed Carry Permit
An applicant for a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (MCWP) must demonstrate “familiarity with a firearm.” Montana does not issue permits to non-residents.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Montana
Open carry is legal in Montana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally own a firearm with several restrictions. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and federal buildings.
Stand Your Ground
Montana is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person is justified in the use of force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
The law applies in an occupied structure, personal property lawfully in the person’s possession or in the possession of another who is a member of the person’s immediate family or household, or of a person whose property the person has a legal duty to protect.
A person who is lawfully in a place or location and who is threatened with bodily injury or loss of life has no duty to retreat from a threat or to summon law enforcement assistance prior to using force.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual. There is no waiting period and no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are not required for private sales. Background checks are required for anyone without a MCWP when purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer (FFL). There is no requirement to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm in Montana.
There is no Montana state law regarding age restrictions on the purchase or possession of firearms. However, it is unlawful for a parent, guardian or other person having charge or custody of a minor child under the age of 14 years to permit the minor child to carry or use in public any firearms. That is except when the child is accompanied by a person having charge or custody of the child or under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor or an adult who has been authorized by the parent or guardian.
Per federal law, dealers may not sell handguns to anyone under the age of 21 and private sellers may not sell handguns to anyone under the age of 18.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Montana?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Montana’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Locations where permit holders may carry a concealed handgun include:
- In a vehicle, with or without a permit
- Roadside rest areas
- State/national parks, with or without a permit
- State/national forests, with or without a permit
- Wildlife Management Areas, with or without a permit
- Places of worship, unless posted
Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Portions of a building used for state or local government offices and related areas in the building that have been restricted
- School buildings
- Correctional, detention and treatment facilities
- Secure treatment facilities operated by the department of public health and human services
- Anywhere while under the influence of an intoxicating substance
- Courtrooms or areas of courthouses in use by court personnel pursuant to an order of a justice of the peace or judge
- State game preserves, unless in possession of a permit issued by the Director of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Montana?
You can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle anywhere in the state without a concealed carry permit. Per the Montana Department of Justice FAQ website, Montana law does not regulate how firearms are carried in a vehicle.
Ready to Learn More About Montana Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Montana’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Montana gun laws page now…
Interested in obtaining your Montana concealed carry permit? Learn how to apply for a Montana concealed carry permit here with this step-by-step guide.
Find a concealed carry class in Montana today.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
