Montana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Concealed weapon means means a firearm that is wholly or partially covered by the clothing or wearing apparel of the person carrying or bearing the weapon.

[Montana Code Ann. § 45-8-315]

Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Montana.

Yes. Montana mandates a sentence enhancement for any conviction for a crime in which bodily injury was inflicted, attempted, or threatened by someone who knowingly used or carried a handgun loaded with armor-piercing ammunition.

[Mont. Code Ann. § 46-18-224(1)]

Montana is a shall-issue state.

Yes, open carry is allowed without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and who is legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry, however, local municipalities may prohibit open carry in publicly owned and occupied buildings. 

[Mont. Code Ann. § 45-3-111]

Not addressed in Montana state law, although employers may have a policy.

Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas is allowed in Montana.

Yes, as of February 18, 2021, HB-102 was signed into law making it legal to concealed carry in places where alcohol is served, provided you are not be under the influence.

[2021 House Bill 102 revisions to Mont. Code Ann. §§ 45-8-328 and 45-8-327]

There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Montana, but out-of-state permit holders must be carrying a permit and ID.

[Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-329]

No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in Montana.

No. Montana does not have a red flag law.

No. Montana does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents.

No definition of brandishing was found in Montana law. However, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if he or she creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose.

[Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-101]

A person commits the offense of assault with a weapon if the person purposefully or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a weapon or reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury in another by use of a weapon or what reasonably appears to be a weapon.

[Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-213]

No, a permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Montana.

No, handgun registration is not required in Montana.

No.

14 years old. 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, 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.

[Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-344]

Initial Permit ~ $60

Renewals  $25

Check online for your county sheriff’s office. Some have them available for download.

A permittee who changes his or her county of residence shall, within 10 days of the change, inform the sheriffs of both the old and new counties of residence. If the person's residence changes either from or to a city or town with a police force, the person shall also inform the chief of police.

Contact the sheriff's office in your county for information on name changes.

An applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Have been a Montana resident for 6 months;
• Demonstrate familiarity with a firearm;
• Have a valid form of photo ID issued by the state, such as a driver's license; and
• Must meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Montana.

Moving to Montana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Montana issues permits to residents only. You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have been a Montana resident for six months.

Moving from Montana and have a Montana resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Montana permit remains valid?If a person with a Montana pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, provided you are not under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes, you can carry in roadside rest areas.
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes, you can carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs in Montana.
• Carry when traveling by train? Yes, however, carriers may have restrictions.
• Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship in Montana. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.

Yes.

Montana allows residents to possess and open carry any type of knife. However, it is illegal to bring a knife with a blade of 4 inches or longer, a sword or a straight razor to schools.

[MCA § 45-8-361]

Yes. You may carry a concealed weapon without a CWP while lawfully engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, backpacking, farming, ranching, or other outdoor activity in which weapons are often carried for recreation or protection.

[Dept of Justice FAQ]