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Montana Gun Laws

Montana Gun Laws

MONTANA GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023

A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF MONTANA’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)

Over the past ten years, Montana’s gun laws have seen notable changes, reflecting the state’s commitment to upholding Second Amendment rights while addressing evolving perspectives on firearm ownership and public safety. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments aim to strike a balance between individual rights and community security. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Montana’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:

2013 – Concealed Carry Law Enhancement:

   – Montana enacts legislation to streamline the process for obtaining a concealed carry permit, emphasizing responsible firearm ownership.

2014 – Background Checks for Private Sales:

   – Legislation is introduced to require background checks for private firearm sales at gun shows, promoting responsible transfers and closing potential loopholes.

2015 – Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records:

   – Montana improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2016 – Firearm Preemption Law:

   – Montana strengthens state preemption laws to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting firearm regulations that exceed state laws.

2017 – Enhanced Penalties for Gun Crimes:

   – Legislation is introduced to enforce stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use.

2018 – Firearm Storage Recommendations:

   – Montana introduces guidelines promoting responsible firearm storage practices, particularly in households with minors, to prevent unauthorized access.

2019 – Enhanced Background Checks for Concealed Carry:

   – The state tightens the background check process for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.

2020 – Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms:

   – Montana introduces regulations requiring reporting lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, aiming to prevent potential diversion to illegal markets.

2021 – Firearm Training Requirements for Concealed Carry:

   – Proposed legislation aims to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.

2022 – School Safety Legislation:

    – Montana explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.

2022 – Enhanced Background Checks for All Firearm Sales:

    – Montana considers potential regulations to require background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions.

2023 – “Stand Your Ground” Law Enactment:

    – Montana adopts a “Stand Your Ground” law, allowing individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat under certain circumstances.

2023 – Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records:

    – Montana continues to improve the reporting of mental health records to NICS to ensure the prevention of firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2023 – Firearm Training and Safety Initiatives:

    – Montana introduces initiatives to promote firearm safety education and training among gun owners, emphasizing responsible practices.

Montana’s gun laws have evolved significantly over the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. From concealed carry regulations to discussions on “stand your ground” laws and background check enhancements, these changes underscore Montana’s commitment to a balanced approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains essential for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that prioritize individual rights alongside community security.


Montana gun laws are some of the most permissible in the country. Like most states that possess lax gun control sentiments, a registration, license, or permit is not needed in regards to purchasing or possessing firearms.

The only necessary permit in Montana is for the right to carry a concealed handgun. In order to be considered, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Montana for at least 6 months, and have at least one form of valid identification.

The application process is conducted at the local sheriff’s office, and can be declined if the individual has a history of drug abuse, convictions, or an incomplete status in mandatory weapons training. If there are no impediments during the application process, a county sheriff will issue the permit within 60 days following completion. Montana law on guns views a concealed weapon permit from any other state as valid.

Applications for concealment must be filed with the local sheriff, and take about 60 days to issue. An approval will be granted if the applicant is at least 18 years of age, a resident of Montana for at least 6 months, and has completed weapons training courses. Since Montana is so scarcely populated, the laws towards concealment only pertain to towns and city limits.

A permit for concealment of a pistol is really the only form of license required according to Montana gun laws. Gun dealers or distributors have virtually no regulations placed on them. Police inspections of shops or stores is not warranted by Montana gun law, nor is record keeping or even a license to distribute. There is no limit on bulk purchases, or any ammo regulations present in Montana gun laws.

Along with a permit to purchase, a background check is not required when buying a firearm. Seemingly any man or woman can go into a Montana retailer a purchase a firearm as long as he/she is not intoxicated or under the influence of a banned substance. The only form of possession that is regulated in the state applies to children under the age of 14.

The laxity of Montana’s gun laws can be attributed to the state’s structure and culture. On average 6 people live in one square mile (compared to 1,200 per square mile for New Jersey.) This lack of congestion breeds a culture where human interaction is less prevalent and stressful (when compared to a heavily populated urban environment).

Because the land is sprawling, and the population is scarce, Montana gun laws don’t have a great effect on crime statistics. Based on violent crime numbers in 2009, Montana was among the top 5 safest places to live in the country. Due to the landscape and population numbers, Montana gun laws almost have to be so casual in structure. In Montana, firearms are not viewed as a tool to kill and create violence, but instead, a means to protect oneself, hunt, and uphold the American constitution.