Montana Guns Laws Permits are not required by the state of Montana to purchase a
handgun, rifle, or a shotgun. Montana also does not require that
shotguns, handguns, and rifles be registered. Some states require that
their citizens be licensed before owning any shotguns, handguns, or
rifles, but Montana does not require this licensing.
Permits are also not necessary for carrying shotguns and rifles but are
mandatory for carrying any kind of handgun. Handguns are often referred
to as concealed weapons as they are small enough to be fully covered
without much effort. Montana requires a permit to have a concealed
weapon inside city limits but no permit is required outside city limits.
Carrying Firearms in Montana The state of Montana states that it is illegal to carry a
concealed weapon without the proper permit. Concealed also means fully
covered or partially covered in anyway while on the body. This can be
by clothing or other object.
This permit does not apply to specific individuals inside their line of
work or certain outdoor activities. These include peace officers,
individuals outside city boundaries, individuals working in lumbering,
logging, railroading, or mining camps, or individuals participating in
fishing, hunting, camping, trapping, framing, backpacking, hiking,
ranching, or any other activity out of doors where weapons are carried
for added protection. Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is
also allowed in and on an individual's personal property or personal
business.
Those who apply for concealed weapon permits will file through the
proper county sheriff and will usually have a permit approved after
sixty days. This permit will need to be renewed after four years as
stated by Montana law. To apply an individual must be over the age of
eighteen, be a United States citizen, be a Montana resident for at
least six months, and have picture identification as issued through the
state of Montana.
The county sheriff many deny a concealed weapons permit if the state of
Montana deems the individual ineligible to possess a firearm; if there
have been charges for a federal or state crime amounting to one year or
more of incarceration; if there is a pending court judgment for a state
or federal criminal offense; if a sentence was determined due to
threats or attempted acts; if there was a dishonorable charge from the
United States military; if the individual is in the use of controlled
substances or abuses alcohol; if there is an outstand warrant for
arrest; or if the individual was deemed mentally ill.
Possessing a Firearm Because no permit is needed to possess a firearm, other laws
apply in Montana. Minors under the age of fourteen are not allowed to
use or carry a firearm in a public vicinity unless aided by a guardian
or parent. It is also illegal to possess a firearm while on school
property, which includes the storing of and the carrying of a weapon by
a student. Montana law states that parents are prohibited from allowing
children from possessing firearms on school property.