Montana Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Montana Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Montana

Open carry is legal in Montana for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Montana

Montana is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Montana enacted statewide constitutional carry in February 2021. Optional CCW permit available for reciprocity.

Where You Cannot Carry in Montana

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Montana. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Jails

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional Montana CCW Permit

Montana enacted statewide constitutional carry in February 2021. Optional CCW permit available for reciprocity.

Even though Montana does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Montana but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional Montana Permit

CCW Reciprocity for Montana

States that honor your Montana permit (28)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Montana honors permits from (31)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MS MO NE NH ND OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Montana Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Montana gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Montana Gun Laws

When did Montana expand constitutional carry?

Montana expanded constitutional carry statewide in February 2021, removing previous restrictions in towns/cities.

Does Montana have stand your ground?

Yes. Montana provides no duty to retreat protections for lawful self-defense.

Shooting Ranges in Montana

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Montana. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws