Montana gun laws
Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.
Carry
- Permitless (constitutional) carry: Yes
- Anyone eligible to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit.
- Open carry: Not confirmed. Check with County sheriff.
- Permits: Montana permit guide
Vehicle transport
No permit required. Montana DOJ says Montana has no prohibitions on carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle. Source
Places where carry is banned
Courtrooms and court-controlled spaces unless the judge allows it; public schools unless the school board allows it (MCA 45-8-361); federal offices and buildings; restricted state and local government office areas without a permit (45-8-328). Local governments may regulate carry in certain areas. Source
Magazines and assault weapons
- Magazine capacity limit: No statewide limit
- Assault-weapon restrictions: No statewide ban
Duty to inform
Not confirmed. Check with County sheriff.
Stand your ground and castle doctrine
No duty to retreat in any place you're lawfully present (stand your ground).
Red-flag law
No extreme risk protection order law.
Reciprocity
Montana recognizes permits from the states on its DOJ list that require a criminal background check.
The exact list isn't confirmed here. Check the destination's agency.
Sources
Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.