How to Buy a Gun Online in Montana

Buying a gun online in Montana means you order the firearm from an online store and collect it at a licensed dealer in the state. This guide explains how that process works, what the Montana rules say, the regions this page covers, and answers to common questions. Read it before you place an order so you know each step and what to bring to the dealer. The same steps apply to rifles, shotguns and handguns, although the federal age limits differ by firearm type.

How ordering online and shipping to a local dealer works

You order the firearm here and choose a licensed dealer (FFL) in Montana to receive it. We ship the firearm to that dealer, not to your home. When the firearm arrives, you go to the dealer and complete federal Form 4473. You show a current government photo ID, and the dealer runs a background check through the FBI's NICS system. Bring your current government photo ID on the day you pick up. After the paperwork and the check are complete, the dealer hands you the firearm, and the transfer is finished.

Your FFL may charge a transfer fee. Ask the dealer about the fee before you order, so you know the full cost of the purchase.

What the Montana rules say

Montana does not require a state permit to purchase a firearm, a firearm registration or a waiting period. Montana is not a point-of-contact state, so the dealer runs the background check through NICS.

Federal law sets the age limits at the dealer counter. You must be 21 or older to buy a handgun and 18 or older to buy a rifle or shotgun. You must not be a prohibited person under state or federal law.

Carry rules are separate from buying. Since 2021, Montana law lets anyone who is eligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law carry concealed without a permit (MCA 45-8-316). Open carry is also lawful for eligible adults. Your county sheriff still issues concealed weapon permits to residents 18 and older who have six months of Montana residency and proof of a safety course. State law caps the fee at $50, and the permit is valid for four years. A permit helps when you travel to states that honor it and when you enter restricted government buildings. Carry is still barred in school buildings and in federal facilities.

For hunting, legal weapons and any caliber, shotgun-load or magazine rules for big game are set by Montana FWP and can differ by species and season, so read the current FWP regulations before you hunt. Some areas are weapons restriction areas limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders or traditional handguns. Firearm hunters must wear 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist.

Regions covered by this guide

This guide covers the following areas and topics across Montana.

Town and metro areas: local governments cannot regulate the purchase, possession or open carry of firearms, but cities may regulate discharge and restrict unpermitted concealed carry in publicly owned buildings.
Deer and elk country: most hunters use a centerfire rifle with enough energy for elk at the distances they expect, paired with a bonded or controlled-expansion bullet.
River and reservoir areas: waterfowl hunters need nontoxic shot, a plugged shotgun holding no more than three shells, a federal duck stamp and the Montana migratory bird license.
Predator and varmint areas: Montana has no huntable feral swine. Coyotes and many small varmints are classed as predators or nongame, but landowner permission and local shooting rules still apply.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Montana?

No. Montana has no state purchase permit, registration or waiting period. You complete federal Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check at the licensed dealer who receives your order.

Can I carry concealed in Montana without a permit?

Yes, if you are eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law. Your county sheriff still issues permits for people who want reciprocity in other states or access to restricted government buildings.

How does shipping a firearm to Montana work?

You pick a licensed FFL dealer near you at checkout. We ship the firearm to that dealer, and you pick it up after the paperwork and background check. Ammunition and most parts ship to your door where legal.

When is the 2026 general deer and elk season?

FWP lists the 2026 general deer and elk season as Oct. 24 to Nov. 29, with archery from Sept. 5 to Oct. 18. Individual hunting districts can differ, so check the current FWP regulations for your district.

Can I hunt predators and varmints in Montana?

Coyotes and many small varmints are classed as predators or nongame, with fewer season limits. Landowner permission and local shooting rules still apply, so check FWP for current rules on each species.

Next steps

Ready to choose a firearm? Browse the catalog, then pick a licensed dealer near you at checkout.

Laws change; confirm current rules with the state agencies named above.

Official sources

Rules and forms come from these agencies. Check them for the current version before you order; last reviewed October 2026.

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.