Montana Gun Laws 2026

Montana has no state permit to buy a firearm, no firearm registration and no waiting period. A buyer from a licensed dealer completes federal Form 4473 and passes an FBI NICS background check. Anyone eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law can carry concealed without a permit, and open carry is lawful for eligible adults. A county sheriff still issues concealed weapon permits, which help with reciprocity in other states and with entry to restricted government buildings. Hunting seasons for 2026 are listed by Montana FWP.

Buying a gun

Montana has no state purchase permit, no firearm registration and no waiting period.
At a licensed dealer you fill out federal Form 4473 and show a current government photo ID.
The dealer runs the check through the FBI NICS system, because Montana is not a point-of-contact state.
Federal age limits apply at the counter: 21 for a handgun and 18 for a rifle or shotgun.
You must not be a prohibited person under state or federal law.
The dealer may charge a transfer fee. Ask before you order.

Buying online and shipping to a Montana dealer

A firearm bought online is shipped to a licensed FFL dealer, not to your home. At checkout you choose a licensed dealer near your location. The firearm is delivered to that dealer, and you pick it up after the Form 4473 paperwork and background check are complete. Ammunition and most parts ship to your door where legal.

Carrying a gun and permits

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

Hunting rules for 2026

Archery deer and elk season: Sept. 5 to Oct. 18.
Two-day youth deer hunt: Oct. 15 to 16.
General deer and elk season: Oct. 24 to Nov. 29.
Earlier openers apply in backcountry hunting districts 150, 280 and 316.
Rifles, handguns, shotguns with slugs or 0/00 buckshot, muzzleloaders, bows and crossbows are lawful. FWP sets no caliber or magazine limit for game animals.
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.
Waterfowl hunters need nontoxic shot, a shotgun plugged to hold no more than three shells, a federal duck stamp and the Montana migratory bird license.
Coyotes and many small varmints are classed as predators or nongame, with fewer season limits. Landowner permission and local shooting rules still apply. Montana has no huntable feral swine.

Individual hunting districts can differ. Check the current FWP regulations for your district before you hunt.

Montana gun law summary

Activity	What is required	Where to confirm
Buying	No state permit, registration or waiting period. Federal Form 4473, government photo ID, and a NICS check at a licensed dealer. Age 21 for a handgun, 18 for a rifle or shotgun.	Licensed dealer; FBI NICS
Carrying concealed	No permit needed if eligible to possess under state and federal law. Optional sheriff permit: resident 18 or older, six months of residency, proof of a safety course, $50 fee, valid five years. Not allowed in school buildings or federal facilities.	County sheriff

Frequently asked 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. The 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 a Montana dealer work?

You pick a licensed FFL dealer at checkout. The firearm ships 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?

Montana 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.

Laws change; confirm current rules with the state agencies named on this page.