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Montana Gun Laws

MT
permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Permitless (18+)
Open Carry
Yes, no permit
Red Flag Law
No
Background Check (Private)
No
NFA Weapons
Unrestricted
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Permitless carry since February 2021. Localities can regulate open carry in publicly owned occupied buildings. No assault weapon or magazine restrictions.

  • •Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since February 2021.
  • •Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without a permit. Localities may restrict open carry inside publicly owned occupied buildings.
  • •Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal with the federal tax stamp.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — State law preempts local firearm regulations, with the exception that localities can restrict open carry in publicly owned occupied buildings.
  • •No Background Check (Private) — Private sales between individuals do not require a background check.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Montana Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Montana does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Montana.

NFA Items Permitted

Montana allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Montana Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Montana?
Yes. Montana does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Montana?
Montana has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Montana require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Montana does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Montana?
Montana concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Montana?
Montana open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Montana?
Yes. Montana allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
Does Montana require background checks for private sales?
No. Montana does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Montana firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

MONE

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.