Montana Gun Laws
MTMontana at a glance
Neighboring states: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Firearm Regulations
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 under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
- •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 October 10, 2026
Most Popular AR-15 Parts in Montana
Ranked by how often builders in Montana picked each brand, from real builds on GunPartPicker over the last year. One core slot per row.
- TriggerRise Armament41%
- Pistol GripB5 Systems33%
- Lower ReceiverWilson Combat19%
- Upper ReceiverTacFire15%
Build yours in the AR Builder and compare live prices across retailers.
How Montana Law Affects Your 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 NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
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 suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
- 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.
- Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
- NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
- Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
- ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.
Traveling to Montana with a gun?
Pick what you are bringing and where you start, and the Gun Travel Checker applies these rules to every state on the route, with what to do before each state line.
Check a trip to Montana →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.