Is Open Carry Legal in Montana? (2026)
Partially — Open Carry is legal with restrictions in Montana as of 2026.
Law changed in 2021: Montana expanded its permitless carry law in 2021 to cover more locations, solidifying its status as a constitutional carry state.
Quick Answer
Open carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Montana without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Montana expanded its permitless carry law in 2021 to cover more locations, solidifying its status as a constitutional carry state.
- Age restriction: 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
What the Law Says
Montana law permits open carry of firearms without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. There are no criminal penalties for lawful open carry.
— Mont. Code Ann. § 45-3-111
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Open Carry Rules | Legal without permit for eligible adults |
| Permit Requirements | Legal through licensed dealers |
| Penalties | Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.). |
| Minimum Age | 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Montana expanded its permitless carry law in 2021 to cover more locations, solidifying its status as a constitutional carry state.
Enforcement Reality
Montana is a constitutional carry state, allowing for both open and concealed carry without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm. Open carry is a common practice in the state.
A common mistake is carrying a firearm into a school building or a place where it is prohibited by federal law. Private property owners can also restrict firearms.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Montana. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Open Carry is legal with restrictions in Montana. This activity is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Montana vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, open carrying a firearm is fully legal in 0 states, restricted in 45, and illegal in 5. Montana falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Open Carry:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open carrying a firearm legal in Montana?
What are the restrictions on open carrying a firearm in Montana?
What mistakes do people make with open carrying a firearm in Montana?
What is the minimum age for open carrying a firearm in Montana?
Interactive Tools
See your overall risk score for Montana based on all your activities.
Get Risk Score →See how Open Carry laws change if you relocate from Montana.
Relocation Analyzer →Check if Open Carry laws change at state borders on your route.
Plan Your Trip →Get Open Carry Legal Updates
Get notified when open carry laws change in any state.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Montana Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Montana — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.