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Brass Knuckles Laws in Montana

The rules on brass knuckles in Montana: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Montana's weapons part does not make it a crime for adults in general to own or carry brass knuckles. MCA §§ 45-8-361, 45-8-318; MCA Title 45, ch. 8, pt. 3 (reviewed)

Brass knucklesMontana's weapons part does not make it a crime for adults in general to own or carry brass knuckles. Two places are restricted: it is a crime to possess 'brass or other metal knuckles' (or other listed weapons) in a school building without permission from the school trustees, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 6 months in county jail, or both (§ 45-8-361). Prisoners and youths held in detention facilities who possess 'knuckles made of any metal or hard substance' commit possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, punishable by 5 to 15 years in state prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both (§ 45-8-318).
Prisoner section: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0080/part_0030/section_0180/0450-0080-0030-0180.html. Reviewed MCA Title 45, chapter 8, part 3 (Weapons), all sections 45-8-301 through 45-8-377, on 2026-10-31; no provision found.
Source: MCA §§ 45-8-361, 45-8-318; MCA Title 45, ch. 8, pt. 3 (reviewed)

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FAQ

Are brass knuckles illegal in Montana?
Montana's weapons part does not make it a crime for adults in general to own or carry brass knuckles. Two places are restricted: it is a crime to possess 'brass or other metal knuckles' (or other listed weapons) in a school building without permission from the school trustees, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 6 months in county jail, or both (§ 45-8-361). Prisoners and youths held in detention facilities who possess 'knuckles made of any metal or hard substance' commit possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, punishable by 5 to 15 years in state prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both (§ 45-8-318).

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.