Buying a Gun in Montana
The age to buy a gun in Montana, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: Montana has no state law that sets a minimum age to buy or possess a handgun or long gun. A parent, guardian or other person in charge of a child under 14 may not let the child carry or use a firearm in public unless the child is accompanied by a person having charge or custody of the… MCA 45-8-301 to 45-8-377; MCA 30-20-101 to 30-20-106 (reviewed); MCA 45-8-344
| Age to buy a gun | Montana has no state law that sets a minimum age to buy or possess a handgun or long gun. A parent, guardian or other person in charge of a child under 14 may not let the child carry or use a firearm in public unless the child is accompanied by a person having charge or custody of the child or is under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor. Reviewed MCA Title 45, chapter 8, part 3 (Weapons, 45-8-301 to 45-8-377) and Title 30, chapter 20, part 1 (Montana Firearms Freedom Act, 30-20-101 to 30-20-106) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Also checked MCA 45-5-623 (unlawful transactions with children), which does not list firearms. |
|---|---|
| Background checks and private sales | Montana has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. A Montana concealed weapon permit holder is exempt from the federal handgun-purchase background check where federal law allows. Reviewed MCA Title 45, chapter 8, part 3 (Weapons, 45-8-301 to 45-8-377) and Title 30, chapter 20, part 1 (Montana Firearms Freedom Act, 30-20-101 to 30-20-106) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Waiting period | Montana has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery. Reviewed MCA Title 45, chapter 8, part 3 (Weapons, 45-8-301 to 45-8-377) and Title 30, chapter 20, part 1 (Montana Firearms Freedom Act, 30-20-101 to 30-20-106) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | Montana has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits. Reviewed MCA Title 45, chapter 8, part 3 (Weapons, 45-8-301 to 45-8-377) and Title 30, chapter 20, part 1 (Montana Firearms Freedom Act, 30-20-101 to 30-20-106) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More Montana gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Montana
- Open Carry in Montana
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Montana
- All Montana gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Montana?
Montana has no state law that sets a minimum age to buy or possess a handgun or long gun. A parent, guardian or other person in charge of a child under 14 may not let the child carry or use a firearm in public unless the child is accompanied by a person having charge or custody of the child or is under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Montana?
Montana has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. A Montana concealed weapon permit holder is exempt from the federal handgun-purchase background check where federal law allows.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Montana?
Montana has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery.
Are ghost guns legal in Montana?
Montana has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits.
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.