Restrictions | Montana Concealed Carry

Weapon Restrictions

General Restrictions

Montana law does not impose specific restrictions on the type of handgun that may be carried concealed. There are no state-level limitations on magazine capacity, caliber, or firearm action type for concealed carry purposes.

Federal Prohibitions Apply

All persons carrying concealed weapons in Montana remain subject to federal firearms prohibitions. Per the Montana Department of Justice, even law enforcement officers (active and retired) who are otherwise exempt from state concealed weapon statutes must:

• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while carrying
• Not be prohibited by federal law from carrying a firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g) - includes convicted felons, persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders, unlawful drug users, persons adjudicated mentally defective, and others)

These federal restrictions apply equally to all concealed carry permit holders and permitless carriers.

Law Enforcement Exemptions (LEOSA)

Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), signed into federal law in July 2004, qualified active and retired law enforcement officers are exempt from Montana's concealed weapon statutes. Requirements include:

Active Officers must:

• Be authorized by their agency to carry a firearm
• Meet the agency's qualifications to carry a firearm
• Be in good standing with the agency
• Carry photographic identification issued by their employing agency (a badge with photo ID qualifies; Montana P.O.S.T. certification also fulfills this requirement)

Retired Officers must:

• Have served at least 15 years as a law enforcement officer (or completed the employer's probationary period if retiring due to service-connected disability)
• Have retired in good standing
• Have a nonforfeitable right to retirement benefits
• Have met, within the most recent 12 months and at their own expense, the same firearms training and qualification standards required of active officers in their state of residence

Reference: Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation - Concealed Weapons (dojmt.gov/dci-home/concealed-weapons)

Prohibited Locations

Montana law restricts concealed carry in certain locations regardless of permit status. Carriers should consult MCA 45-8-328 and related statutes for the current list of prohibited places, which may include government buildings with restricted access, schools (subject to exceptions), and locations where federal law prohibits firearms.

Note: Montana enacted constitutional (permitless) carry in 2021 via HB 102, significantly expanding where lawful gun owners may carry concealed without a permit. However, certain location-based restrictions remain in effect under both state and federal law.

Switchblades and Other Weapons

Montana's concealed weapon statutes historically covered weapons beyond firearms. Carriers should review MCA Title 45, Chapter 8, Part 3 for restrictions applicable to knives, dirks, and other concealed weapons.

---

This section is compiled primarily from the Montana Department of Justice concealed weapons page. Individuals should verify current restrictions directly through the Montana Code Annotated and the Montana DOJ.