Open Carry in Montana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Montana permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people in most places.
How Montana treats Open Carry
Montana law allows any person legally allowed to possess a firearm to openly carry it in public without obtaining a permit. No state license or background check is required for open carry itself. However, certain locations remain off-limits, including federal buildings, schools, and some private property where owners post prohibitions. Local governments have limited ability to restrict open carry beyond state law.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Montana.