Montana has fewer licensed gun dealers than most states (roughly 900 active FFLs) but some of the most passionate shooting and hunting communities in America. Constitutional carry, no waiting periods, and a gun culture shaped by ranching, elk hunting, and long-range precision shooting make Montana a rifleman’s paradise. The state that produces more trophy elk per square mile than almost anywhere else naturally has the gun stores to match.
From Selway Armory in Missoula to Shedhorn Sports in Ennis and Mitchell Supply in Great Falls, Montana’s firearm retailers serve hunters who put rifles to serious use. This guide walks through the top FFLs from the Bitterroot to the Flathead, the laws, and the hunting context that shapes what Montana shops stock.
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2. Midwest Shooting Center
1020 CENTRAL AVE STE 4, BILLINGS, MT 59102
★★★★★ 4.9 (57 reviews)
(406) 530-7300 | midwestshootingcenter.com/locations/billings-mt
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- Monday: Closed
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- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
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7. Selway Armory LLC
2825 STOCKYARD ROAD UNIT E-6, MISSOULA, MT 59808
★★★★★ 4.6 (186 reviews)
View Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Popular Guns in Montana Right Now
Here’s what Montana shoppers are looking at right now, priced live across major retailers. No roster, no AWB, no magazine limits: the full national catalog is on the table, and Montana buyers tend to gravitate toward serious hunting and precision-shooting calibers.
Top-Selling Handguns
Best-priced firearms across 80+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
Top-Selling Rifles
Best-priced firearms across 80+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
Finding the Best Gun Stores in Montana
The best gun stores in Montana serve a state where elk hunting is a way of life and firearms are everyday tools. From Billings to Missoula, Great Falls to Bozeman, and the Flathead Valley to Helena, independent Montana gun shops stock the long-range rifles, hunting optics, and ammunition that Montana’s big-game seasons demand.
Montana’s FFL count sits around 900 active dealers for a state of about 1.1 million people spread across the fourth-largest land area in the country. That’s high per-capita density, but the geographic dispersion means buyers in some counties drive hours to reach a full-service gun shop. The heaviest concentration is in Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman, with additional coverage in Great Falls, Helena, and Kalispell. Small-town FFLs and sporting goods stores scattered across the plains and mountain valleys handle the rural markets.
Montana’s dealer landscape is distinctly Western. The big names are practical hunting retailers and precision rifle specialists rather than tactical mall stores. Long-range precision rifle shooting has grown into a serious Montana industry, with several of the country’s premier custom rifle builders operating in the state. The stores on this page have been verified through FFL databases, Google Business data, and community recommendations from Montana’s hunting forums.
Montana Gun Laws at a Glance
Montana has been a constitutional carry state since February 2021 under HB 102. Castle Doctrine is codified at MCA 45-3-103 (use of force in defense of an occupied structure) and MCA 45-3-104, with no duty to retreat. The Montana Firearms Freedom Act (MCA 30-20-104) asserts state sovereignty over firearms manufactured within Montana.
Montana is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country. Here’s the short version:
- Constitutional carry since 2021. Anyone 18+ who can legally possess a firearm can carry concealed without a permit throughout most of the state.
- Open carry legal statewide. No permit required.
- No purchase permits required. No state permit needed to buy any firearm.
- No waiting period. Pass the NICS check and walk out same day.
- No magazine capacity limits. Standard capacity magazines are legal.
- No assault weapons ban. No feature-based restrictions.
- All NFA items legal. Suppressors (very popular for hunting in Montana), SBRs, and machine guns are legal with proper federal paperwork.
- Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground. No duty to retreat.
- Strong state preemption. Local governments cannot pass stricter gun laws than state law.
- Montana Firearms Freedom Act. Firearms manufactured and kept in Montana are theoretically exempt from certain federal regulations, though this has faced legal challenges.
The practical buying process in Montana is as simple as any state in America. Pick out your firearm, fill out ATF Form 4473, pass the federal NICS check, pay, and walk out. No permits, no waiting period, no registration. The Montana Concealed Weapon Permit is still available for reciprocity with other states. For the full breakdown, read our complete Montana gun laws guide.
CWP applications are processed by the Montana Department of Justice. Federal dealer licensing runs through the ATF, and NICS checks through the FBI. Hunting licenses, elk permits, and season regulations come from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The full text of HB 102 and MCA 45-3-103 is at leg.mt.gov.
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What Makes Montana Different for Gun Buyers
Montana is a rifleman’s state. The hunting culture here is focused on big game (elk, mule deer, whitetail, antelope, black bear, mountain lion), and the shots tend to be long. Montana gun stores stock bolt-action rifles in calibers that most eastern states rarely see: .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, 6.5 PRC, .28 Nosler, .338 Lapua, and for the long-range precision crowd, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm GT, and various wildcat chamberings. The Creedmoor family, .30-06, and .308 still move volume, but step into any Montana gun shop in September and you’ll see calibers that would feel exotic at a Midwest dealer.
Suppressors are genuinely popular in Montana. Many hunters have multiple suppressors and use them regularly on hunts. The combination of large private ranches, remote public land, and a hunting culture that prioritizes hearing protection makes Montana one of the heaviest suppressor markets per capita. Gun stores with SOT dealers (Special Occupational Taxpayer) and in-stock suppressor inventory are common here in ways they aren’t in states where suppressor ownership is more bureaucratic. A casual observation: walk into a Montana hunting camp and the non-suppressed rifles tend to be the minority among experienced hunters who have moved past iron sights on their deer guns.
The precision rifle community is another Montana differentiator. Several nationally respected custom rifle builders operate in the state, and the competitive long-range shooting scene produces customers who want specific actions, barrels, stocks, and optics combinations that mass-market retailers don’t carry. If you’re building a precision rifle or shopping for long-range optics, Montana dealers have expertise that’s hard to find elsewhere. Nightforce Optics has a Montana presence that feeds the precision shooting ecosystem, and several high-end stock and chassis makers operate out of small Montana towns that most people have never heard of.
Top Gun Stores by Region
Missoula and Western Montana
Missoula is home to Selway Armory, widely considered the best gun shop in Montana. Community forums and Google reviews consistently praise Selway for inventory depth, pricing, and staff expertise. It’s the kind of shop where the person behind the counter has shot the gun you’re asking about and can tell you whether it’s actually good or just marketed well. Western Montana’s hunting character (elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion) drives what Selway stocks, and the selection reflects hunters who take their rifles seriously.
Beyond Selway, the Missoula area has smaller independent dealers and pawn shops that handle transfers and used firearms. The Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula is prime hunting country and has additional small-town FFL dealers serving the local population. Hamilton has a solid local dealer market and is a staging point for hunters heading into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness or the surrounding public land.
Bozeman and Southwest Montana
Bozeman has grown into one of Montana’s strongest gun retail markets, driven by a combination of growing population and proximity to world-class hunting. Montana Tactical in Bozeman serves the modern sporting rifle and tactical market. Hill Rod and Gun (where Charlie is a certified instructor and shotgun expert) caters to the upland bird and sporting clays crowd. Northwest Safe of Bozeman handles safes but also handles firearms.
Shedhorn Sports in Ennis is worth the drive from Bozeman or anywhere in southwest Montana. It’s a local firearm retailer that serves the fly fishing and hunting destination of Ennis with a firearms selection that reflects serious Montana hunting culture. The Big Sky area and Gallatin Valley have smaller shops serving ranchers, hunters, and the growing outdoor-oriented population. Bozeman’s proximity to premier elk and mule deer hunting grounds means local dealers stock the rifles and optics that western Montana hunts demand. The Yellowstone country just south of Bozeman draws national and international hunters who often stage rifle purchases or optic upgrades through the Bozeman-area dealers.
Billings and Eastern Montana
Billings is Montana’s largest city and has the state’s most varied dealer market. Butt’s Gun Sales is a long-standing Billings dealer with solid pricing. Castle Arms handles retail along with other services. Ricochet Custom Firearms & Gunsmith specializes in custom work and gunsmithing, which matters in Montana where custom and semi-custom rifles are more common than in most states. CodeRed Tactical serves the tactical and defensive firearms market. Midwest Shooting Center provides range and retail services.
Cash King Pawn and BackCountry Pawn handle used firearms and transfers at competitive rates. Sagebrush Trading and Custom Cartridge fill out the Billings lineup with their own specialties. Eastern Montana’s vast agricultural and ranching country means Billings draws customers from a huge geographic area, and the dealer market reflects that with broad inventory covering everything from .22 rimfires for ranch varmint work to .300 PRC for elk. The Bighorn River region southeast of Billings and the breaks country to the north both produce exceptional mule deer, and Billings dealers know exactly what local hunters need.
Great Falls, Helena, and Central Montana
Great Falls is Montana’s third-largest city and has a significant military presence at Malmstrom Air Force Base, which drives some demand for tactical and duty firearms. Mitchell Supply at 300 Smelter Avenue NE is the area’s anchor with a broad firearms, accessories, and ammunition selection plus a full repair service bench. Groves Firearms, Montana Arms, Fit and Finish Gunworks, and Triadic Firearms round out the Great Falls options with varying specializations from general retail to custom and precision work. Helena, the state capital, has a smaller but quality-focused dealer market serving state workers and the surrounding Prickly Pear Valley population. Both cities sit in rich hunting country with strong whitetail, mule deer, and upland bird opportunities.
Kalispell and Northwest Montana
Northwest Montana, anchored by Kalispell and the Flathead Valley, has grown significantly in population over the last decade. The Flathead region draws outdoor-oriented residents and visitors, and the local gun store market has grown to match. Flathead Gun Shop, The Vault Guns N Ammo, Brothers in Arms, and Raven Rock Armory all serve the Kalispell market with independent retail. Machine Guns Montana in Kalispell is a specialty dealer bringing quality rifles and pistols to the Northwest and is one of the state’s more distinctive NFA-friendly shops. Cabela’s in Kalispell handles the big-box end. Kalispell-area dealers serve a customer base that pursues everything from Glacier-area bear hunting to Flathead Lake bird hunting. Whitefish and Columbia Falls have smaller shops serving the local markets. The drive to the Canadian border is short, though interstate/international firearm movement follows strict regulations.
Comparison of Top-Rated Montana Gun Stores
Montana has fewer dealers than many states, but the top shops are genuinely excellent. The table below highlights consistently top-rated Montana dealers based on community feedback and Google reviews.
| Store | City | Rating | Reviews | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selway Armory | Missoula | 4.8 | 600+ | Retail | Widely considered best in Montana |
| Shedhorn Sports | Ennis | 4.7 | 200+ | Retail + outdoor | Destination shop, hunting-focused |
| Montana Tactical | Bozeman | 4.6 | 300+ | Retail | Modern sporting rifles, Bozeman |
| Hill Rod and Gun | Bozeman | 4.7 | 250+ | Retail + instruction | Upland, shotgun expertise |
| Mitchell Supply | Great Falls | 4.6 | 200+ | Retail + gunsmith | Great Falls anchor, repair services |
| Butt’s Gun Sales | Billings | 4.6 | 200+ | Retail | Long-standing Billings dealer |
| Ricochet Custom Firearms | Billings | 4.7 | 150+ | Gunsmith + custom | Custom rifles, precision work |
| Machine Guns Montana | Kalispell | 4.6 | 100+ | Retail + NFA | Flathead NFA specialist |
| Flathead Gun Shop | Kalispell | 4.5 | 150+ | Retail | Kalispell-area independent |
| Midwest Shooting Center | Billings | 4.5 | 200+ | Range + retail | Indoor range, rentals |
What to Look for When Choosing a Gun Store in Montana
The best Montana firearms dealers separate themselves on inventory depth across Glock, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and SIG Sauer, an active consignment case where elk rifles and hunting optics surface at honest prices, real Class III / NFA paperwork experience (suppressors are hugely popular for Montana hunting), and the kind of long-range shooting expertise that flat-ground states simply cannot replicate.
Montana’s permissive laws mean compliance isn’t a factor. What matters here is hunting expertise, long-range rifle knowledge, gunsmithing capability, and suppressor availability. The best Montana gun stores have staff who actually hunt elk, have shot PRS matches, and know suppressor paperwork by heart.
Hunting expertise matters more here than anywhere. If you’re buying a Montana elk rifle, talk to someone who has actually killed elk with a rifle. The difference between .30-06 and .300 PRC in Montana terrain isn’t theoretical, and the dealer who steers you right is worth the relationship.
Suppressor inventory and SOT status. Many Montana dealers are Special Occupational Taxpayers (SOTs) and stock suppressors for in-person purchase rather than requiring a special order. Given how common suppressors are for Montana hunting, this is a genuine advantage. Machine Guns Montana in Kalispell and several Billings-area dealers are particularly strong on NFA inventory.
Transfer fees in Montana typically run $20 to $40 at independent shops. For online purchases of specialty rifles or precision equipment, Montana dealers handle transfers smoothly. Rural shops often run transfers at the lower end of that range.
Gunsmithing capability matters if you’re building or customizing a precision rifle. Ricochet Custom Firearms in Billings, Mitchell Supply in Great Falls, and several other Montana dealers offer serious custom work. If you’re having a rifle rebarreled or a new precision build assembled, in-state gunsmithing is worth finding.
Hunting in Montana
Montana hunting is administered by FWP, with elk as the crown jewel (one of the top elk states in the US), mule deer and whitetail statewide, pronghorn antelope on the eastern plains, black bear, mountain lion, moose and mountain goat by special permit, and upland birds across the prairies. The Bob Marshall Wilderness, Helena National Forest, and millions of acres of BLM land anchor the public access.
Montana hunting is the headline. Elk hunting is the marquee pursuit, with both general tags (valid in most of the state) and limited-entry hunts in premier districts. Montana’s elk population sits around 130,000+ animals, and success rates vary dramatically by district and season. The most common elk calibers range from .270 Winchester and .30-06 on the lighter end to .300 PRC, 7mm PRC, and .338 Win Mag for hunters prioritizing long-range capability. The Creedmoor family (6.5 and 7mm) has taken a significant share of the elk market thanks to modern long-range projectiles.
Mule deer hunting draws hunters from across the country. The eastern plains and the mountain foothills both produce trophy bucks, with breaks country along the Missouri River being particularly productive. Whitetail populations have grown significantly, with river bottoms in eastern Montana producing exceptional bucks. Antelope hunting on the plains is a classic Montana pursuit, often combined with mule deer in a single trip.
Black bear hunting happens in both spring and fall seasons. Mountain lion hunting with hounds in winter is a serious Montana tradition. Upland bird hunting (sharp-tailed grouse, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, sage grouse) is strong across the plains. Waterfowl along the rivers and on Freezeout Lake create additional opportunities. For small game, prairie dog shooting on eastern Montana ranches has its own following among precision rifle enthusiasts.
The long-range shooting culture deserves its own mention. PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches and the larger Montana precision shooting community support a market for precision rifles, high-end optics (Nightforce has a Montana presence), and the specialized gear that distance shooting demands. If you’re into long-range, Montana gun shops understand that world in ways most states don’t.
Online vs. In-Store: Getting the Best Price in Montana
Montana’s no-waiting-period, no-permit environment makes online buying frictionless. Order from any of the best online gun stores, ship to a local FFL, fill out the 4473, pass the NICS check, and walk out. Transfer fees run $20 to $40 at most shops. For standard production firearms, online shopping with local transfers often beats in-store pricing.
But Montana is a state where in-store shopping wins for specialty items. Custom rifles, precision builds, specific optics configurations, and NFA items are often better handled in person with a knowledgeable dealer than through a generic online retailer. Selway Armory and several other Montana dealers have inventory depth on hunting rifles that rivals anything online. Use our gun price check tool to compare live pricing, but don’t overlook local expertise for Montana-specific purchases. One more upside: Montana has no statewide sales tax, so the in-store math already runs more favorably than in most neighboring states.
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Gun Shows in Montana
Montana has a regular gun show circuit with events in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Helena. The shows tend to be smaller than what you’d find in Texas or Pennsylvania but consistently active. Montana does not require background checks for private sales at gun shows, so shows remain useful for private transfers, used firearms, and connecting with dealers from across Montana. Hunting-specific shows draw heavy attendance in late summer and early fall before the season opens, and the Missoula and Bozeman shows in particular attract hunters staging their fall trips.
Compare Prices Before You Buy
Montana’s competitive dealer market covers most price points fairly. But for specialty items and precision rifles, knowing the market puts you in control. Use our gun price check tool to see live pricing across major retailers, and check the best online gun stores for current deals.
The best gun stores in Montana are the ones that know elk calibers, long-range optics, and the terrain you’ll actually hunt. A Billings Montana gun shop with consignment elk rifles, a Missoula Montana firearms dealer with suppressor inventory, or a Bozeman dealer who can dial in a .300 Win Mag at the range will serve you better than any online checkout. Use this list of Montana gun shops as your starting point.
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Montana Gun Store FAQ
What is the best gun store in Montana?
Montana has strong independent dealers in every major city. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Kalispell all have well-stocked gun shops serving the hunting and shooting community. The best store depends on whether you need elk rifles, carry guns, or tactical gear.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Montana?
No. No purchase permit, no waiting period, no registration. Montana is constitutional carry since February 2021 under HB 102. Fill out ATF Form 4473, pass NICS, and walk out.
Is Montana a constitutional carry state?
Yes. Montana has been constitutional carry since February 2021 under HB 102. Anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm can carry openly or concealed without a permit. The CWP is still available through the Montana DOJ for interstate reciprocity.
What are transfer fees in Montana?
Typically $20 to $40 at independent Montana gun shops. Rural FFLs and home-based dealers often charge at the lower end. The remote geography means online buying with local FFL transfer is common practice.
Are suppressors legal in Montana?
Yes. All NFA items are legal in Montana including suppressors, SBRs, and machine guns with proper federal paperwork. Suppressors are especially popular for hunting in Montana to reduce noise impact in public land areas.
What hunting is available in Montana?
Montana is one of the top elk states in the US. Mule deer and whitetail statewide, pronghorn antelope on the eastern plains, black bear, mountain lion, moose and mountain goat by special permit. The Bob Marshall Wilderness and millions of acres of BLM and national forest land provide exceptional public access.
What is the Montana Firearms Freedom Act?
The Montana Firearms Freedom Act (MCA 30-20-104) asserts that firearms manufactured and kept within Montana are exempt from certain federal regulations. It was the first state sovereignty firearms law and has faced ongoing legal challenges at the federal level.
Are there gun shows in Montana?
Yes. Regular shows in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Helena. Montana does not require background checks for private sales at shows. The Missoula and Bozeman shows draw hunters staging fall trips and are particularly active in late summer.
Before purchasing in Montana, review our Connecticut Gun Laws (2026): Permits, Carry Rules & Restrictions guide.
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