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Every state has its own gun laws. Some states consider the will and say of the people when curating these laws while others don’t. The main reason why these laws are in place is to reduce the rate of gun violence as well as to encourage people to handle firearms responsibly.
Whether the laws of the state you are in are strict or not, you need to handle your firearm with utmost care at all times.
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Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Montana?
No, you do not need a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Montana because the state has flexible gun laws. According to a report by Gary Marbut, the president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, Montana state laws not only allow an individual to shoot on private property but also in shooting ranges without a permit.
The law takes into account the noise from these ranges and exempts them from the noise laws. Montana is a ‘shall issue’ state and therefore getting new firearms and permits is not a complicated process provided you meet all the requirements.
The top three things to pay attention to are:
- Ammunition rules
- Activities
- Prohibition of drugs and alcohol
Ammunition Rules
Just as its gun laws are quite friendly, Montana also has relaxed ammunition laws. It does not restrict sales or purchases or possession of dangerous ammunition such as armor piercing ammunition. This is different from most states.
You do not require a license to purchase ammunition and can do so without any restrictions.
Some ranges may have their own ammunition restrictions to preserve their property. Before you go to any ranges in the area, find out which ammunition are allowed so that you can know what weapon to carry. It will also help you budget for the ammunition you may need to buy at the premises.
Another fantastic quality about Montana is that you can order ammunition online and get it delivered to you. However, this may have some age restrictions. As per federal law, you must be at least 18 years old to get shotgun ammo and 21 for rifle and all handgun ammo.
However, you do not need a permit to buy ammunition; just proof of identification to ascertain your age.
Activities
Montana is home to a variety of shooting sports. These range from hunting, archery, rifle, shotgun, trap and skeet. In order to enjoy your day at the shooting range, you must start by choosing an activity that interests you.
Not all shooting ranges offer all the sports, thus knowing what sport you are interested in will help to narrow down your options. For long range shooting, you may want to check out outdoor ranges that give you plenty of space and different distance challenges.
For hunting, you will need to keep up with which animals can be hunted and during which seasons. Archery is quickly gaining popularity and is being offered in many gun ranges. It can be a great sport to try or an activity to keep your children busy as you go to the gun range.
Prohibition of Drugs and Alcohol on Ranges
One rule that is quite common in all shooting ranges in Montana is the prohibition of drugs and alcohol while at the range. These substances interfere with how you think and process information, which make them less than ideal while at the range. When handling a weapon or helping someone else, you need to be alert at all times.
This is because guns are sensitive and if you do not observe safety protocols, you might end up injuring yourself or someone else. Furthermore, when you are intoxicated, you will not be able to shoot properly, which will make you miss your target often. In such a case, you will not be able to enjoy your day as you planned.
You can plan to have drinks with friends after shooting in a more comfortable environment.
Conclusion
The state of Montana has less strict laws as compared to most states when it comes to shooting and gun permits. This makes it much easier to handle and process weapons and relevant permits. At the Montana shooting range, most of the rules are meant to ensure that everyone has a great time and goes back home without any injuries.
