How to Buy a Gun Online in Montana

Buying a gun online in Montana is simple once you know the steps. You shop and pay online, the firearm ships to a licensed dealer near you, and you finish the paperwork there. Montana adds no permit or waiting period on top of federal law, so the process is usually fast. This guide explains each step, what it costs, and what ships to your door instead. Start in the catalog or read about our Montana gun shop.

Why firearms ship to a dealer

Federal law says a firearm sold across state lines, or sold by a licensed seller to someone who is not a licensee, must be transferred through a federal firearms licensee (FFL). That is why no online store can ship a rifle, shotgun or handgun straight to your house. Instead, the gun goes to a local dealer you choose, and the dealer hands it to you after the background check.

Step by step

Choose your firearm. Check the product page for caliber, barrel length and any notes.
Pick a Montana FFL. At checkout you choose a licensed dealer near you. Call the dealer first to confirm they accept transfers and to ask their fee.
Pay by card. Checkout is by credit or debit card.
We ship to the dealer. The dealer receives the firearm and logs it into their records.
Visit the dealer. Bring a current government photo ID, usually your Montana driver's license. You complete ATF Form 4473.
Background check. The dealer runs a NICS check through the FBI, since Montana is not a point-of-contact state.
Take it home. Montana has no waiting period, so once the check is approved you can usually leave with the firearm the same day.

Age and eligibility

You must be 21 or older to receive a handgun from a dealer.
You must be 18 or older to receive a rifle or shotgun from a dealer.
You must not be prohibited from owning firearms under state or federal law.
You must be a Montana resident to take a handgun transfer in Montana. Long guns can be transferred to residents of other states in some cases, but the sale must comply with the laws of both states.

Transfer fees

Dealers set their own transfer fee. Ask before you order so there are no surprises. Some dealers charge more for handguns or for firearms bought elsewhere. The fee is paid to the dealer, not to us.

Delays and denials

Most NICS checks come back quickly. If a check is delayed, the FBI keeps researching. Under federal law a dealer may transfer the firearm if no answer arrives within three business days, but many dealers wait for a final answer. If you are denied and believe it is an error, you can appeal through the FBI.

What ships to your door

Many products do not need a dealer:

Ammunition: ships to your Montana address where legal. You must meet the federal age rules, and an adult may need to sign for the package.
Optics: scopes, red dots, binoculars and rangefinders ship directly.
Parts and accessories: magazines, stocks, slings, holsters, cleaning gear and most parts ship to your door.

Receivers and frames are firearms under federal law, so they ship to an FFL just like complete guns.

Choosing the right dealer

Your dealer is part of the purchase, so pick one you can reach easily. Good questions to ask on the phone:

Do you accept firearm transfers from online sellers?
What is your transfer fee, and is it different for handguns?
What are your receiving hours, and how will you contact me when the firearm arrives?
Do you need a copy of my order or tracking number?
What ID do you need to see at pickup?

Write down the dealer's name, city and license details as they give them, and match them to the dealer you select at checkout.

Buying for someone else

Federal law requires the person who fills out Form 4473 to be the actual buyer of the firearm. Buying a gun on behalf of someone else, sometimes called a straw purchase, is a federal crime, even if you plan to hand it over later. If you want to give a gun as a gift, that is generally lawful when you are the true buyer and the person receiving it can legally own it, but a handgun gift across state lines must go through a dealer. When in doubt, have the recipient buy it directly.

Tips for Montana buyers

Plan around hunting season. Dealers get busy in October. Order a new elk or deer rifle early enough to sight it in; see our elk rifle guide and deer hunting guide.
Rural pickup. Many small towns have a dealer inside a hardware store, sporting goods store or home-based business. Confirm their hours, since some are open only part of the week.
Winter shipping. Storms on the Hi-Line and mountain passes can slow carriers. Build in extra time from December through March.
Keep your paperwork. Save your order confirmation and the dealer's receipt in case you need warranty service.

After the purchase

Montana does not register firearms, and you do not need a permit to carry concealed if you can legally possess a gun. If you want a permit for travel, read our Montana concealed carry guide. For the full picture of state law, see the Montana gun laws overview.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the current Montana Code Annotated at leg.mt.gov, the Montana Department of Justice and your county sheriff before you act.

General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.