Order online, pick up at a licensed dealer in Missoula County. Missoula is a river and university town where the Clark Fork, the Bitterroot and the Blackfoot meet. Elk hunters here value a light lever gun or carbine for steep, timbered country.
Pick an FFL dealer near you that accepts shipped transfers and name it at checkout. We confirm their license and ship the firearm to them. Ammunition, optics and parts ship straight to your door where Montana law allows.
Montana has no purchase permit, no registration and no waiting period. A dealer sale uses ATF Form 4473 and the federal NICS background check. Federal age rules apply at a dealer: 21 for handguns and 18 for rifles and shotguns. Online orders ship to the Montana FFL you choose, who runs the check and hands over the gun.
Dealers in these communities all work for Missoula-area buyers:
Since 2021, Montana allows permitless concealed carry statewide for adults who may legally possess a firearm. The optional concealed weapon permit is issued by the sheriff of your county, here the Missoula County Sheriff, and helps with carry in other states. Schools, some government buildings and posted private property can still restrict carry.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks runs a five-week general rifle season for deer and elk that usually opens in late October and ends after Thanksgiving, with archery before it. Many deer and elk licenses are general, while some permits come from the draw. Check the current FWP regulations for your hunting district.
Elk and deer in the Lolo National Forest are hunted in Montana's general rifle season, with some permit areas by draw.
Elk, whitetail and black bear live in the forests on every side of town.
These public ranges are run by or with state wildlife agencies. Hours, fees and supervision vary, so check each range page before you go.
Source: State wildlife agency public range lists, September 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.
Yes. Order here, name a licensed FFL dealer in Lolo, Frenchtown, Bonner, Missoula or anywhere in Missoula County, and we ship the firearm to them. You fill out ATF Form 4473 at their counter and they run the background check.
Not since 2021 for adults who may legally possess a firearm. The optional permit comes from the Missoula County Sheriff.
No. Dealer sales need only the federal background check.
It usually runs about five weeks from late October to after Thanksgiving. Check Montana FWP for this year's dates.
Yes. A .30-30, .35 Remington, .45-70 or .44 Magnum lever gun is a classic deer rifle for timber and brush out to 150 to 200 yards. Check your state's big-game rules.
Each dealer sets its own fee, commonly $20 to $75. Call before you order to confirm the price and that they accept firearms shipped from an online store.
General information, not legal advice. Rules current as of September 2026. See our buying guide and check with Missoula County Sheriff or a local attorney about your own situation.