Montana Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Can individuals convicted of a felony own a firearm in Montana?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Yes, after a certain period

4. Yes, but only antique firearms

The correct answer is: No

In Montana, individuals who have been convicted of a felony are generally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. This prohibition arises from both state and federal laws that restrict firearm ownership for individuals with certain criminal backgrounds, including felony convictions. The rationale behind this restriction is to promote public safety by limiting access to firearms for those who have demonstrated a disregard for the law or who may pose a risk to themselves or others. While there are some jurisdictions that allow individuals to seek the restoration of their firearm rights after completing their sentence, including parole and probation, this process is not universally applicable in Montana. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with felony convictions to understand that they cannot legally own firearms unless they have gone through the proper legal channels to have their rights restored, which is not the default rule in the state. Antique firearms may have different considerations under certain laws, but the general rule regarding felony convictions is that they bar individuals from firearm ownership altogether until there is a successful restoration of rights.