Montana Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is considered a felony under Montana gun laws?

1. Transporting a handgun in a vehicle glove compartment

2. Refusing to leave a property when asked while openly carrying a firearm

3. Altering the serial number on a firearm

4. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit

The correct answer is: Altering the serial number on a firearm

Altering the serial number on a firearm is considered a felony under Montana gun laws, as it affects the fundamental traceability and legality of the firearm. Serial numbers are crucial for identifying firearms and tracking ownership. Tampering with or removing these identifiers undermines law enforcement's ability to investigate crimes and can lead to serious legal repercussions, reflecting the state's commitment to public safety and responsible gun ownership. While some of the other actions listed may lead to legal issues, they do not carry the same severity as altering a serial number. For example, refusing to leave a property while openly carrying could result in misdemeanor charges related to trespassing or disorderly conduct, but it does not directly jeopardize public safety in the way that tampering with firearm identifiers does. Transporting a handgun in a vehicle glove compartment and carrying a concealed firearm without a permit may involve regulatory issues, but they typically do not rise to the level of a felony.