Subject: [FreeMontanaProject] Montana Carry Ordinances, etc.
Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 10:45:57 -0600
From: Quincy Daniel OrHai 
To: 

Fellow freestaters,

In reference to the kind invitation to hve free use of the shooting range in
Missoula, I agree that it is typical montana hospitality. There are many
places in Montana, on public and private land, where shooting is permited
and indeed encouraged. The local public range here in Bozeman is about a 20
mile drive, so I allow (actually encourage) local shooters to use my private
range, which includes 100. 150. and 200 yard rifle ranges, and a 15 and 25
yard five steel plate pistol range. My private set up is not uncommon, and
the only time in 18 years I have ever had a complaint from my neighbors is
one sunday morning a few years ago we were burning up .44 mag ammo with
revolvers and a close friend and neighbor called to ask if we could tone it
down - they were having a pond party and the magnum noise was roaring down
the canyon. Of course I complied.

According to the Montana Shooting Sports Association, 85% of Montana
households are estimated to contain firearms. There are many kinds of local
competitions available, ranging from rimfire silhouette to Cowboy Action
Shooting.  A number of Olympic shooters, disproportionate to the size of
Montana's population, have come from Montana.

Guns are common and visible here, and it's no big deal to see someone in
town with a handgun in a holster on their belt (no permit required, if it's
not concealed). Many pickup appear to have rifles in racks as part of their
standard operating equipment, especially outside of the citys (more targets
out there...) For your information, a some links concerning Montana's
weapons laws are listed below.

Concealed Weapons overview
http://www.doj.state.mt.us/enforcement/concealedweapons.asp

Specific laws (Montana Code Annotated)
right to keep and bear arms
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-360.htm

Concealed carry laws
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-316.htm
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-317.htm

Shall issue law
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-321.htm

CCW  Application, renewal, permit, and fees.
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-322.htm

Carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-327.htm

Carrying concealed weapon in prohibited place -- penalty.
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-328.htm

Concealed weapon permits from other states recognized -- advisory council.
http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-329.htm