2025 Legal Guide to Selling a Gun in Montana (MT) for 2026

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    • Written by Maley DeVriendt
    • Post authorWritten by: Maley DeVriendt
    • Post dateDecember 19, 2024
    • Updated dateDecember 18, 2025
    • 6 min read

    How to Sell a Gun in MT for Cash: The 2026 CashMyGuns Guide

    How to Sell a Gun in Montana for Cash in 2026

    Montana is widely recognized as a gun-friendly state, where the process of legally purchasing and selling a firearm is relatively straightforward, as the state imposes few restrictions beyond federal law. For instance, private sales between individuals do not require a state-mandated background check, though certain local ordinances have been challenged (and ultimately struck down by the Montana Supreme Court), affirming the state’s permissive approach.

    However, even in Montana, sellers must be mindful of their legal obligations under federal law—it remains a serious crime to knowingly transfer a firearm to a prohibited person (such as a convicted felon). For those interested in refreshing their knowledge of the regulations and the process of legally owning a firearm, Cash My Guns has created a brief overview of the laws currently in place.

    This information is compiled from official guidance, including a memorandum on Montana State Laws and Published Ordinances on firearms from the Montana Office of the Attorney General to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Best options for selling a gun in Montana in 2026?

    There are many ways to handle the sale of firearms in Montana, giving sellers a variety of options to choose from.

    • Sell to CashMyGuns.com – Montana Best choice in 2026

      CashMyGuns.com provides a reliable online service for anyone looking to sell a firearm. Our process is simple, secure and fully compliant with Montana firearm laws. Share the make, model and condition of your gun, and you’ll receive an instant offer right away.

    • Sell to a licensed local dealer

      One option is to sell your firearm to a licensed local dealer. This approach helps ensure full compliance with Montana firearm laws, but sellers often receive significantly less than true market value when choosing this route.

    • Sell through a private firearm sale

      Gun owners may also complete a private firearm sale. Montana does not require a background check for private, individual-to-individual transfers.

      Even without a background check requirement, both parties can face criminal penalties if a firearm is sold to someone who is prohibited from owning one, if the firearm is defaced, or if it is a restricted weapon such as a machine gun or explosive device. These violations can lead to serious charges, including felonies.
      View ATF guidance for private firearm transfers.

    • Dispose of a firearm legally

      If the goal is simply to dispose of a firearm legally, owners can surrender it to local law enforcement. This method is safe and compliant, but it may result in losing out on the potential value the firearm could earn in a legitimate sale.

    2026 State laws and requirements for selling a gun in Montana

    Any individual purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer (FFL) is required by federal law to complete the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record), which the dealer must maintain. Furthermore, under the permanent provisions of the Federal Brady Law, the firearms purchaser must undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check, which the licensed firearms dealer performs.

    This check is crucial as it indicates to the dealer whether the purchaser’s background legally allows them to complete the firearm purchase. Should the NICS check result in a denial that the purchaser believes is unwarranted, a formal appeal process is available to challenge the decision and potentially receive the necessary clearance to complete the transaction.

    2026 Firearm Ownership Restrictions in Montana

    Generally, Montana defers to federal law concerning the sale and purchase of firearms. For purchases made through a licensed dealer (FFL), federal age requirements apply: a buyer must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and pass the background check, and at least 21 years old to legally purchase a handgun and pass the background check. Notably, state law allows for an individual between the ages of 18 and 20 to acquire a handgun from an unlicensed individual residing in the same state, provided they are not otherwise prohibited.

    The following, according to both state and federal law, disqualifies a person in Montana from purchasing or possessing a firearm:

    • Felony Conviction: A person convicted of a felony, especially one for which they received an additional sentence for the use of a dangerous weapon, or one that requires current registration on the sexual or violent offender registry (MCA § 45-8-313).
    • Fugitive from Justice: Any person who is currently a fugitive from justice.
    • Domestic Violence: Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or who is subject to a qualifying court order (such as a protection order) that bars them from having a firearm.
    • Mental Health: A person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective, or has been committed to a mental institution (unless their rights have been restored).
    • Substance Use: A person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
    • Other Federal Prohibitions: Disqualifications also apply to individuals who are under felony indictment, dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, illegal residents, or former U.S. citizens who have renounced their citizenship.

    FEDERAL DISQUALIFICATION CATEGORIES

    • Conviction (felony or misdemeanor) where the crime has a maximum imprisonment term exceeding 1 year (even if a buyer did not receive actual imprisonment exceeding 1 year).
    • Warrant (felony or out-of-state misdemeanor).
    • Felony pre-trial release.
    • Misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence restraining/stalking/protection order mental health adjudication or commitment.
    • Unlawful use or addicted to a controlled substance (including marijuana).
    • Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
    • Renounced U.S. citizenship.
    • Illegal alien.

    Save the Hassle, Sell your Gun to Cash My Guns

    Even though Montana has very few state-level restrictions, the legal responsibility for private sellers to ensure they do not illegally transfer a firearm to a state or federally prohibited person (such as a convicted felon) can still be a source of stress and legal risk.

    Cash My Guns offers a simplified, safe, and fully legal alternative for selling your handgun or long gun while guaranteeing 100% compliance with all Montana and federal regulations.

    The entire process is designed to be hassle-free and and requires no effort from your side to find a lawful buyer: simply inform them which firearm(s) you wish to sell, receive a competitive offer, and upon acceptance, you will be provided with prepaid shipping to mail the gun directly to their licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).

    This arrangement delegates the crucial legal transfer and background check compliance to the FFL, ensuring the process is quick and safe, and resulting in payment delivered to you via check within a few days of the firearm’s receipt.

    The reality is you can sell your gun without ever leaving the house.

    When you use Cash My Guns, you get the following unbeatable benefits!

    Free gun appraisal  –  Fair price for your gun –  Free shipping

    Easy shipment tracking throughout the whole process. Speedy payment!

    Begin our safe and discrete process here.

    2026 Montana General Resources

    “DISCLAIMER”

    The content on this website is provided as a general informational resource and should not be interpreted as legal advice. While CashMyGuns.com makes every effort to gather and present accurate, reliable, and up to date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the material on this site or any external links.

    Anyone using the information found here does so at their own risk. Before selling or transferring a firearm, users should always consult official Montana firearm law resources or seek guidance from a qualified attorney to ensure full legal compliance.

    2026 Montana Gun Sale FAQ's

    • Can I sell a firearm privately in Montana in 2026?

      Yes. Montana permits private firearm sales between state residents as long as both the buyer and seller are legally allowed to possess firearms. Federal age limits apply: 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns.

    • Do I need a permit to sell a handgun in Montana?

      No. Montana does not require any kind of permit for private handgun transfers. The seller’s responsibility is simply to avoid knowingly selling a firearm to someone who is prohibited from owning one.

    • Are background checks required for private gun sales in Montana?

      No. Montana does not require background checks for private, face-to-face firearm sales. Purchases made from licensed firearm dealers must still go through the standard federal background check.

    • Does Montana require firearms to be registered before selling?

      No. Montana has no firearm registration system. Private transfers do not need to be reported to the state, though many sellers choose to keep a written record for their own protection.

    • Can I sell a firearm online while living in Montana?

      Yes. Montana residents are free to list and sell firearms online. If the firearm is shipped, federal law requires it be sent to the buyer’s local FFL dealer for the transfer and necessary background check.

    • How does CashMyGuns help sellers in Montana?

      CashMyGuns provides firearm appraisal, secure insured shipping, and fast payment. Their process allows Montana sellers to complete a legal and clearly documented sale without arranging private meet-ups with buyers.

    • How can I make sure a buyer is legally eligible to own a firearm in Montana?

      Sellers should request a valid Montana ID to confirm residency and age. For added peace of mind, sellers may choose to use an FFL dealer to handle the transfer and run a federal background check.

    • What should a Montana firearm bill of sale include?

      A Montana bill of sale typically includes the firearm’s make, model, serial number, and caliber, along with the names and contact information of both parties and the date of the transaction. Keeping a copy helps protect both sides.

    • Are NFA-regulated items treated differently in Montana?

      Yes. Suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles are regulated under the National Firearms Act. These transfers require ATF approval, tax stamps, and background checks even though Montana allows ownership of many NFA items.

    • What is a secure way to get a fair price when selling a firearm in Montana?

      Using a reputable service like CashMyGuns ensures fair market pricing and ensures that the firearm transfer follows all federal requirements in 2026.

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