How buying a gun in Lewistown works
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 permit to purchase, no registration, no owner ID card and no waiting period. You show photo ID at the dealer, complete ATF Form 4473 and the dealer runs a NICS check directly with the FBI. The federal minimum of 21 for a handgun from a dealer applies to used and trade-in pistols alike. State law preempts most local gun rules, so the process in Lewistown matches the rest of the state. Ask the dealer about the transfer fee before you ship.
Dealers in these communities all work for Lewistown-area buyers:
- Moore
- Denton
- Grass Range
- Roy
- Hobson
- Stanford
- Winifred
- Hilger
Carrying a gun in Fergus County
Since House Bill 102 in 2021, anyone who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry concealed in Montana without a permit. Open carry has long been legal. The Fergus County Sheriff still issues concealed weapon permits to applicants 18 or older with six months of Montana residency and accepted firearms training. The permit helps in states that honor it and covers concealed carry in some state buildings. Courtrooms, school buildings and federal property stay off limits.
Hunting near Lewistown
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lists the 2026 archery season for deer and elk as September 5 to October 18, a youth deer hunt October 15 and 16, and the general season October 24 to November 29. A muzzleloader season runs December 12 to 20, and shoulder seasons apply in some districts. Hunting districts set antlerless and mule deer rules, so read the district pages and the 2026 regulations before you buy licenses for central Montana.
Fergus County takes in the Judith Mountains, the Big Snowy Mountains and part of the Missouri Breaks, with mule deer, whitetails, elk and pronghorn. Block Management ranches and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge to the north add public access.
Big Spring Creek runs through town and supplies a state fish hatchery, and the Lewis and Clark National Forest covers the Big Snowies to the south.
Public shooting ranges near Lewistown
These public ranges are run or listed by a state wildlife agency, a state forest or a national forest. Some need a hunting license, a range permit or a day-use fee, and hours change with the season, so check with the managing agency before you drive out.
Source: State wildlife agency and national forest public range listings, October 2026. Distances are approximate; call or check the agency site before you drive out.