Children and Firearms
MCA 45-8-344 — no child under 14 carrying a firearm in public without a supervising adult
A parent, guardian or other person in charge of a child under 14 may not let the child carry or use a firearm in public, unless the child is with the person in charge, a qualified firearms safety instructor, or an adult the parent authorized.
Who handles this in Montana: State Bar of Montana, Licensed Lawyer Montana; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
A parent or guardian who purposely and knowingly lets a minor have a weapon in a school building commits an offense with up to $500 and 6 months.
A parent or guardian who violates that rule commits a misdemeanor, and the county attorney prosecutes on anyone's complaint.
Sources for this section (3)
- MCA 45-8-344 — Use of firearms by children under 14 years of age prohibited -- exceptions
- MCA 45-8-361 — Possession or allowing possession of weapon in school building -- exceptions -- penalties -- seizure and forfeiture or return authorized -- definitions
- MCA 45-8-345 — Criminal liability of parent or guardian -- prosecution
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.