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Montana firearms statistics

How many guns Montana makes and who makes them, the jobs and pay behind them, licenses, background checks, exports, hunting licenses and conservation money. Every figure comes from a federal source and keeps that source’s own period.

Newest data: FBI checks through August 2026 · ATF licenses, August 2026 · ATF production, 2024 · BLS jobs, 2025. How Montana compares · U.S. statistics · Montana directory

  1. 10,377firearms made in Montana in 2024, 35th of 50 states and 0.1% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 1,184federal firearms license records, 30th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 233,193paid hunting-license holders, 31st of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 133,144FBI background checks in 2025, 9.2% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 314private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $63,550 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $21,957,263Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 14th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $658,776of firearms and ammunition exported from Montana in 2025, all in one product groupCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in Montana?

Plants in Montana reported making 10,377 firearms in 2024, down 11.7% from 2023. That is 0.1% of U.S. production, 35th among the states. The high was 26,446 in 2021. [1] See gun manufacturers in Montana for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in Montana, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 10,377 · 2023: 11,754 · 11.7% fewer

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report (AFMER), plants in Montana, by calendar year. ATF withheld the state’s figures for 2022 and 1992–2003.

  • 10,377firearms reported by plants in Montana for 2024, 0.1% of U.S. production; 11,754 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · MontanaCite

What Montana makes

Rifles were 43.8% of Montana production in 2024.

  1. Rifles4,545 43.8%
  2. Pistols288 2.8%
  3. Shotguns83 0.8%
  4. Revolvers38 0.4%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. Each type adds up what Montana plants reported.

Largest filings in Montana, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. Montana had 72 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of Montana
1Defiance Machine Inc.Columbia Falls · 43.4%Columbia Falls4,50143.4%
2Proof Research Inc.Columbia Falls · 23.0%Columbia Falls2,38323.0%
3Noreen Firearms LLCBelgrade · 13.8%Belgrade1,43213.8%
4Falkor, Sid Inc.Kalispell · 5.0%Kalispell5205.0%
5Powder River Rifle Co Inc.Big Timber · 2.4%Big Timber2452.4%
6Individual licenseeThree Forks · 1.7%Three Forks1721.7%
7C Sharps Arms Co Inc.Big Timber · 1.2%Big Timber1221.2%
8Shield Arms LLCBigfork · 0.8%Bigfork830.8%
9Sage Flats Shooter LLCJordan · 0.8%Jordan830.8%
10Backwoods Custom Coatings, LLCLibby · 0.8%Libby820.8%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024 filings. A filing covers one plant, so it is not a company total.

Production by city

Kalispell has the most filings (3), and Columbia Falls reported the most firearms.

  1. Columbia Falls6,884 2 filings
  2. Belgrade1,438 2 filings
  3. Kalispell537 3 filings
  4. Big Timber367 2 filings
  5. Three Forks172 1 filing
  6. Libby131 2 filings
  7. Bigfork112 2 filings
  8. Jordan95 2 filings

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. A filing’s city is where the plant is, not always where the company is based.

Show all 21 years
Firearms made in Montana, in all and by type
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotgunsRevolvers
2024Firearms made10,377Rifles4,545Sum of 72 filingsPistols288Sum of 72 filingsShotguns83Sum of 72 filingsRevolvers38Sum of 72 filings
2023Firearms made11,754Rifles4,512Sum of 73 filingsPistols411Sum of 73 filingsShotguns84Sum of 73 filingsRevolvers105Sum of 73 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldRiflesNot reportedPistolsNot reportedShotgunsNot reportedRevolversNot reported
2021Firearms made26,446Rifles4,568Sum of 55 filingsPistols332Sum of 55 filingsShotguns53Sum of 55 filingsRevolvers26Sum of 55 filings
2020Firearms made12,069Rifles3,700Pistols306Shotguns29Revolvers1
2019Firearms made7,127Rifles2,267Sum of 49 filingsPistols241Sum of 49 filingsShotguns46Sum of 49 filingsRevolvers5Sum of 49 filings
2018Firearms made8,951Rifles4,770Sum of 45 filingsPistols49Sum of 45 filingsShotguns1Sum of 45 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 45 filings
2017Firearms made24,275Rifles5,701Sum of 42 filingsPistols62Sum of 42 filingsShotguns4Sum of 42 filingsRevolvers2Sum of 42 filings
2016Firearms made20,841Rifles18,632Sum of 41 filingsPistols3Sum of 41 filingsShotguns0Sum of 41 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 41 filings
2015Firearms made7,461Rifles5,685Sum of 35 filingsPistols7Sum of 35 filingsShotguns0Sum of 35 filingsRevolvers2Sum of 35 filings
2014Firearms made7,874Rifles6,180Sum of 32 filingsPistols9Sum of 32 filingsShotguns0Sum of 32 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 32 filings
2013Firearms made9,741Rifles7,141Sum of 30 filingsPistols2Sum of 30 filingsShotguns0Sum of 30 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 30 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in Montana, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotgunsRevolvers
2012Firearms made5,080Rifles3,994Sum of 33 filingsPistols2Sum of 33 filingsShotguns0Sum of 33 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 33 filings
2011Firearms made4,159Rifles3,540Sum of 27 filingsPistols4Sum of 27 filingsShotguns5Sum of 27 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 27 filings
2010Firearms made5,431Rifles3,774Sum of 22 filingsPistols4Sum of 22 filingsShotguns25Sum of 22 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 22 filings
2009Firearms made4,675Rifles3,660Sum of 21 filingsPistols1Sum of 21 filingsShotguns1Sum of 21 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 21 filings
2008Firearms made4,284Rifles3,553Sum of 15 filingsPistols4Sum of 15 filingsShotguns82Sum of 15 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 15 filings
2007Firearms made4,786Rifles4,660Sum of 11 filingsPistols2Sum of 11 filingsShotguns0Sum of 11 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 11 filings
2006Firearms made4,252Rifles4,244Sum of 9 filingsPistols0Sum of 9 filingsShotguns8Sum of 9 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 9 filings
2005Firearms made4,446Rifles4,446Sum of 8 filingsPistols0Sum of 8 filingsShotguns0Sum of 8 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 8 filings
2004Firearms made5,140Rifles5,139Pistols1Shotguns0Revolvers0
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in Montana?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in Montana had 314 jobs at 26 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $63,550 a year. Jobs were highest in 2022, at 326, the first year BLS counted other ordnance makers too. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, Montana, 2001–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 314 · 2024: 300 · 4.7% more

Source: BLS county and state jobs counts (QCEW), Montana, private employers. From 2022, BLS counts other ordnance makers in this industry too, so years on either side of the line are not compared. Years BLS withheld are gaps.

  • 314private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in Montana at 26 establishments, paying $63,550 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · MontanaCite
  • 3.83job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 3.8 times as large a share of Montana jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $70,661,000shipped by 21 small arms plants with 359 employees and a $18,016,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $16,223,000shipped by 8 ammunition plants with 74 employees; payroll withheld by CensusEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332992Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Flathead County8 establishments
  2. Ravalli County5 establishments
  3. Gallatin County4 establishments
  4. Sanders County3 establishments
  5. Yellowstone County2 establishments
  6. Lake County1 establishment
  7. Park County1 establishment
  8. Missoula County1 establishment

Source: BLS QCEW, private small arms establishments (NAICS 332994) by county, 2025. BLS publishes every county’s establishment count but withholds most county job counts.

Show all 25 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)314Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$63,550Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$19,970,643Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)26Ammunition (332992)12

Source: BLS QCEW, 2025. “Not published” means BLS withheld the figure or has none for Montana.

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)21Ammunition (332992)8
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)359Ammunition (332992)74
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)$70,661,000Ammunition (332992)$16,223,000
Value addedSmall arms (332994)$49,427,000Ammunition (332992)$9,943,000
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$18,016,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census.

Private firearm industry jobs by year, Montana
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2025Small arms jobs314Ammunition jobsNot published
2024Small arms jobs300Ammunition jobs62
2023Small arms jobs281Ammunition jobs72
2022Small arms jobs326Ammunition jobs82
2021Small arms jobs327Ammunition jobsNot published
2020Small arms jobs258Ammunition jobsNot published
2019Small arms jobs273Ammunition jobs46
2018Small arms jobs264Ammunition jobsNot published
2017Small arms jobs434Ammunition jobs49
2016Small arms jobs450Ammunition jobs54
2015Small arms jobs381Ammunition jobs54
2014Small arms jobs457Ammunition jobs76
Earlier years, 2001–2013
Private firearm industry jobs by year, Montana, 2001–2013
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2013Small arms jobs447Ammunition jobsNot published
2012Small arms jobs419Ammunition jobsNot published
2011Small arms jobs277Ammunition jobsNot published
2010Small arms jobs148Ammunition jobs77
2009Small arms jobs162Ammunition jobs78
2008Small arms jobs126Ammunition jobs59
2007Small arms jobs108Ammunition jobs38
2006Small arms jobs91Ammunition jobsNot published
2005Small arms jobs94Ammunition jobsNot published
2004Small arms jobs86Ammunition jobsNot published
2003Small arms jobs79Ammunition jobsNot published
2002Small arms jobs63Ammunition jobsNot published
2001Small arms jobs63Ammunition jobsNot published
Cite a figure from this section (19)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in Montana?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 1,184 license records in Montana, 24 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 690 are dealers and 346 are manufacturers. A record is one license, not one store, and one business can hold several. [2] License records are not storefronts: to find a store, see gun shops in Montana.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in Montana, January 2021 to August 2026 records

  • Dealers (type 01)
  • Manufacturers (type 07)

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, monthly lists. Months ATF did not publish are gaps, not zeros. ATF’s October and November 2025 lists came out during the federal shutdown (October 1 to November 12, 2025), when ATF paused license renewals. Both are about 10% short in every state and license type, and the count recovers in December: licenses waiting on renewal were left off, not closed.

  • 1,184federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 1,208 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · MontanaCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)690 58.3%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)346 29.2%
  3. Pawnbrokers (type 02)70 5.9%
  4. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)40 3.4%
  5. Importers (type 08)22 1.9%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)14 1.2%
  7. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)1 0.1%
  8. Destructive-device importers (type 11)1 0.1%

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, August 2026. ATF’s public list leaves out collector (type 03) licenses, so they are not counted here. That does not mean there are none.

Show all 68 months by type
License records in Montana by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2026All types1,184Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)690Manufacturer (07)346Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)40Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2026All types1,187Dealer (01)692Manufacturer (07)347Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)40Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2026All types1,186Dealer (01)694Manufacturer (07)342Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2026All types1,182Dealer (01)697Manufacturer (07)336Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2026All types1,172Dealer (01)695Manufacturer (07)329Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2026All types1,181Dealer (01)700Manufacturer (07)331Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)43Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2026All types1,189Dealer (01)707Manufacturer (07)331Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2026All types1,183Dealer (01)704Manufacturer (07)331Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)42Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2025All types1,188Dealer (01)709Manufacturer (07)329Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)43Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2025All types1,123Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)676Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)305Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)67Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)41Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)21Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)11Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)1Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)1Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types1,098Dealer (01)661Manufacturer (07)298Pawnbroker (02)66Ammunition manufacturer (06)40Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2025All types1,201Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)720Manufacturer (07)328Pawnbroker (02)73Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2025All types1,208Dealer (01)727Manufacturer (07)326Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2025All types1,207Dealer (01)728Manufacturer (07)324Pawnbroker (02)75Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2025All types1,210Dealer (01)733Manufacturer (07)320Pawnbroker (02)75Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2025All types1,210Dealer (01)732Manufacturer (07)318Pawnbroker (02)77Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2025All types1,198Dealer (01)728Manufacturer (07)310Pawnbroker (02)79Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2025All types1,200Dealer (01)728Manufacturer (07)307Pawnbroker (02)84Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2025All types1,193Dealer (01)728Manufacturer (07)301Pawnbroker (02)83Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2025All types1,198Dealer (01)734Manufacturer (07)298Pawnbroker (02)85Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2024All types1,195Dealer (01)734Manufacturer (07)295Pawnbroker (02)85Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2024All types1,206Dealer (01)742Manufacturer (07)296Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2024All types1,202Dealer (01)743Manufacturer (07)292Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Importer (08)19Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2024All types1,196Dealer (01)743Manufacturer (07)287Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Importer (08)19Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in Montana by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2024All types1,201Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)751Manufacturer (07)286Pawnbroker (02)82Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Importer (08)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2024All types1,202Dealer (01)752Manufacturer (07)287Pawnbroker (02)81Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2024All types1,192Dealer (01)746Manufacturer (07)283Pawnbroker (02)81Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2024All types1,199Dealer (01)748Manufacturer (07)285Pawnbroker (02)82Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2024All types1,199Dealer (01)750Manufacturer (07)281Pawnbroker (02)83Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2024All types1,199Dealer (01)753Manufacturer (07)279Pawnbroker (02)83Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Importer (08)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2024All types1,206Dealer (01)756Manufacturer (07)278Pawnbroker (02)88Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Importer (08)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2024All types1,213Dealer (01)760Manufacturer (07)277Pawnbroker (02)88Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2023All types1,209Dealer (01)764Manufacturer (07)275Pawnbroker (02)84Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2023All types1,212Dealer (01)766Manufacturer (07)275Pawnbroker (02)85Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2023All types1,223Dealer (01)777Manufacturer (07)274Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2023All types1,229Dealer (01)783Manufacturer (07)274Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2023All types1,237Dealer (01)789Manufacturer (07)275Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)26Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2023All types1,235Dealer (01)788Manufacturer (07)274Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2023All types1,241Dealer (01)797Manufacturer (07)271Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2023All types1,237Dealer (01)799Manufacturer (07)266Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2023All types1,236Dealer (01)802Manufacturer (07)262Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2023All types1,237Dealer (01)809Manufacturer (07)255Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2023All types1,243Dealer (01)814Manufacturer (07)256Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2023All types1,241Dealer (01)811Manufacturer (07)255Pawnbroker (02)89Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2022All types1,249Dealer (01)822Manufacturer (07)250Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2022All types1,247Dealer (01)822Manufacturer (07)249Pawnbroker (02)88Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2022All types1,242Dealer (01)817Manufacturer (07)248Pawnbroker (02)89Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2022All types1,252Dealer (01)827Manufacturer (07)247Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2022All types1,246Dealer (01)825Manufacturer (07)242Pawnbroker (02)91Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2022All types1,243Dealer (01)822Manufacturer (07)239Pawnbroker (02)93Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2022All types1,247Dealer (01)826Manufacturer (07)238Pawnbroker (02)93Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2022All types1,244Dealer (01)823Manufacturer (07)237Pawnbroker (02)95Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Importer (08)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2022All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
March 2022All types1,251Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)831Manufacturer (07)235Pawnbroker (02)96Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2022All types1,255Sum of 7 reported license typesDealer (01)835Manufacturer (07)236Pawnbroker (02)95Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
January 2022All types1,247Dealer (01)831Manufacturer (07)233Pawnbroker (02)95Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
December 2021All types1,247Dealer (01)830Manufacturer (07)233Pawnbroker (02)96Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
November 2021All types1,248Dealer (01)832Manufacturer (07)229Pawnbroker (02)98Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
October 2021All types1,253Dealer (01)832Manufacturer (07)233Pawnbroker (02)99Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
September 2021All types1,252Dealer (01)831Manufacturer (07)233Pawnbroker (02)99Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
August 2021All types1,251Dealer (01)833Manufacturer (07)229Pawnbroker (02)100Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Importer (08)29Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
July 2021All types1,255Dealer (01)835Manufacturer (07)232Pawnbroker (02)101Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)28Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
June 2021All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
May 2021All types1,256Sum of 7 reported license typesDealer (01)840Manufacturer (07)229Pawnbroker (02)102Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)27Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
April 2021All types1,256Dealer (01)842Manufacturer (07)226Pawnbroker (02)102Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Importer (08)28Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
March 2021All types1,245Dealer (01)843Manufacturer (07)217Pawnbroker (02)102Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
February 2021All types1,244Dealer (01)841Manufacturer (07)218Pawnbroker (02)102Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
January 2021All types1,240Dealer (01)840Manufacturer (07)217Pawnbroker (02)101Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Importer (08)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does Montana run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 133,144 checks in Montana in 2025, down 7.6% from 2024. Permit checks were 9.2% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 83,967, against 83,754 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in Montana per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 133,144 · 2024: 144,025 · 7.6% fewer

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Montana monthly counts added up by calendar year. A year is shown only when all twelve months are reported.

  • 133,144firearm background checks in Montana in 2025, 12,280 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Long gun55,188 41.4%
  2. Handgun47,583 35.7%
  3. Permit12,260 9.2%
  4. Redemption long gun4,790 3.6%
  5. Redemption handgun4,373 3.3%
  6. Multiple firearms4,309 3.2%
  7. All other types4,641 3.5%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Montana counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 133,144 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in Montana by year
YearChecks
2025Checks133,144
2024Checks144,025
2023Checks139,731
2022Checks141,803
2021Checks160,640
2020Checks172,695
2019Checks115,823
2018Checks117,607
2017Checks123,938
2016Checks136,337
2015Checks127,705
2014Checks121,836
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in Montana by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks137,830
2012Checks134,455
2011Checks108,974
2010Checks101,095
2009Checks101,976
2008Checks97,599
2007Checks90,355
2006Checks87,770
2005Checks84,060
2004Checks83,545
2003Checks80,786
2002Checks76,322
2001Checks74,752
2000Checks71,115
1999Checks73,027
FBI NICS background checks in Montana by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks10,912
July 2026Checks9,667
June 2026Checks10,234
May 2026Checks10,407
April 2026Checks11,086
March 2026Checks12,092
February 2026Checks9,951
January 2026Checks9,618
December 2025Checks13,069
November 2025Checks12,105
October 2025Checks12,499
September 2025Checks11,717
August 2025Checks11,068
July 2025Checks9,185
June 2025Checks9,873
May 2025Checks10,911
April 2025Checks11,332
March 2025Checks12,076
February 2025Checks9,435
January 2025Checks9,874
December 2024Checks14,875
November 2024Checks13,882
October 2024Checks13,761
September 2024Checks12,353
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in Montana by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks12,067
July 2024Checks10,238
June 2024Checks10,698
May 2024Checks11,392
April 2024Checks12,056
March 2024Checks12,483
February 2024Checks10,861
January 2024Checks9,359
December 2023Checks14,921
November 2023Checks13,162
October 2023Checks12,535
September 2023Checks11,983
August 2023Checks10,992
July 2023Checks9,659
June 2023Checks10,021
May 2023Checks10,788
April 2023Checks12,415
March 2023Checks13,496
February 2023Checks10,540
January 2023Checks9,219
December 2022Checks13,390
November 2022Checks11,552
October 2022Checks12,440
September 2022Checks12,144
August 2022Checks11,157
July 2022Checks10,568
June 2022Checks12,242
May 2022Checks11,440
April 2022Checks12,719
March 2022Checks14,175
February 2022Checks10,924
January 2022Checks9,052
December 2021Checks14,798
November 2021Checks12,714
October 2021Checks13,967
September 2021Checks12,450
August 2021Checks11,364
July 2021Checks10,260
June 2021Checks10,195
May 2021Checks11,537
April 2021Checks14,996
March 2021Checks18,329
February 2021Checks11,876
January 2021Checks18,154
December 2020Checks17,091
November 2020Checks15,410
October 2020Checks15,414
September 2020Checks14,808
August 2020Checks13,882
July 2020Checks13,741
June 2020Checks16,018
May 2020Checks14,809
April 2020Checks14,690
March 2020Checks16,885
February 2020Checks10,448
January 2020Checks9,499
December 2019Checks12,540
November 2019Checks10,295
October 2019Checks11,496
September 2019Checks10,091
August 2019Checks9,931
July 2019Checks8,110
June 2019Checks8,276
May 2019Checks8,603
April 2019Checks9,419
March 2019Checks11,143
February 2019Checks8,224
January 2019Checks7,695
December 2018Checks11,523
November 2018Checks10,113
October 2018Checks10,772
September 2018Checks9,770
August 2018Checks9,309
July 2018Checks7,794
June 2018Checks8,746
May 2018Checks8,952
April 2018Checks9,795
March 2018Checks13,402
February 2018Checks9,983
January 2018Checks7,448
December 2017Checks12,979
November 2017Checks11,107
October 2017Checks11,673
September 2017Checks10,283
August 2017Checks9,618
July 2017Checks7,890
June 2017Checks9,901
May 2017Checks9,418
April 2017Checks10,293
March 2017Checks12,396
February 2017Checks10,386
January 2017Checks7,994
December 2016Checks12,610
November 2016Checks12,074
October 2016Checks13,411
September 2016Checks11,479
August 2016Checks10,672
July 2016Checks9,869
June 2016Checks10,610
May 2016Checks9,551
April 2016Checks10,728
March 2016Checks11,967
February 2016Checks12,644
January 2016Checks10,722
December 2015Checks16,667
November 2015Checks10,415
October 2015Checks12,988
September 2015Checks11,302
August 2015Checks10,130
July 2015Checks8,713
June 2015Checks8,529
May 2015Checks9,364
April 2015Checks9,473
March 2015Checks10,863
February 2015Checks11,027
January 2015Checks8,234
December 2014Checks13,177
November 2014Checks10,052
October 2014Checks12,833
September 2014Checks10,880
August 2014Checks9,986
July 2014Checks7,798
June 2014Checks8,454
May 2014Checks8,930
April 2014Checks10,056
March 2014Checks11,045
February 2014Checks10,352
January 2014Checks8,273
December 2013Checks11,763
November 2013Checks10,548
October 2013Checks12,038
September 2013Checks10,194
August 2013Checks10,683
July 2013Checks8,719
June 2013Checks8,571
May 2013Checks9,873
April 2013Checks11,764
March 2013Checks13,783
February 2013Checks14,677
January 2013Checks15,217
December 2012Checks18,562
November 2012Checks11,728
October 2012Checks13,036
September 2012Checks11,118
August 2012Checks10,765
July 2012Checks8,537
June 2012Checks9,498
May 2012Checks9,277
April 2012Checks9,869
March 2012Checks11,723
February 2012Checks11,811
January 2012Checks8,531
December 2011Checks11,738
November 2011Checks8,837
October 2011Checks11,459
September 2011Checks10,256
August 2011Checks8,782
July 2011Checks7,591
June 2011Checks7,534
May 2011Checks8,102
April 2011Checks9,246
March 2011Checks9,800
February 2011Checks8,786
January 2011Checks6,843
December 2010Checks9,871
November 2010Checks7,676
October 2010Checks10,789
September 2010Checks9,441
August 2010Checks8,707
July 2010Checks7,058
June 2010Checks7,421
May 2010Checks7,361
April 2010Checks8,367
March 2010Checks9,108
February 2010Checks8,525
January 2010Checks6,771
December 2009Checks9,258
November 2009Checks7,326
October 2009Checks10,521
September 2009Checks8,753
August 2009Checks8,311
July 2009Checks7,082
June 2009Checks7,541
May 2009Checks8,190
April 2009Checks9,076
March 2009Checks9,600
February 2009Checks8,799
January 2009Checks7,519
December 2008Checks9,977
November 2008Checks9,988
October 2008Checks10,749
September 2008Checks8,612
August 2008Checks7,785
July 2008Checks6,529
June 2008Checks6,928
May 2008Checks8,215
April 2008Checks7,544
March 2008Checks8,100
February 2008Checks7,419
January 2008Checks5,753
December 2007Checks9,367
November 2007Checks7,067
October 2007Checks10,328
September 2007Checks9,249
August 2007Checks7,989
July 2007Checks5,735
June 2007Checks6,535
May 2007Checks6,747
April 2007Checks7,350
March 2007Checks7,617
February 2007Checks6,563
January 2007Checks5,808
December 2006Checks9,032
November 2006Checks6,639
October 2006Checks10,086
September 2006Checks8,996
August 2006Checks7,194
July 2006Checks5,688
June 2006Checks6,335
May 2006Checks6,468
April 2006Checks6,956
March 2006Checks7,596
February 2006Checks6,716
January 2006Checks6,064
December 2005Checks8,671
November 2005Checks6,552
October 2005Checks10,170
September 2005Checks8,370
August 2005Checks6,836
July 2005Checks5,557
June 2005Checks6,024
May 2005Checks5,906
April 2005Checks7,076
March 2005Checks6,987
February 2005Checks6,594
January 2005Checks5,317
December 2004Checks8,406
November 2004Checks6,277
October 2004Checks10,075
September 2004Checks8,286
August 2004Checks6,807
July 2004Checks5,726
June 2004Checks6,029
May 2004Checks6,249
April 2004Checks6,867
March 2004Checks6,886
February 2004Checks6,509
January 2004Checks5,428
December 2003Checks8,152
November 2003Checks6,006
October 2003Checks10,344
September 2003Checks8,208
August 2003Checks6,793
July 2003Checks5,269
June 2003Checks5,518
May 2003Checks5,954
April 2003Checks6,605
March 2003Checks6,752
February 2003Checks5,831
January 2003Checks5,354
December 2002Checks7,078
November 2002Checks6,254
October 2002Checks9,557
September 2002Checks7,883
August 2002Checks6,667
July 2002Checks4,958
June 2002Checks5,075
May 2002Checks5,902
April 2002Checks6,388
March 2002Checks5,973
February 2002Checks5,426
January 2002Checks5,161
December 2001Checks7,286
November 2001Checks6,244
October 2001Checks9,769
September 2001Checks8,365
August 2001Checks6,424
July 2001Checks4,779
June 2001Checks5,264
May 2001Checks5,300
April 2001Checks5,718
March 2001Checks6,185
February 2001Checks5,076
January 2001Checks4,342
December 2000Checks6,878
November 2000Checks5,138
October 2000Checks8,972
September 2000Checks7,916
August 2000Checks5,561
July 2000Checks4,646
June 2000Checks5,328
May 2000Checks5,222
April 2000Checks5,744
March 2000Checks6,002
February 2000Checks5,301
January 2000Checks4,407
December 1999Checks7,228
November 1999Checks5,777
October 1999Checks9,588
September 1999Checks7,592
August 1999Checks5,995
July 1999Checks5,173
June 1999Checks5,236
May 1999Checks5,203
April 1999Checks5,844
March 1999Checks6,106
February 1999Checks5,009
January 1999Checks4,276
December 1998Checks6,205
November 1998Checks201Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does Montana export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in Montana came to $658,776 in 2025, all of it rifles. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from Montana, 2010–2025 current dollars

2025: $658,776 · 2024: $1,247,012 · 47.2% less

Source: Census international trade, exports by the state where they start their trip to the border, which is not always where they were made. USA Arms adds up the product groups Census reported each year, and the groups can differ from year to year.

By product, 2025

  1. Rifles$658,776

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Montana, 2025. USA Arms adds up each product’s twelve months; a product Census did not report every month is left out. Monthly values by product and country through December 2025 are in Census trade data.

Where the exports went, 2025

  1. United Arab Emirates$659,460
  2. Spain$239,309
  3. Poland$93,095
  4. Australia$70,812
  5. Canada$69,742
  6. Oman$38,235
  7. Japan$34,072
  8. New Zealand$32,128

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Montana, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 13 destinations in all, the largest 8 shown. A destination is where the goods were bound, not always where they were used.

Show all 16 years
Firearm and ammunition exports from Montana, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$658,7761 product family
2024Exports$1,247,012
2023Exports$848,254
2022Exports$600,583
2021Exports$656,0853 product families
2020Exports$297,3301 product family
2019Exports$17,349
2018Exports$45,2302 product families
2017Exports$65,790
2016Exports$30,6231 product family
2015Exports$2,473,6113 product families
2014Exports$1,308,051
Earlier years, 2010–2013
Firearm and ammunition exports from Montana, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010–2013
YearExports
2013Exports$436,4331 product family
2012Exports$2,052,8554 product families
2011Exports$2,061,485
2010Exports$2,242,490
Cite a figure from this section (10)

How many hunting licenses does Montana certify?

Montana certified 233,193 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 689,892 resident and 175,417 nonresident licenses, for $43,842,028 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in Montana, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 233,193 · 2023: 232,394 · 0.3% more

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) hunting license counts, Montana, by license year.

  • 233,193paid hunting-license holders Montana certified for license year 2024; the high was 295,151 in 1993USFWS certifications · 2024 · MontanaCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by Montana
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders233,193Resident licenses689,892Nonresident licenses175,417Gross cost$43,842,028
2023Paid license holders232,394Resident licenses689,683Nonresident licenses172,356Gross cost$41,153,556
2022Paid license holders237,312Resident licenses875,607Nonresident licenses242,808Gross cost$42,969,973
2021Paid license holders231,339Resident licenses884,807Nonresident licenses201,393Gross cost$38,533,736
2020Paid license holders219,669Resident licenses836,605Nonresident licenses194,526Gross cost$38,963,717
2019Paid license holders222,309Resident licenses853,341Nonresident licenses186,315Gross cost$37,918,378
2018Paid license holders224,248Resident licenses858,002Nonresident licenses172,569Gross cost$38,983,268
2017Paid license holders227,039Resident licenses901,421Nonresident licenses143,786Gross cost$39,305,225
2016Paid license holders253,412Resident licenses873,323Nonresident licenses155,658Gross cost$32,917,709
2015Paid license holders240,702Resident licenses823,819Nonresident licenses144,476Gross cost$30,451,903
2014Paid license holders239,542Resident licenses846,534Nonresident licenses143,548Gross cost$30,671,262
2013Paid license holders229,317Resident licenses828,067Nonresident licenses137,756Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by Montana, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders222,977Resident licenses832,879Nonresident licenses131,321Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders235,621Resident licenses867,849Nonresident licenses137,281Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders243,570Resident licenses928,619Nonresident licenses144,975Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders245,550Resident licenses918,255Nonresident licenses147,003Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders243,751Resident licenses890,881Nonresident licenses149,101Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders240,613Resident licenses893,984Nonresident licenses150,788Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders240,613Resident licenses893,984Nonresident licenses150,788Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders231,936Resident licenses874,071Nonresident licenses126,775Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders232,869Resident licenses869,829Nonresident licenses137,713Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders232,276Resident licenses856,605Nonresident licenses122,824Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders227,365Resident licenses819,506Nonresident licenses116,348Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders232,276Resident licenses856,605Nonresident licenses122,824Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders227,365Resident licenses819,506Nonresident licenses116,348Gross cost$24,234,371
1999Paid license holders279,727Resident licenses608,029Nonresident licenses115,957Gross cost$21,224,476
1998Paid license holders283,815Resident licenses606,311Nonresident licenses121,356Gross cost$20,461,928
1997Paid license holders280,382Resident licenses603,845Nonresident licenses119,833Gross cost$20,454,823
1996Paid license holders277,711Resident licenses589,363Nonresident licenses120,967Gross cost$20,602,704
1995Paid license holders284,697Resident licenses658,895Nonresident licenses121,895Gross cost$21,867,563
1994Paid license holders290,775Resident licenses709,291Nonresident licenses137,441Gross cost$19,752,486
1993Paid license holders295,151Resident licenses719,544Nonresident licenses135,635Gross cost$19,790,654
1992Paid license holders272,032Resident licenses711,201Nonresident licenses116,913Gross cost$18,577,376
1991Paid license holders268,286Resident licenses716,879Nonresident licenses109,864Gross cost$18,399,524
1990Paid license holders265,727Resident licenses480,222Nonresident licenses354,214Gross cost$12,992,500
1989Paid license holders259,335Resident licenses469,426Nonresident licenses346,251Gross cost$12,700,392
1988Paid license holders255,333Resident licenses455,312Nonresident licenses346,251Gross cost$12,140,544
1987Paid license holders256,238Resident licenses461,552Nonresident licenses344,250Gross cost$12,024,100
1986Paid license holders261,780Resident licenses470,972Nonresident licenses351,276Gross cost$10,540,475
1985Paid license holders262,802Resident licenses801,172Nonresident licenses192,612Gross cost$9,895,034
1984Paid license holders250,376Resident licenses802,712Nonresident licenses194,616Gross cost$8,842,574
1983Paid license holders254,255Resident licenses809,096Nonresident licenses196,368Gross cost$9,618,696
1982Paid license holders248,427Resident licenses880,223Nonresident licenses202,347Gross cost$8,162,260
1981Paid license holders236,487Resident licenses1,054,313Nonresident licenses156,423Gross cost$6,891,804
1980Paid license holders223,065Resident licenses764,425Nonresident licenses159,822Gross cost$5,466,888
1979Paid license holders218,753Resident licenses674,668Nonresident licenses130,418Gross cost$4,688,759
1978Paid license holders217,410Resident licenses672,466Nonresident licenses125,612Gross cost$4,686,632
1977Paid license holders213,677Resident licenses628,286Nonresident licenses134,010Gross cost$4,405,706
1976Paid license holders208,341Resident licenses614,420Nonresident licenses128,370Gross cost$3,996,940
1975Paid license holders204,298Resident licenses588,846Nonresident licenses125,306Gross cost$3,725,580
1974Paid license holders222,878Resident licenses616,859Nonresident licenses127,822Gross cost$3,423,412
1973Paid license holders220,876Resident licenses714,058Nonresident licenses127,062Gross cost$3,334,376
1972Paid license holders226,510Resident licenses669,596Nonresident licenses138,572Gross cost$3,429,819
1971Paid license holders208,528Resident licenses606,427Nonresident licenses135,519Gross cost$2,948,597
1970Paid license holders199,648Resident licenses576,497Nonresident licenses123,361Gross cost$2,728,831
1969Paid license holders185,594Resident licenses559,683Nonresident licenses108,489Gross cost$2,346,522
1968Paid license holders174,014Resident licenses532,267Nonresident licenses95,222Gross cost$2,070,253
1967Paid license holders161,051Resident licenses245,211Nonresident licenses14,736Gross cost$1,727,049
1966Paid license holders153,506Resident licenses229,695Nonresident licenses14,966Gross cost$1,593,775
1965Paid license holders157,693Resident licenses300,755Nonresident licenses17,553Gross cost$1,290,820
1964Paid license holders155,334Resident licenses294,972Nonresident licenses19,972Gross cost$1,277,188
1963Paid license holders176,520Resident licenses322,710Nonresident licenses23,969Gross cost$1,439,817
1962Paid license holders215,536Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders209,729Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders202,886Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders201,769Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders207,406Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders194,153Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders211,736Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does Montana receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $21,957,263 to Montana for fiscal 2026, 9.0% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $31,070,517 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Montana, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $21,957,263 · FY 2025: $24,116,820 · 9.0% less

Source: USFWS, Montana, including hunter education money. Not adjusted for inflation.

  • $21,957,263apportioned to Montana for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $31,070,517 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · MontanaCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Montana
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$21,957,263
FY 2025Apportioned$24,116,820
FY 2024Apportioned$25,884,226
FY 2023Apportioned$31,070,517
FY 2022Apportioned$28,553,522
FY 2021Apportioned$17,461,947
FY 2020Apportioned$15,485,949
FY 2019Apportioned$17,468,080
FY 2018Apportioned$21,131,270
FY 2017Apportioned$20,611,646
FY 2016Apportioned$18,441,964
FY 2015Apportioned$21,552,756
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Montana, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$20,199,038
FY 2013Apportioned$13,805,529
FY 2012Apportioned$9,748,753
FY 2011Apportioned$10,162,996
FY 2010Apportioned$12,820,552
FY 2009Apportioned$9,027,840
FY 2008Apportioned$8,241,494
FY 2007Apportioned$7,080,712
FY 2006Apportioned$6,280,373
FY 2005Apportioned$6,266,710
FY 2004Apportioned$5,372,411
FY 2003Apportioned$5,958,327
FY 2002Apportioned$5,168,420
FY 2001Apportioned$5,655,957
FY 2000Apportioned$5,549,783
FY 1999Apportioned$4,734,778
FY 1998Apportioned$4,389,860
FY 1997Apportioned$4,702,916
FY 1996Apportioned$5,457,928
FY 1995Apportioned$5,744,244
FY 1994Apportioned$4,862,867
FY 1993Apportioned$4,181,526
FY 1992Apportioned$4,051,250
FY 1991Apportioned$4,169,303
FY 1990Apportioned$3,199,136
FY 1989Apportioned$3,259,212
FY 1988Apportioned$3,021,877
FY 1987Apportioned$2,917,110
FY 1986Apportioned$2,960,715
FY 1985Apportioned$2,078,579
FY 1984Apportioned$2,304,286
FY 1983Apportioned$2,777,313
FY 1982Apportioned$3,114,522
FY 1981Apportioned$2,163,588
FY 1980Apportioned$2,382,967
FY 1979Apportioned$2,179,735
FY 1978Apportioned$1,689,771
FY 1977Apportioned$2,280,232
FY 1976Apportioned$1,621,444
FY 1975Apportioned$1,489,425
FY 1974Apportioned$1,309,147
FY 1973Apportioned$1,105,388
FY 1972Apportioned$915,418
FY 1971Apportioned$875,506
FY 1970Apportioned$896,041
FY 1969Apportioned$863,789
FY 1968Apportioned$750,265
FY 1967Apportioned$687,013
FY 1966Apportioned$587,268
FY 1965Apportioned$508,495
FY 1964Apportioned$489,907
FY 1963Apportioned$415,852
FY 1962Apportioned$419,996
FY 1961Apportioned$434,487
FY 1960Apportioned$474,040
FY 1959Apportioned$505,016
FY 1958Apportioned$524,844
FY 1957Apportioned$494,980
FY 1956Apportioned$439,974
FY 1955Apportioned$299,657
FY 1954Apportioned$369,155
FY 1953Apportioned$341,137
FY 1952Apportioned$521,652
FY 1951Apportioned$272,679
FY 1950Apportioned$305,883
FY 1949Apportioned$327,085
FY 1948Apportioned$258,832
FY 1947Apportioned$68,754
FY 1946Apportioned$27,496
FY 1945Apportioned$24,837
FY 1944Apportioned$27,474
FY 1943Apportioned$34,269
FY 1942Apportioned$77,247
FY 1941Apportioned$69,185
FY 1940Apportioned$41,957
FY 1939Apportioned$26,672
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does Montana compare?

Montana ranks 35th for firearms made, 30th for license records, 20th for small arms jobs, 6th for job concentration, 31st for hunting license holders and 14th for Wildlife Restoration money. Pick a measure to see every state, or see all fifty states compared on the U.S. page.

Measure
AlaskaAK10256287.2K$35.6MAlabamaAL150K1.48K497K$19.2MArkansasAR50.8K1.5K8103.88331K$14MArizonaAZ550K2.58K2.23K4.32303K$23.1MCaliforniaCA50K2.03K4860.17252K$26.8MColoradoCO2.31K1.68K2790.60379K$22.9MConnecticutDelawareFloridaFL350K4.56K8280.52265K$16.4MGeorgiaGA797K2.42K1.25K1.60816K$27.7MHawaiiHI29810515.3K$5.03MIowaIA23.2K1.46K710.28223K$12.1MIdahoID42.7K1.34K3522.52301K$16.6MIllinoisIL213K1.41K282K$16.6MIndianaIN18.1K1.73K2610.51253K$13.9MKansasKS8.88K1.21K530.23282K$16.1MKentuckyKY613K1.44K9442.97316K$14MLouisianaLA4.79K1.29K451K$17.6MMassachusettsMarylandMaineME735547208K$9.38MMichiganMI23.9K2.44K350.05632K$23.9MMinnesotaMN26K1.55K1.69K3.58528K$23.8MMissouriMO55.1K2.44K2380.51522K$22.4MMississippiMS1.04K1.05K272K$12.2MNorth CarolinaNC656K3.06K1.02K1.29582K$22.3MNorth DakotaND1.66K543149K$12.1MNebraskaNE4.19K804267K$15.2MNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNM2.74K689280.20160K$17.8MNevadaNV147K8592490.99111K$15.6MNew YorkNY88.2K1.82K2990.19533K$20.9MOhioOH53.9K2.79K2370.27360K$16.6MOklahomaOK6.01K1.7K356K$17.5MOregonOR12.9K1.38K330K$20.1MPennsylvaniaPA95.6K3.24K1.2K1.241.03M$30.6MRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSC765K1.49K7652.06199K$11.1MSouth DakotaSD1.9K646801.09223K$14.3MTennesseeTN1.16M1.99K1.17K2.24734K$24.2MTexasTX666K8.34K1.12K0.501.12M$38.9MUtahUT135K1.37K7002.51283K$16.4MVirginiaVA12K1.99K2210.33251K$14.3MVermontWashingtonWA177K1.17K4820.84164K$15.4MWisconsinWI205K1.77K1.02K2.16652K$23.5MWest VirginiaWV3.32K943260.23278K$9.83MWyomingWY12.9K8243678.13119K$14.4MMontanaMT10.4K1.18K3143.83233K$22M
  • Under 3.32K
  • 3.32K to 18.1K
  • 18.1K to 88.2K
  • 88.2K to 350K
  • 350K and up
  • Under 646
  • 646 to 1.18K
  • 1.18K to 1.49K
  • 1.49K to 2.03K
  • 2.03K and up
  • Under 123
  • 123 to 299
  • 299 to 765
  • 765 to 1.17K
  • 1.17K and up
  • Not published
  • Under 0.27
  • 0.27 to 0.52
  • 0.52 to 1.60
  • 1.60 to 3.58
  • 3.58 and up
  • Not published
  • Under 111K
  • 111K to 251K
  • 251K to 301K
  • 301K to 522K
  • 522K and up
  • Under $9.83M
  • $9.83M to $14.4M
  • $14.4M to $17.5M
  • $17.5M to $23.1M
  • $23.1M and up

Map and table: firearms the state’s plants reported to ATF, calendar year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: federal firearms license records on ATF’s Aug 2026 list, all listed types. Darker means higher.

Map and table: private small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing jobs, 2025 annual average. Darker means higher.

Map and table: the share of the state’s private jobs in small arms manufacturing, against the U.S. share, 2025; 1.00 means the same share. Darker means higher.

Map and table: paid hunting-license holders the state certified for license year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: Wildlife Restoration and hunter education money apportioned for fiscal 2026. Darker means higher.

Every state and measure
RankStateFirearms made, 2024License records, Aug 2026Small arms jobs, 2025Job concentration, 2025Hunting license holders, 2024Wildlife Restoration, FY 2026
1New Hampshire1,381,9226021,69715.4059,947$5,027,605
2Tennessee1,164,2391,9901,1712.24734,342$24,236,720
3Georgia796,8572,4251,2501.60815,738$27,695,024
4South Carolina764,9041,4947652.06199,114$11,071,422
5Texas665,8328,3431,1200.501,117,858$38,857,809
6North Carolina656,2673,0581,0201.29581,521$22,308,487
7Kentucky613,2251,4429442.97315,758$13,967,424
8Arizona549,9892,5802,2344.32303,298$23,118,473
9Massachusetts479,681589Not publishedNot published60,377$8,289,959
10Florida350,1574,5588280.52265,018$16,437,305
11Connecticut225,5306591,2464.6025,903$6,023,949
12New Jersey222,163380Not publishedNot published67,305$8,289,959
13Illinois213,4461,414Not publishedNot published282,380$16,595,276
14Wisconsin205,1101,7751,0172.16652,399$23,485,531
15Washington176,7451,1654820.84163,801$15,447,463
16Alabama150,1801,479Not publishedNot published497,063$19,216,281
17Nevada146,5248592490.99111,210$15,610,455
18Utah135,2091,3707002.51282,841$16,350,555
19Pennsylvania95,6103,2371,1971.241,031,218$30,594,626
20New York88,1651,8162990.19533,479$20,933,144
21Missouri55,1392,4372380.51521,787$22,441,430
22Ohio53,8952,7852370.27359,811$16,569,111
23Arkansas50,8031,5008103.88331,401$14,014,316
24California49,9712,0304860.17251,590$26,821,647
25Idaho42,6771,3413522.52300,759$16,597,136
26Vermont28,628340Not publishedNot published55,171$5,027,605
27Minnesota26,0321,5521,6853.58527,774$23,819,471
28Michigan23,9142,436350.05632,144$23,914,949
29Iowa23,1901,456710.28222,692$12,112,654
30Indiana18,1361,7312610.51252,645$13,857,865
31Wyoming12,9468243678.13118,896$14,427,611
32Oregon12,8721,379Not publishedNot published330,416$20,075,259
33Virginia11,9591,9942210.33251,350$14,312,936
34Maryland10,7567921230.28111,027$7,898,984
35Montana10,3771,1843143.83233,193$21,957,263
36Kansas8,8811,206530.23282,124$16,080,090
37Oklahoma6,0111,704Not publishedNot published356,283$17,533,166
38Louisiana4,7941,288Not publishedNot published451,343$17,626,642
39Nebraska4,188804Not publishedNot published266,748$15,218,471
40West Virginia3,323943260.23278,193$9,827,675
41New Mexico2,744689280.20160,081$17,768,168
42Colorado2,3131,6792790.60378,763$22,930,115
43South Dakota1,896646801.09222,875$14,329,482
44North Dakota1,659543Not publishedNot published148,512$12,140,115
45Mississippi1,0381,053Not publishedNot published271,751$12,204,415
46Maine735547Not publishedNot published208,206$9,376,640
47Hawaii298105Not publishedNot published15,296$5,027,605
48Rhode Island103115Not publishedNot published7,378$5,027,605
49Alaska102562Not publishedNot published87,159$35,595,455
50Delaware41135Not publishedNot published15,399$5,027,605

Ranks count only states with a published value. A state without one is listed last, never as zero. Background checks are left out: state permit rules change how many checks a state runs, and a check is not a sale. Sources: ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report, ATF Federal Firearms Listings, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, USFWS Wildlife Restoration and hunting licenses.

Find firearms businesses in Montana

Research with Montana figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: Montana’s largest filings each year · compare Montana with another state or year
  2. When do Americans run firearm background checks?Inside: Every day since 1998 for the whole country; the FBI publishes no daily counts by state
  3. Firearm background checks per person, by stateInside: Montana’s rate per 1,000 residents · its yearly check mix · monthly checks since 1998
  4. How do federal firearms license counts and types differ by state?Inside: Montana’s license mix against the U.S. · compare Montana with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: Montana’s license holders per 100 residents, its rank and its nonresident share

All research

Sources, downloads and corrections

Every number above has its own link. Select Cite to copy a figure as one sentence with its source, period and link.

Every figure and series · CSVEvery figure and series · JSONHow we source figures

Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0: credit USA Arms and link to this page.

  1. [1] ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reportcalendar years 2004–2024www.atf.gov
  2. [2] ATF Federal Firearms Listingsmonthly lists by license type, January 2021 – August 2026www.atf.gov
  3. [3] USFWS Wildlife Restoration apportionments and hunting-license certificationshunting licenses, license years 1956–2024; apportionments, fiscal years 1939–2026www.fws.gov
  4. [4] FBI NICS firearm checksmonthly state counts, November 1998 – August 2026; checks by type, 2025www.fbi.gov
  5. [5] BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wagesprivate employers by industry, 2001–2025www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, Montanawww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeMontana-origin exports by product, 2025; monthly values through December 2025www.census.gov

Each figure keeps the period its source uses: calendar years, federal fiscal years (ending September 30), license years or months. Withheld and unpublished values are labeled, never shown as zero. Partial years are labeled, never stretched to a full year. Totals that USA Arms added up say so. Found something wrong? Submit a correction.