Reemphazing the rules of possessing privately owned firearms Published May 7, 2010 By Capt. Brenton Pomeroy 341st Security Forces Group Operations Officer MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- It is very important that gun owners are well versed in all applicable laws, both military and civilian. Although Montana gun laws are more relaxed than in other states, gun owners are still held to a higher standard while on Malmstrom Air Force Base. While on Malmstrom AFB, firearms are prohibited in Unaccompanied Housing (dormitories) and Hospitality Rooms (billeting) at any time. The Security Forces Armory is the designated storage location for any weapons belonging to individuals residing in these facilities. These individuals are required to complete the registration on an AF IMT 1314, Firearms Registration. The storage of privately owned firearms at the SF armory is also an option for base housing residents if they prefer not to store their weapons within their quarters. If you live in base housing and store you firearms at your residence, you are responsible to register every firearm using the AF IMT 1314, Firearms Registration no later than 10 duty days after in-processing and bring the completed form to pass and registration for record keeping. In addition to registering the weapons, the military member must ensure all firearms are secured in an appropriately constructed locked container/safe or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. Mechanical locks or other safety devices will be properly engaged to ensure the firearm is rendered inoperable by an unauthorized user until the weapon is transported off the installation for use. Transporting the weapon within Montana differs greatly than transporting while on Malmstrom AFB. Montana has no law or limitations on the weapon configuration or location in a vehicle while transporting. Transporting a firearm on the installation is prohibited except to and from authorized storage locations, to an authorized shooting activity or off the installation. When transporting: · Firearms must be cleared and safe, with the breech open. · It is recommended the firearm be equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. · Firearms mush be placed in the trunk or placed closest to the rear of the vehicle. · Firearms will not be stowed in any such manner as to appear to be concealed (e.g. under seats or partially hidden). · Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm. · A firearm will never be left unsecured or unattended in a motor vehicle on the installation. All state laws are categorized under the Montana Code Annotated, MCA. The main MCA's that cover Montana's gun laws are listed below in condensed versions: 45-3-111. Openly carrying weapon -- display -- exemption. Unless a person is prohibited by federal or state law they may openly carry a weapon and may tell others they are armed. If a person reasonably believes they have been threatened with bodily harm, the person may warn or threaten the use of force, including deadly force, against the aggressor, including drawing or presenting a weapon. 45-8-316. Carrying concealed weapons. A person who carries or bears concealed weapons (dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver, slingshot, sword cane, billy, knuckles made of any metal or hard substance, knife having a blade 4 inches long or longer, razor, not including a safety razor, or other deadly weapon) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding six months, or both. A person with a previous conviction for carrying concealed weapons who carries or bears concealed weapons a second time shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or be imprisoned in the state prison for a period not exceeding five years, or both. 45-8-327. Carrying concealed weapon while under influence. A person purposely or knowingly carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence, even if licensed, shall be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed six months or be fined an amount not to exceed $500, or both if convicted. 45-8-328. Carrying concealed weapon in prohibited place -- penalty. A person is in violation of this statute if they purposely or knowingly carry a concealed weapon in: (a) state/ local government offices and areas in the building that have been restricted; (b) a bank, credit union, savings and loan institution during normal business hours. It is not an offense under this section to carry a concealed weapon while using a drive-up window, automatic teller machine or unstaffed night depository (c) a room licensed for alcoholic beverage sales, dispensing and consumption A person convicted of this offense shall be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed six months or fined an amount not to exceed $500, or both even if they are licensed with a concealed carry permit. 45-8-343. Firing firearms. Generally, every person who willfully shoots or fires off a gun, pistol or any other firearm within the limits of any town or city or of any private enclosure which contains a dwelling house is punishable by a fine not exceeding $25 or such greater fine or a term of imprisonment, or both, as the town or city may impose. Firearms may be discharged at an indoor or outdoor rifle, pistol or shotgun shooting range located within the limits of a town or city or in a private dwelling if the shooting range is approved by the local governing body. Anyone with questions or needing more information can contact Master Sgt. Gary Gill at 731-6456 or 731-4958.