Treat All Firearms like they are ALWAYS Loaded

1. Never point your firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot and keep finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire

2. Alcohol and firearms NEVER go together!

3. Fully clear your firearm any time you are done with it

•  Engage the safety if the firearm has one
•  Release firearm magazine
• Pull the slide to the rear and lock it to the rear
•  Ensure there is no ammunition in the chamber                                          

What to Know 

Montana is a constitutional carry state, meaning: if you can legally own a firearm, are a U.S. citizen and are at least 18 years of age, you are allowed to open or conceal carry a firearm in most public areas. Areas such as schools, malls/shopping areas, court houses or other federal/state buildings and anywhere else with posted “no firearms” signs are prohibited. 

Holster 

A loaded firearm should never be carried in the waistband of your pants or pockets or anywhere other than an appropriate holster. Using the appropriate holster for your firearm ensures the weapon is properly secured to you and not falling or sliding off. If you’re going to carry a firearm while wearing any type of athletic apparel, ensure your holster is designed to work with that clothing (i.e. belly holster, fanny pack, shoulder holster, etc.). Improper carry of a loaded firearm is a large cause of accidental discharge. 

Carrying a Loaded Weapon

Know your weapon!!! Don’t start carrying your weapon if you have no experience with it. Each weapon is unique, knowing your weapons and how to handle them is crucial. If you’re unfamiliar with weapons, consider taking a gun safety course. Once you acquire a new weapon, familiarize yourself with it, find a firing range and practice. It is ILLEGAL to carry a firearm (loaded or unloaded) under the influence of ANY intoxicating substance. Firearms need to be maintained, it is important to know how to safely clean, lubricate and inspect your firearm for any broken, missing or damaged parts. Keeping them in good working order will limit the chance of the firearm failing or malfunctioning.

UCMJ 

Firearms are not toys and can severely damage or even kill someone. Never use a firearm unless your life is threatened, firearms are a last resort and should only be used as such. If you threaten someone with a firearm (loaded or unloaded) there are consequences including but not limited to: 

• Article 128 UCMJ- Aggravated Assault, Assault with a dangerous weapon (up to 8 yrs confinement) 

• Article 115 UCMJ- Communication of a threat (up to 10 yrs confinement) 

• All carry possible dishonorable discharge  

Storing your firearms

Keep your weapon in a safe area, out of reach of children. If you live in privatized housing on base, it is mandatory to keep your firearms locked in a safe or other locked device attached to the firearm. Research what safe/container works best for your firearm and your household.

You can pick up free weapon locks at the SARC or Crime Prevention office.  

Courses 

Fire Arms Training

Scheels.com