Montana ranks high for gun deaths as state laws stay limited

MONTANA — Debates regarding gun rights in the United States continue to be active and show no signs of slowing down.

Studies reveal far more gun deaths in the U.S. than any other country and Montana stands near the top while keeping few restrictions on firearm possession and carry, according to a Centers For Disease and Control (CDC) report.

Research from the CDC showed that in 2023, Montana ranked eighth in deaths involving firearms. The rate was 20.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

Only a handful of states had higher rates. Mississippi was the highest at 28 deaths per 100,000 people.

Montana is an open-carry state, meaning people who are not barred by state or federal law can openly carry a weapon.

A background check or registration is not needed to own a gun. Montana allows permitless carry and also issues concealed weapon permits for most public spaces besides schools and federal buildings.

The only restrictions apply to people convicted of a felony related to firearms or people listed on the sexual or violent offender registry.