By Chris Woodward, The Center Square

Mountain States are among the most gun-friendly states in 2024.

Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North and South Dakota all rank high in rankings from ammunition e-commerce and wholesaler company Ammo.com. 

Montana is fourth on this year’s ranking. Like other states in its region, Montana is a Constitutional Carry state with no registration or permit requirements. Meanwhile, Montana does not impose a sale tax on firearms, something Ammo.com said means firearms will “be a bit cheaper than in most other states.”

In a statement, Gov. Greg Gianforte said Montanans are proud of their Second Amendment rights. They also know they have a “responsibility” to preserve those Second Amendment rights. 

“We’ll continue to keep Montana a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise, and we’ll always defend the rights of law-abiding Montanans,” said Gianforte.

In February 2023, the governor wrote United States Attorney General Merrick Garland to criticize the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to erode the 2nd Amendment rights of Montanans. In January of that year, Gianforte took steps with the Board of Investments to block Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investigating of state funds. 

More than 150 firearms and ammunitions businesses are in Montana.

Wyoming is 12th this year, due in part to the Cowboy State having Constitutional Carry, a governor that is pro-2nd Amendment, and Stand Your Ground Castle Doctrine, and No Duty to Retreat policies. 

Idaho is the 11th most gun-friendly state. As it is in Wyoming, Idahoans can open and concealed carry without a permit.

“Those traveling to Idaho will need a concealed carry (CCW) permit, although the state accepts permits from all 50 states,” said Ammo.com in this year’s report. “The state’s standard sales tax applies to all firearms and equipment, but you won’t have to register your firearms or take additional courses before purchasing.”

North Dakota ranks 10th for reasons such as one needs to only reside in the state for 30 days to partake in open and concealed carry freedoms. Gun owners do have to be at least 18 years of age, have no felony convictions, and face no pending criminal charges. Still, Ammo.com applauds the state for allowing those with prior convictions to get their 2A rights restored in the state of North Dakota.

“Governor Doug Burgum recently declared North Dakota a Second Amendment Sanctuary State,” added Ammo.com.

South Dakota ranked ninth. Governed by 2nd Amendment supporter Kristi Noem, South Dakota currently has no registration requirements for firearms, nor does it have additional background checks. Want an enhanced carry permit for travel? Visit your local sheriff’s department for an application. 

“South Dakota accepts CCWs from all 50 states,” wrote Ammo.com. “You can also apply for a Gold Card to bypass the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System).”

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