It is my understanding that the unrestricted right to bear arms was a pre-condition for Montana to join the United States
I did not know that.
Will have to do some checking.
I remember that the Montana Firearms Freedom Act took effect in 2009, declaring that any small-caliber firearms (excluding full autos) manufactured and sold within Montana cannot be regulated by federal authorities.
Of course the ATF jumped on that and the matter is making its way through the courts.
Found this Constitutional article listed, including the rather odd mention of conceal carry permits:
“Montana: ‘The right of any person to keep or bear arms in defense of his own home, person, and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but nothing herein contained shall be held to permit the carrying of concealed weapons.’ Mont. Const. art. II, § 12.”
The CC portion has to be a relatively recent addition. And whatever it means, I know personally that acquiring a carry permit is a county-by-county matter, and in many counties (excluding those where the rich lefties have taken over) the process is wonderfully simple.