The Butte Gun Club is one of the oldest organizations in America. The club traces its history back to the Butte Rod and Gun Club, which was organized in 1880. The Butte Rod and Gun Club was devoted principally to shotgun competition, so in 1895, the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club was formed with a majority of members from the Butte Rod and Gun Club. The Rocky Mountain Rifle Club affiliated with the NRA in 1909. In 1910 the club built a new range at Rocker, Montana to accommodate increased membership. The Rocky Mountain Rifle Club and the Butte Rod and Gun Club merged under the name Butte Gun Club in 1925. There were two reasons for the merger of the two clubs. The name of the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club did not reflect the membership of the organization, and by eliminating duplication of effort, the purposes of marksmanship could be better effected.

Throughout the Butte Gun Club history, its members have earned recognition in all shooting disciplines. A few of the more historical accomplishments follow.

In 1910, Rocky Mountain Rifle Club team members from Butte won the first ever United States indoor championship.

Also in 1910 Rocky Mountain Rifle Club members for the Dewar trophy representing the championship of the world defeated teams from Great Britain and Australia.

Due to their shooting proficiency, several members of the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club were called upon by the United States Army to serve as small arms instructors for World War I infantry.