If you’re applying for or renewing your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you’re now required to complete a live-fire shooting qualification under the updated law—Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-202.5. Whether this is your first permit or you’re coming back to renew, this guide explains exactly what to expect during the qualification process.
✅ Colorado CHP Live-Fire Qualification: Course of Fire
The qualification is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly. It evaluates your ability to safely handle and accurately fire your handgun—there’s no timed element or tactical movement.
Target Type:
We use an IDPA-style silhouette target, either full-size or scaled down to 8.5″ x 11″ paper depending on the range, equipment, and training setup.
Scoring Standard:
To pass, shooters must hit anywhere inside the silhouette with at least 18 out of 25 total rounds. No scoring zones or bullseyes are required.
🎯 Shooting Distances and Round Counts:
- 7 feet: 10 rounds
- 10 feet: 10 rounds
- 13 feet: 5 rounds
- Total: 25 rounds
- Passing Score: 70% (18 hits in the silhouette)
📏 Why These Distances?
These distances are based on real-world self-defense statistics. According to the USCCA’s “3-5 Rule,” most defensive shootings:
- Occur at 3 to 5 yards
- Last 3 to 5 seconds
- Involve 3 to 5 rounds fired
Our shooting distances—7, 10, and 13 feet—are consistent with this rule. They simulate realistic defensive encounters and help develop the practical skills that matter most when it counts.
📄 Using an 8.5″ x 11″ IDPA-Style Target
In some classes, instructors may use a scaled-down IDPA target printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. This version may be used for official qualifications when appropriate, particularly at smaller ranges or for mobile training environments.
📏 Scaled Shooting Distances:
- 5 feet: 10 rounds
- 7 feet: 10 rounds
- 9 feet: 5 rounds
As long as the shooter places 18 out of 25 shots inside the silhouette, this format is valid and compliant with Colorado law for both new and renewal applicants.
⬇️ See Below to Download Your Scaled Target ⬇️
🔁 Unlimited Attempts — But Safety is Non-Negotiable
All students—whether new or renewing—are allowed unlimited attempts to pass the shooting test. If you don’t qualify the first time, we’ll work with you until you do.
However, any serious safety violation will result in immediate disqualification. This includes:
- Unsafe muzzle direction (flagging yourself or others)
- Failing to keep the firearm pointed downrange
- Ignoring instructor commands
- Handling the firearm during a cease-fire
- Violating posted or stated range rules
Our instructors will guide you every step of the way, but range safety is strictly enforced for everyone’s protection.
🧠 No Time Limit = Less Pressure
There is no time limit during the shooting qualification. Students can shoot at their own pace, focusing on fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Our goal is to help you shoot confidently and safely.
👨🏫 Required for Both New and Renewal Applicants
This qualification is now mandatory for:
- First-time CHP applicants
- Renewal applicants under Colorado’s new 2025 law
We provide a full 8-hour course that includes legal education, firearm safety, use-of-force instruction, and this required live-fire qualification—all taught by experienced, certified instructors.
📍 Where the Qualification Happens
Classroom instruction takes place at our Denver location (2186 S Holly St). Afterward, we travel to a nearby indoor shooting range in Denver or Aurora. In some cases, we may use scaled-down targets at modified distances in controlled training environments.
📌 Why the Law Changed
As of July 1, 2025, Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-202.5 requires that all CHP applicants—new and renewing—complete a class with live-fire training. Online-only or no-shoot courses no longer qualify.
This update ensures that all permit holders demonstrate hands-on proficiency with a handgun before being legally allowed to carry it concealed.
📣 Ready to Qualify?
🥇 We offer Colorado CHP classes with live-fire training included. Whether you’re new to concealed carry or renewing your permit, we’ll guide you through everything from start to finish.
👉 Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Classes
🛡 Need Legal Protection?
We also compare top-rated self-defense insurance plans that protect you after a use-of-force incident.
👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans
