Firearms Training Archives

Understanding the Difference Between a Concealed Carry Class and the Firearms Safety Eligibility Card

With recent changes to Colorado firearm laws, many people are confused about the difference between a Colorado Concealed Carry (CCW/CHP) course and the Colorado Firearms Safety Course required for a Firearms Safety Eligibility Card (FSEC). While both involve firearms training, they serve very different legal purposes and are not interchangeable.

What Is a Colorado CCW (Concealed Carry) Course?

A Colorado CCW course is required if you want to apply for or renew a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This permit allows you to legally carry a concealed handgun in most public places in Colorado, subject to location-specific restrictions.

Key Features of a Colorado CCW Course

Mandatory for CHP application or renewal
In-person training only (online courses do not qualify)
Live-fire qualification required
Written exam required
Instructor must be verified and authorized
Certificate validity is limited under current law

What the CCW Course Covers

Colorado use-of-force and deadly force law
When a firearm may be lawfully carried and used
Safe handgun handling and storage
Situational awareness and legal responsibility
Live-fire shooting qualification
Written knowledge test (minimum passing score required)

Who Needs a CCW Course?

Anyone applying for a new Colorado CHP
Anyone renewing an existing CHP
Armed security professionals using a CHP for duty carry (where applicable)

Important: A CCW course does not authorize firearm purchases that require a Firearms Safety Eligibility Card.

What Is the Colorado Firearms Safety Course (FSEC)?

The Colorado Firearms Safety Course is tied to the Firearms Safety Eligibility Card (FSEC). This card is issued through Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is not a concealed carry permit.

The FSEC exists to determine eligibility to purchase or transfer certain specified semiautomatic firearms under Colorado law.

Key Features of the Firearms Safety Course

Required to apply for a Firearms Safety Eligibility Card
Administered under state authority via CPW
No concealed carry authority granted
Focuses on safe ownership, storage, and legal compliance
May be offered as a 4-hour or 12-hour course depending on eligibility

What the Firearms Safety Course Covers

Safe firearm handling and storage
State firearm purchase and transfer laws
Responsibilities of firearm ownership
Transport and storage compliance
Legal limitations on firearm use
Overview of prohibited persons and disqualifiers

Who Needs a Firearms Safety Eligibility Card?

Individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms covered by the statute
People who do not already qualify for statutory exemptions
Buyers who are not using a CCW exemption (where applicable)

Important: The Firearms Safety Course does not allow concealed carry and does not replace a CCW course.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Topic	CCW Course	Firearms Safety Course (FSEC)
Primary Purpose	Concealed carry permit	Firearm purchase eligibility
Governing Authority	County Sheriff	Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Live-Fire Required	Yes	No (unless specified)
Written Test	Yes	Yes
Concealed Carry Authority	Yes (after permit issued)	No
Firearm Purchase Authorization	No	Yes (for covered firearms)
Course Length	8+ hours (new applicants)	4 or 12 hours
Certificate Validity	Limited under current law	Used for FSEC issuance

Common Misunderstandings

“If I have a CCW, I don’t need a Firearms Safety Course.”

Not always. A CCW may exempt you from certain requirements depending on the firearm and timing, but the two programs are legally separate.

“The Firearms Safety Course lets me carry concealed.”

False. The Firearms Safety Eligibility Card does not grant carry authority of any kind.

“They are basically the same class.”

They are not. One is about carrying a handgun in public; the other is about eligibility to purchase certain firearms.

Do You Need One or Both?

You may need:

Only a CCW course → If your goal is concealed carry
Only a Firearms Safety Course → If your goal is firearm purchase eligibility
Both → If you want to legally carry concealed and purchase covered firearms without delay or confusion

This depends on your specific situation, exemptions, and the type of firearm involved.

Final Takeaway

A Colorado CCW course and a Colorado Firearms Safety Course serve distinct legal functions. One authorizes concealed carry through a permit, while the other establishes eligibility to purchase certain firearms. Confusing the two can lead to denied applications, delayed purchases, or unintentional non-compliance.

If you are unsure which applies to your situation, the safest approach is to understand both and complete the training that aligns with your legal goals.

Related Articles & Content:

Legal Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. Concealed Carry Classes Of Denver LLC assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense

Case Study: The Alan Colie Shooting – Legal, But Was It Necessary?

November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 Mark Schneider

Overview

On April 2, 2023, 31-year-old Alan Colie, a DoorDash driver, shot 21-year-old Tanner Cook, a YouTuber known for his prank channel Classified Goons, inside the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling, Virginia.

Cook walked up to Colie with his phone in hand, using a text-to-speech app to play bizarre phrases while filming. Colie repeatedly told him to stop, but Cook kept getting closer, standing and advancing just inches away. Seconds later, Colie pulled his legally carried handgun and fired one shot, hitting Cook in the abdomen.

Cook survived, and the shooting quickly made national headlines — not just because it was on camera, but because it raised serious questions about what qualifies as a reasonable threat and how far self-defense really goes.

Click here to watch the video of the incident (viewer discretion advised).

The Incident

From the video, it’s clear that Colie didn’t start the confrontation. He asked Cook to back up several times, but Cook ignored every warning. Even as Colie tried to walk away, Cook kept following and crowding him.

Still, when the shot was fired, Cook wasn’t physically attacking — his hands were visible, holding only the phone. That’s where the line gets blurry. Was Colie reacting to an imminent danger, or did he simply reach his breaking point after being pushed too far?

Anyone who carries a firearm knows that feeling of tension when someone won’t respect your space. But that moment — right before you act — is where judgment matters most.

Legal Proceedings

Colie was charged with:

Aggravated malicious wounding
Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Discharging a firearm within an occupied building

The jury acquitted him of the first two charges, agreeing he acted in self-defense. But they did find him guilty of firing a gun inside an occupied building, which in Virginia is a Class 6 felony.

He was sentenced to time served, but that conviction likely means he lost his Second Amendment rights — the right to ever legally own or carry a firearm again.

So yes, he won in court on self-defense, but it still cost him his rights, reputation, and livelihood. That’s not a win anyone wants.

Legal Analysis

Under Virginia law, you can only use deadly force when you reasonably believe you’re in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm, and there’s no other safe option.

The jury clearly believed Colie’s fear was real and reasonable. But as an instructor, I look at this through a different lens: just because it was legally justified doesn’t mean it was tactically necessary.

He had other options — verbal commands, creating distance, or using OC spray. Even a better retreat could’ve changed the outcome. Instead, one round fired in a crowded mall changed his life forever.

This is why I constantly remind students: the gun is the last resort, not the first reaction.

Lessons for CCW Holders and Armed Security

This case is a tough reminder that being legally right doesn’t mean you’ll walk away unscathed.

De-escalation always comes first. Don’t take the bait — walk away, use your voice, and control the tone.
Distance equals time and options. Don’t let anyone get inside your reaction gap.
Train with your less-lethal tools. OC spray or verbal control can end an encounter without ruining your life.
Think about your surroundings. Firing inside a mall or business creates massive liability.
Winning in court doesn’t mean you really won. A single bad decision can cost you everything — even if you’re found not guilty.

The Role of Self-Defense Insurance

One of the biggest lessons from this case is that Alan Colie was reportedly covered by USCCA, and that membership helped pay for his legal defense.

A shooting like this can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees — even when you’re cleared. Without insurance, most people simply couldn’t afford to fight for their freedom.

Whether you’re a CCW holder or armed professional, self-defense coverage is something you can’t afford not to have. It protects you from the financial fallout of doing what you believed was right.

👉 Compare the Best Self-Defense Insurance Plans

Instructor Commentary – Mark Schneider

In my opinion, the jury made the right call. Alan Colie wasn’t the aggressor — Tanner Cook caused this by pushing boundaries and ignoring clear warnings.

That said, I don’t believe Colie had a clear, immediate, and unavoidable threat of death or serious injury. This situation didn’t require deadly force. With a little more training in de-escalation or OC spray, it probably never would’ve come to that.

This is exactly why I emphasize judgment, awareness, and communication in my classes. It’s not enough to be accurate with a gun — you have to know when not to use it.

A firearm should be your last resort. Every other skill you build — your voice, your awareness, your composure — will do more to keep you free than any caliber ever could.

Call to Action

Train Before You Carry.
Real-world encounters happen fast. Whether you’re a CCW holder, armed guard, or law enforcement professional, training is what separates a justified defense from a bad decision.
👉 Sign up for your Colorado Concealed Handgun Class

Build Confidence Through Realistic Training.
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we don’t just teach theory. We teach judgment, awareness, and how to stay calm when it counts.
👉 View Upcoming Classes

Additional Resources

🛒 Shop Tactical Gear & Training Equipment
🛡️ Compare the Best Self-Defense Insurance Plans
🎯 Browse Our Shooting Drills & Qualification Courses
⚖️ Understand Colorado Self-Defense Laws

Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney–client relationship. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified attorney familiar with their state and local laws before making any decisions related to self-defense or the use of force.
All opinions expressed are those of Mark Schneider, Senior Firearms Instructor, and are based on training, experience, and publicly available information about the case.

Firearms Training, Guide, Legal & Law, News

Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card – What to Know Before August 1, 2026

October 18, 2025October 18, 2025 Mark Schneider

Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado will require residents to hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) before purchasing certain types of firearms — primarily semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols.

This new requirement, part of Senate Bill 25-003, marks a major shift in Colorado firearm law and introduces a statewide system for training, background checks, and verification.

🔍 What Is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?

The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) is essentially a permit-to-purchase system. It verifies that a buyer has:

Completed an approved in-person firearms safety course, and
Passed a background check through their county sheriff’s office.

The card acts as proof of competency and eligibility before a firearm purchase — but it does not replace Colorado’s standard purchase procedures. Buyers must still complete the federal NICS background check and comply with the three-day waiting period at the time of sale.

❓ Q&A: Common Questions About the New Law

When does the requirement take effect?

The law goes into effect on August 1, 2026. From that date forward, anyone buying a qualifying firearm in Colorado must first obtain a valid FSCEC.

Who issues the card?

Your county sheriff’s office will process applications, run background checks, and issue the FSCEC.
Each county may set its own procedures, application forms, and processing fees.

How does the process work?

According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, which is assisting with system integration, the process will function as follows:

Apply with your county sheriff.
You’ll pay an application or processing fee to the sheriff’s office (or police department, depending on jurisdiction).
The sheriff’s office conducts a background check to confirm eligibility.
Once cleared, applicants complete an approved firearms safety course taught by a verified instructor certified to teach the Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course.
You’ll pay a separate course fee directly to the instructor or firearms academy.
After passing the written test, the instructor submits the student’s results into the state database.
The sheriff finalizes the application and issues the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

Gun dealers will be able to verify a buyer’s active card status before completing the sale.

Do I still need a background check when I buy a gun?

✅ Yes.
The FSCEC is an additional step, not a replacement. Every firearm buyer will still be required to:

Pass the federal NICS background check, and
Complete the three-day waiting period before taking possession.

How long is the card valid?

The FSCEC is valid for five years. After expiration, the cardholder must renew it and complete a refresher course.

Who can teach the required course?

Only verified instructors already authorized to teach the Colorado Concealed Handgun Course (CHP) will be permitted to teach the FSCEC-approved curriculum.

This ensures consistency, quality, and statewide training standards.

How long is the class?

There are two course formats:

4-hour course – for applicants who already have a valid Hunter Education certificate
12-hour course – for those without prior training

All instruction must be in-person. No online or hybrid classes will be accepted.

How much will it cost?

The total cost will vary depending on your location and chosen instructor:

Sheriff or Police Department Fee: Paid directly to your county sheriff or police department when submitting your FSCEC application. This covers background checks, processing, and card issuance.
Course Fee: Paid separately to your instructor or academy for the in-person firearms safety course. Costs vary depending on course length, location, and instructor credentials.

Applicants should plan for two separate payments — one to law enforcement for the card, and one to the instructor for the course.

Can instructors and dealers register now?

Not yet.
The state is still building the infrastructure to allow sheriffs, instructors, and dealers to register within a unified database. Once live, each group will need to create accounts in the new system.

Which firearms will require the FSCEC?

The Attorney General’s Office will finalize the specific definitions before the rollout, but current indications point to nearly all semi-automatic rifles, handguns, and shotguns being included.

What if I already own a semi-automatic firearm?

You can keep any firearm you legally owned before August 1, 2026.
The FSCEC applies only to new purchases made after that date.

Will out-of-state buyers be affected?

Yes. Colorado residents purchasing qualifying firearms from any FFL, in or out of state, must present a valid FSCEC at the time of purchase.

🧠 Key Takeaways

Effective August 1, 2026, Coloradans must hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to buy semi-automatic firearms.
The FSCEC is issued by your county sheriff after passing a background check and completing an in-person course.
You’ll make two payments — one to the sheriff or police department for the application and one to your instructor or academy for the class.
Only verified CHP instructors may teach the FSCEC course.
The card is valid for five years and may be revoked for disqualifying offenses.
Buyers must still pass the federal background check and three-day waiting period when purchasing a firearm.

✅ What You Can Do Now

Follow your county sheriff’s website for FSCEC registration updates.
Plan ahead — demand for classes will likely surge before the 2026 deadline.
Take your CHP class now to prepare and get verified instruction early.
Budget for both training and application fees.
Stay informed through Concealed Carry Classes of Denver for FSCEC announcements and approved class schedules.

If you’re ready to carry a concealed firearm legally in Colorado, you must complete an approved Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course.

Our CHP classes meet all state requirements and include law, safety, and live-fire qualification. Perfect for both new and experienced firearm owners.

Class Locations: Denver & Thornton
Duration: 8 hours
Includes: Classroom instruction, legal overview, and live-fire qualification
Enroll here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Course

Beginning August 1, 2026, all Coloradans purchasing a semi-automatic firearm will need a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC).

Our state-approved course meets all training requirements and is taught by verified CHP instructors authorized to conduct FSCEC training.

Class Locations: Denver & Thornton
Duration: 4 or 12 hours (depending on prior hunter safety)
Includes: In-person classroom instruction, written test, and state database registration
Enroll here: Colorado Firearms Safety Course

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Details may change before August 1, 2026. Always verify requirements with your county sheriff or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).