Category: Firearms Training

This category covers a wide range of firearm-related topics, including firearm safety, operation, maintenance, reviews, training, and legal considerations. Whether you’re a new gun owner or an experienced shooter, these resources are designed to promote responsible firearm ownership, enhance your skills, and keep you informed about best practices and industry developments.

Firearms Training, Legal & Law

Denver7 Interviews Concealed Carry Classes of Denver About Colorado’s New Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card

Mark Schneider
Denver7 interviews Alicia Garcia, instructor at Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, about Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card and the changes affecting firearm purchases beginning August 1, 2026.

Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement officially took effect on August 1, changing how many law-abiding Coloradans purchase certain semi-automatic firearms. To help explain the new law, Denver7 interviewed Alicia Garcia, an instructor with Concealed Carry Classes of Denver.

If you’ve been hearing about Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Course but aren’t sure how it affects you, you’re not alone. Since the law took effect, we’ve received questions from people across the Denver metro area asking whether they need the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, what firearms are affected, and how they can complete the required training.

What Is the Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?

The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is a new requirement created under Colorado law for the purchase of certain semi-automatic firearms. Before purchasing a firearm covered by the law, eligible buyers must successfully complete a state-approved Firearms Safety Course and then apply for the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card through their local sheriff’s office.

Once the card is issued, it becomes part of the purchasing process for firearms covered under the statute.

While this law has generated significant discussion throughout Colorado, one thing is clear: if you’re planning to purchase a firearm covered by the law, understanding the process ahead of time can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary delays.

Do You Need the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to Buy Every Firearm?

No.

Many people mistakenly believe the new law applies to every firearm sold in Colorado. It does not.

For example, a standard Glock 17 or many other traditional handguns can still be purchased without completing the Firearms Safety Course because they are not covered under this particular requirement.

However, many popular semi-automatic rifles and other firearms may require purchasers to obtain the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card before completing the sale.

If you’re unsure whether the firearm you plan to purchase is affected, it’s always a good idea to ask your firearms dealer before beginning the process.

What Is Covered During the Firearms Safety Course?

Colorado-approved Firearms Safety Courses cover topics required under state law, including:

  • Colorado firearm laws
  • Safe firearm handling
  • Secure firearm storage
  • Responsibilities of firearm ownership
  • Conflict avoidance
  • Legal use of force
  • Written examination requirements

Depending on your qualifications, Colorado law provides either a 4-hour or 12-hour course option.

Where Can You Take the Colorado Firearms Safety Course?

Concealed Carry Classes of Denver offers state-approved Colorado Firearms Safety Courses for students throughout the Denver metro area.

Our instructors have years of experience teaching responsible firearm ownership and stay current on Colorado’s changing firearms laws. Our goal is to provide straightforward, professional instruction so students understand both the legal requirements and the practical responsibilities of firearm ownership.

You can learn more about the course, view upcoming class dates, and register online here:

👉 Colorado Firearms Safety Course

What is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?

The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is a card issued by a Colorado sheriff’s office after an applicant completes a state-approved Firearms Safety Course and meets the requirements established under Colorado law. The card is required before purchasing certain semi-automatic firearms covered by the statute.

When did the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card become required?

The requirement took effect on August 1, 2026.

Does everyone buying a firearm in Colorado need this card?

No.

The requirement only applies to firearms covered under Colorado law. Many traditional handguns, bolt-action rifles, revolvers, pump-action shotguns, and other firearms are not subject to this requirement.

Do I need the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to buy a Glock 17?

No.

A standard Glock 17 and many other traditional semi-automatic handguns are not covered under the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement.

Which firearms require the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?

The law applies to certain semi-automatic firearms defined under Colorado law. If you’re unsure whether the firearm you want to purchase requires the card, ask your licensed firearms dealer before beginning the purchasing process.

Who teaches the Firearms Safety Course?

The course must be taught by a Colorado-approved instructor who meets the state’s training requirements.

Is Concealed Carry Classes of Denver approved to teach the Firearms Safety Course?

Yes.

Concealed Carry Classes of Denver offers Colorado-approved Firearms Safety Courses taught by experienced instructors who stay current on Colorado firearm laws.

How long is the Firearms Safety Course?

Colorado currently offers two course options:

  • 4-hour course for individuals who qualify under state requirements.
  • 12-hour course for individuals who do not qualify for the shorter course.

Is there live-fire training?

No.

Colorado’s Firearms Safety Course does not require a live-fire qualification. The course is classroom based and concludes with a written examination required by state law.

What score do I need to pass?

Students must earn a minimum passing score established by Colorado law on the written examination.

What topics are covered?

The course includes:

  • Colorado firearm laws
  • Safe firearm handling
  • Secure firearm storage
  • Conflict avoidance
  • Responsibilities of firearm ownership
  • Legal considerations involving firearm use
  • Additional topics required by Colorado law

After I pass the course, do I automatically receive my Eligibility Card?

No.

After successfully completing the course, you’ll receive documentation showing you completed the training. You must then submit your application to your local Colorado sheriff’s office to obtain your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

Can I apply through any sheriff’s office?

Colorado law outlines where applications may be submitted. Check with your local sheriff’s office for current application procedures and residency requirements.

How long is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card valid?

The validity period is determined by Colorado law and the issuing sheriff’s office. Always verify the current expiration period before relying on your card for a future firearm purchase.

Is this the same as a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class?

No.

The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is a completely separate requirement from Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit training. Completing one does not replace the other.

Can I take the course before purchasing a firearm?

Yes.

Many students choose to complete the course before shopping for a firearm so they already have the required documentation and can avoid delays.

What should I bring to class?

Students should bring:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Any documentation needed to qualify for the 4-hour course (if applicable)
  • A notebook and pen if desired

No firearm is required for the class.

Where are classes held?

Concealed Carry Classes of Denver offers Firearms Safety Courses throughout the Denver metro area with convenient weekend and weekday options.

How much does the course cost?

Course pricing may change throughout the year. Visit our website for current tuition, available discounts, and upcoming class dates.

How do I register?

Registration is simple and can be completed online in just a few minutes.

Visit:

Denver Firearms Safety Course

to view available class dates and reserve your seat.

Why are so many people searching for information about this course?

Because the law is new, many Colorado residents are trying to understand how it affects future firearm purchases. As more sheriff’s offices implement the application process, questions continue to come in from prospective firearm owners across the state.

Have more questions?

Our instructors are happy to answer your questions before you register. At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, our goal is to provide accurate information, professional instruction, and a straightforward path through Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Course requirements.

Resources and Other Articles

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training

Colorado CCW Course vs. Colorado Firearms Safety Course

Mark Schneider

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

TopicCCW CourseFirearms Safety Course (FSEC)
Primary PurposeConcealed carry permitFirearm purchase eligibility
Governing AuthorityCounty SheriffColorado Parks and Wildlife
Live-Fire RequiredYesNo (unless specified)
Written TestYesYes
Concealed Carry AuthorityYes (after permit issued)No
Firearm Purchase AuthorizationNoYes (for covered firearms)
Course Length8+ hours (new applicants)4 or 12 hours
Certificate ValidityLimited under current lawUsed 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?

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.

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.

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.

  1. De-escalation always comes first. Don’t take the bait — walk away, use your voice, and control the tone.
  2. Distance equals time and options. Don’t let anyone get inside your reaction gap.
  3. Train with your less-lethal tools. OC spray or verbal control can end an encounter without ruining your life.
  4. Think about your surroundings. Firing inside a mall or business creates massive liability.
  5. 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

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.