I’ve been going to Bowers Tactical in Centennial, Colorado since 2012, and I can confidently say this is one of the best gunsmith shops in the Denver metro area. If you’re looking for trusted gunsmithing in Centennial, this is the place to go.
Mike and Rob run a top-tier operation. Rob is a fantastic gunsmith who has personally worked on many of my firearms—AR-15s, Glocks, and more. His attention to detail, knowledge, and real-world experience stand out every time. One of the most important builds he’s done for me is my Glock 45, which I carry every day on duty. I trust this firearm with my life, and I trust Rob’s work just as much.
Their shop has helped me with trigger jobs, parts installs, reliability checks, and overall firearm upgrades. Everything I’ve brought in has come back better than I expected. They’re honest about pricing, timelines, and what’s realistic. No BS—just professional-level service from people who truly know guns.
Mike brings that same level of professionalism on the customer service side. Whether I’m stopping in for a quick question or dropping off a project, I’m always treated with respect and walked through exactly what to expect.
If you’re looking for AR-15 work, Glock upgrades, or trusted gunsmithing near Denver, I highly recommend Bowers Tactical. Tell them Mark Schneider from Concealed Carry Classes of Denver sent you. You won’t regret it.
And when you visit, do them a favor—leave a positive Google review. Shops like this deserve the recognition.
Your Go-To FAQ for Colorado Concealed Carry Law, CHP Permits, and Responsible Firearm Ownership
Whether you’re a new applicant or a long-time concealed carrier, you probably have questions—especially with Colorado’s laws changing in July 2025. As verified instructors, we’ve put together the most detailed and accurate FAQ available for CCW holders in the state. Let’s break it down:
📝 CHP Application & Renewal
❓ Do I Need to Take a Class to Get My CHP?
Yes. You must complete an 8-hour, in-person training class that includes:
Live-fire shooting (minimum 50 rounds)
A written exam (must score 70%+)
Instruction from a verified Colorado instructor
🔒 After July 1, 2025, online classes are no longer valid.
❓ What’s the Application Process?
Step
What You Need
Training
8-hour in-person class (valid 1 year)
ID
Valid Colorado photo ID
Photo
Passport-style photo
Application
Completed at your county sheriff’s office
Fee
Up to ~$152 depending on county
Fingerprints
Taken at your appointment
Background Check
CBI + FBI check required
Processing
Up to 90 days
❓ What About Renewals?
Topic
Details
Renewal Period
Up to 120 days before expiration
Grace Period
6 months after expiration (late fee may apply)
Expired 6+ Months
Must reapply as a new applicant
New Requirements (7/1/25)
2-hour refresher, live fire, written test
ID Required
Colorado driver’s license or ID
Late Fee
~$15 in most counties
⚖ Use of Force Laws
❓ When Can I Use Deadly Force?
Under CRS 18-1-704 & 704.5:
Threat must be imminent
You cannot be the initial aggressor
Force must be proportional to the threat
Deadly force is only justified to prevent death or serious bodily harm
Deadly force is justified if stopping:
Murder or attempted murder
Sexual assault (active, not past or future)
Kidnapping
Robbery (with threat or weapon)
Aggravated assault
Burglary involving forced entry
First-degree arson posing threat to life
📍 Where Can and Can’t I Carry?
Location
Carry Allowed?
Denver City Buildings
❌ No
Boulder Parks
❌ No
CU/CSU Buildings
❌ No
DIA Airport
❌ No
K–12 School Grounds
✅ In vehicle ONLY
Private Property Posted “No Guns”
❌ No
Public Transit
✅ With CHP
National Forests
✅ Yes
Federal Buildings
❌ No
Military Bases
❌ Not without written authorization
🧠 Mental Health & CHP
❓ Will Mental Health Disqualify Me?
You may be denied a CHP if:
You were adjudicated mentally incompetent
Placed on a mental health hold
Committed to a mental institution
You can petition the court for restoration with documentation from a licensed provider.
🔫 Firearm & Permit Details
❓ How Many Guns Can I Carry?
There’s no legal limit on how many firearms you carry, as long as they are concealed and safely handled.
❓ Can I Carry with a Round in the Chamber?
Yes. All modern handguns are designed to be carried with a round chambered, using a proper holster.
❓ Can I Use Medical Marijuana and Still Have a CHP?
No. Marijuana use, even medical, disqualifies you under federal law. Lying on your CHP application may result in perjury charges.
❓ What Happens if I Lose My Permit?
You must report it and request a replacement from your county sheriff. A fee usually applies.
❓ Can I Carry at Work?
That depends on:
Employer policy
Whether it’s private or public property
If you keep it in your vehicle, it’s often allowed unless posted otherwise
❓ What if I Move to Another County or State?
New county: Notify sheriff’s office and renew with them
Out-of-state move: Your Colorado CHP becomes invalid
🚗 Firearm Transportation
Type
Legal?
Handgun (Loaded, Concealed in Car)
✅ Yes
Long Gun (Loaded)
❌ No – must be unloaded
Ammo in Same Case?
✅ Legal, but not best practice
Gun Left in Car Unattended?
✅ If it’s secured and not visible
🚫 Reasons for Denial
Reason
Outcome
Felony Conviction
Lifetime ban
Domestic Violence Misdemeanor
Federal disqualifier
Active Restraining Order
Disqualified until lifted
Lying on Application
Considered perjury
Recent Alcohol/Drug Offenses
Discretionary denial
🧍 Situational Awareness & De-escalation
Avoid confrontations whenever possible
Always scan for exits and group behavior
Use strong body language and clear verbal direction
Don’t let ego override smart choices
Drawing your firearm is only for defense, not intimidation
📞 What Should I Say to 911 After a Shooting?
Say:
“There has been a shooting. I was attacked. I defended myself. Please send police and medical. I will cooperate and would like to speak to my attorney.”
Then say nothing else.
🧾 Common Procedural Questions
❓ Do I Have to Carry My Permit With Me?
Yes. You must carry both your CHP and valid ID while carrying.
❓ Can I Carry in a Bar or Restaurant?
Yes, but you may not be intoxicated while carrying. Stay below the legal limit.
❓ Can I Wear a Mask While Carrying?
Yes. Colorado law does not prohibit carrying with a face covering.
❓ Is There Magazine Capacity Limit?
Yes – 15 rounds. Possession of higher-capacity magazines is illegal unless lawfully owned before July 1, 2013. Proving that can be difficult, so we recommend using compliant mags only.
When it comes to bear defense, you’re not out to hunt — you’re trying to survive. Whether it’s a black bear on a trail or a charging grizzly in the backcountry, you need to react fast and hit hard. While most people turn to magnum revolvers or 10mm pistols, there are real documented cases where even a properly loaded 9mm has stopped bear attacks.
That said, it’s not about caliber hype — it’s about gear that works, training that holds up under pressure, and understanding what actually causes bear attacks in the first place.
📏 Real Bear Defense Cases with 9mm (Cited)
📍 Russian River, Alaska (2002)
A fisherman shot a charging grizzly using a 9mm loaded with FMJ rounds. The bear collapsed after being hit. 🔗 AmmoLand Case #1
📍 Bachelor Gulch, Colorado (2004)
A homeowner stopped a bear trying to enter his house with a 9mm handgun. The bear fled after being hit. 🔗 AmmoLand Case #2
📍 Alaska Guide: Phil Shoemaker (2016)
Veteran guide used a Smith & Wesson 3954 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore 147gr hard cast +P to stop a charging grizzly. 🔗 AmmoLand Case #3 🔗 American Hunter
📊 Caliber Comparison: What’s Best for Bear Defense?
Caliber
Capacity
Recoil
Penetration
Best Ammo Type
Verdict
9mm
High
Low
Medium (w/ hard cast)
Hard Cast / Solid
Minimum viable
10mm Auto
Medium
Medium
High
Hard Cast / Solid
Ideal all-around
.44 Magnum
Low
High
Very High
Hard Cast / Solid
Gold standard
.454 Casull
Very Low
Brutal
Extreme
Hard Cast / Solid
Overkill for most
⚡ What a Real Bear Charge Looks Like
Distance to impact: Often under 30 feet
Speed: 35+ mph
Time to contact: ~1.5–2 seconds
Your draw and shot time: You have about 1 second — maybe
If you’re not trained to draw from your holster, find your front sight, and fire under adrenaline, the caliber doesn’t matter. You won’t get the shot off in time.
Train for stress. Practice holster draws. Use a chest rig in bear country.
🐾 Bear Attacks Are Rare — But Real
Bear attacks are extremely rare. Most bears avoid humans. But when they do attack, it’s often:
Fast
Unexpected
Violent
Lethal if you’re unprepared
🐻 Why Do Bear Attacks Happen?
You surprise a mama bear with cubs Classic grizzly encounter — she sees you as a threat.
You startle the bear at close range You round a bend and both of you nearly crap yourselves. He might bluff, or he might charge.
The bear is starving and desperate Especially in late fall, food is scarce. These bears test boundaries or go predatory.
The bear is diseased or feral Rare but extremely dangerous. Erratic behavior and zero fear of humans.
🗱️ Don’t Invite a Bear to Dinner
Avoid bear encounters by following basic food safety:
Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it
Never leave trash out — pack it out or seal it
Cook away from your tent
Don’t leave pet food or scented items unattended
Most bear problems start with human carelessness.
🫰 Bear Spray First, Firearm Second
Bear spray is:
Easier to use under stress
Non-lethal and often just as effective
Safer legally in parks and public lands
But spray can fail. That’s why we recommend:
Carry both. Spray is your first line of defense. Firearm is your last resort.
❓ FAQ: Bear Defense & Firearms
Can a 9mm stop a bear? Yes — when loaded with hard cast or solid copper rounds. But it’s not ideal. 10mm and magnums offer more stopping power.
What’s the best ammo for bear defense in 9mm?
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P
Underwood 147gr Hard Cast
Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator
Where should I carry my gun? Chest rigs are best. Strong-side OWB holsters also work. Avoid backpack carry.
Is it legal to shoot a bear? Only in self-defense. You must articulate an imminent threat, just like in human encounters.
🔋 What About 148gr 9mm Ammo?
Some 148gr 9mm loads are target ammo (like lead wadcutters) — not designed for bear defense.
But if you’re using something like Buffalo Bore’s 147gr–148gr Hard Cast Outdoorsman +P, you’re in good hands. These rounds are purpose-built for deep, straight-line penetration.
✅ Bear-Ready 9mm Ammo Includes:
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P
Underwood 147gr Hard Cast
Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator
Avoid hollow points. They’re designed for soft tissue, not thick hide and bone.
