News Archives

Denver, CO – August 9, 2025 — Colorado is now exactly one year away from the most sweeping change to state firearms law in decades. Starting August 1, 2026, law-abiding residents will be required to complete a certified firearms safety course and obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card or a “permit to purchase license” before purchasing or transferring certain semiautomatic firearms.

Created under Senate Bill 25-003 (SB 3), the requirement is modeled after Illinois’ FOID card system but takes its own approach. Supporters in the legislature claim it will promote responsible gun ownership. Critics, including many in Colorado’s firearms community, see it as yet another bureaucratic hurdle that burdens law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminals—who already ignore existing laws.

What Firearms Are Affected?

The law applies to:

Semiautomatic rifles
Semiautomatic shotguns
Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines

Private transfers and dealer sales are both covered. Anyone attempting to buy one of these firearms after August 1, 2026, without the card will be denied at the point of sale.

Special Rule for Hunter Education Graduates

If you already have a valid Colorado Hunter Education card, you will only be required to take the 4-hour basic course instead of the extended 12-hour version. The basic course still requires passing a written exam with a 90% or higher score.

Important Warning About Concealed Carry Classes

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class will NOT count toward this new requirement. Even if you’ve taken a CHP class recently, it will not qualify you for the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. You must take the specific state-approved Firearms Safety Course once it becomes available in 2026.

Course & Card Requirements

Basic Course: 4 hours covering safe handling, storage, magazine safety, child access prevention, mental health awareness, extreme risk protection orders, and empathy toward victims.
Extended Course: 12 hours over two or more days with additional legal and psychological training.
Eligibility Card: Issued after successful completion; valid for five years.

Instructors must be verified by their county sheriff, and licensed dealers will verify card status before finalizing a sale.

Why This Matters to Colorado Gun Owners

Colorado has never required a permit to purchase before. This is a major shift in policy—one that could cause significant delays if you wait until the last minute. Sheriffs, especially in Boulder County, have already voiced concerns over handling an estimated 50,000+ applications in the first year. That could mean processing delays and a backlog right before hunting season or other peak firearm purchase periods.

How This Compares Nationally

Colorado joins states like Illinois and California in adopting a “permit-to-purchase” system. Pro-gun advocates note that these systems have done little to reduce crime in other states but have made it more expensive and time-consuming for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Timeline to Be Ready

Now – Learn the requirements and check if your Hunter Ed card qualifies you for the 4-hour course.
June 2026 – Concealed Carry Classes of Denver (CCCD) plans to begin offering state-approved courses to help you meet the requirement in time.
August 1, 2026 – Law goes into effect; no card means no purchase or transfer.

FAQ

Does this affect all firearms?
No. It applies only to specified semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and certain handguns with detachable magazines.

Will my concealed carry class count?
No. A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit class does not meet the requirements of SB 3 and will not qualify you for the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. You must take the specific state-approved course.

What if I already own firearms?
You can keep them. The law applies to new purchases or transfers after August 1, 2026.

Pro-Gun Perspective

This new requirement doesn’t target criminals—it targets responsible gun owners with more red tape, extra fees, and mandatory classes. That’s why planning ahead is key: the sooner you complete the process once it opens, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your constitutional rights without interruption.

Take Action Now

Firearm Safety Courses in Colorado – Get Certified Today – Bookmark for updates when registration opens in June 2026.
Sign Up for a Colorado Concealed Carry Class – Carry responsibly while defending your rights.
Shop Firearms Gear & Accessories – Stock up before the law takes effect.
Explore Shooting Drills – Build skill and confidence now.
Learn Colorado Gun Laws – Stay informed and protect your rights.

Legal & Law, News

Does Colorado Have a Waiting Period to Buy Firearms?

August 9, 2025August 9, 2025 Mark Schneider

Short answer: Yes. As of October 1, 2023, Colorado imposes a minimum three-day waiting period between the time you purchase a firearm and when you can take it home.

Colorado’s Waiting Period Law

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-115, all firearm sales — dealer or private — must be delayed for at least three full days after the completion of the purchase paperwork. This applies whether you are buying a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.

The stated intent of the law was to provide a “cooling-off period” to prevent impulsive acts of violence. Many gun owners see it differently — as another burden placed on law-abiding citizens that does nothing to deter criminals.

Exceptions to the Waiting Period

The law provides some exemptions, including:

Active-duty military
Law enforcement officers purchasing duty firearms
Antique firearms and certain curios/relics
Emergency transfers ordered by a court

For everyone else, the clock starts after you complete the background check paperwork, and you cannot take possession until the waiting period expires.

Penalties for Violating the Law

If a seller transfers a firearm before the waiting period is over, they can face a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for repeat violations.

Why This Law Matters to Gun Owners

Colorado already has a universal background check system. Now, even after passing your background check instantly, you still have to wait three days to pick up your firearm. Critics argue that this can leave citizens defenseless during urgent self-defense needs — especially victims of domestic violence who may not have three days to wait.

Relevant Colorado Statute

Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-115 – Establishes the three-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, outlines exceptions, and sets penalties.

Take Your Firearms Knowledge Further

✅ Sign Up for a Colorado CCW Class – Learn the law, improve your skills, and carry with confidence.
🛒 Shop Our Gear & Accessories – Holsters, range gear, and more.
🎯 Practice Shooting Drills – Build your accuracy and speed.
📜 Read More Colorado Gun Laws – Stay informed and compliant.

Legal & Law, News

Can 18-, 19-, or 20-Year-Olds Buy Ammunition in Colorado?

August 9, 2025August 9, 2025 Mark Schneider

Short answer: No — unless you fall into a narrow exception, Colorado now requires you to be 21 years old to purchase ammunition.

Colorado’s New Ammunition Age Law

Historically, federal law split the rules:

Handgun ammo – must be 21+ to buy from a dealer.
Rifle/shotgun ammo – could be bought at 18+.

Colorado used to follow this model, but that changed with House Bill 25-1133, which took effect in 2025. Now, all ammunition sales require the buyer to be 21 years old — whether it’s for a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.

Exceptions for 18- to 20-Year-Olds

The law provides a few narrow carve-outs:

Active-duty military or honorably discharged veterans
Hunter education certificate holders
Born on or before January 28, 2007 (grandfather clause that expires in 2028)
On-site range use — you can buy ammo for immediate use at a shooting range

If you don’t meet one of these criteria, you can’t legally purchase ammunition in Colorado until you turn 21.

Legal Challenges & Court Rulings

Pro-gun organizations, including Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, quickly challenged the law.
So far, both the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and Chief U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer have allowed it to remain in effect, ruling that the age restriction does not violate the Second Amendment. Many in the firearms community disagree, arguing that this is another unnecessary law targeting law-abiding young adults rather than criminals.

Why This Law Matters to Gun Owners

For decades, an 18-year-old in Colorado could buy rifle or shotgun ammo for hunting, sport shooting, or defense. Now, unless you fall under an exception, you’re out of luck until 21. Critics argue this treats legal adults like second-class citizens, while doing nothing to address actual criminal misuse of firearms.

Relevant Colorado Statute

Colorado Revised Statutes, HB25-1133 (2025) – Establishes the 21-and-over ammunition purchase requirement, exceptions, and penalties for violations.

Take Your Firearms Knowledge Further

Mark Schneider was an incredible instructor. He was endlessly thorough and and had amazing marksmenship skills. I would recommend his courses/services to anyone.

Dubbel Time Delivery

Very informative and engaging. I’d highly recommend his class! The class flies by and doesn’t feel useless!!

Salute DaKing

Great experience. Very knowledgeable instructor. The class flew by

D Connor

Excellent class, well presented.

Mitchell Pray

Excellent training, knowledgeable instructors, very in tune with what is going on in the 2A community. It was a heck of a lot of fun!

Greg Skinner

Mark and Elisia are FANTASTIC instructors. Both know the laws, teach proper and safe gun safety. The online class is no joke. You must be serious to do this, but it is for your benefit. Range practice will make you sweat. Unless you're an expert marksman, you will use every one of the 200-300 rounds you are required to bring. I ABSOLUTELY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!