Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Gear and Equipment

What to Bring to Your Colorado CCW Class

If you’ve signed up for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class, congratulations — you’re taking an important step toward protecting yourself and understanding your rights. To help you get the most out of your concealed carry class, here’s a complete list of what to bring — and what to leave at home. Being prepared ensures you stay safe, follow the rules, and get the full benefit of your training.


1. Valid Government-Issued ID

Bring a current photo ID such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. We are required to verify your identity to certify your course completion for your CCW application.


2. Your Firearm (Unloaded, in a Case)

Bring your unloaded handgun in a secure case. Do not handle or open the case once inside the classroom — wait for instructor directions. Firearms must:

  • Be unloaded
  • Be stored in a case
  • Have magazines removed

Never leave your firearm unattended in a vehicle outside.


3. Ammunition (Leave It in the Car)

You’ll need 100 rounds of factory ammo (unless told otherwise), but do not bring live ammo into the classroom. It must stay locked in your car until the live-fire portion begins.


4. Extra Magazines or Speedloaders

Bring at least one extra magazine for semi-autos. If you’re using a revolver, a speedloader helps save time. The more you bring, the smoother the shooting portion will go.


5. Required Clothing & Safety Gear

The following is mandatory for all live-fire range activity:

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Appropriate range attire (no baggy or low-cut clothes)
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Brimmed hat (recommended for hot brass)

If you arrive without proper clothing or gear, you may not be allowed to shoot.


6. Note-Taking Materials

Bring a notebook and pen or tablet/iPad to take notes during the legal and safety sections. Be ready to write down:

  • Gun safety rules
  • Range commands
  • Legal definitions of deadly force and self-defense

7. Food, Snacks, and Water

Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. There will be a half-hour lunch break and short breaks every hour, but there may not be nearby food options.


8. Written Test – Be Prepared

All students applying for a new permit must pass a written exam covering Colorado law, firearm safety, and use of force.

You must score at least 80% to pass the written test.

Pay close attention during the law section — it’s not just about passing, it’s about protecting yourself legally.


9. Live-Fire Qualification

You’ll be required to shoot from multiple distances (usually 7, 10, and 13 feet) and hit within the target silhouette.

A minimum of 70% accuracy is required to pass the qualification.

Safe handling is just as important as hitting your mark. If you violate range safety rules, you can be disqualified.


10. Be On Time (Arrive 15 Minutes Early)

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins. Late arrivals delay everyone and may not be admitted once the safety briefing begins.


11. Be Sober, Rested, and Presentable

You must be:

  • Sober (no alcohol, marijuana, or drugs — legal or not)
  • Well-rested
  • Practicing good hygiene
    This is a professional training environment. Treat it as such.

12. Follow All Firearm Handling Rules

Once you’re in class, do not touch, open, or handle your firearm until instructed. Instructors will walk you through all safe handling procedures — follow their directions exactly.


13. Communicate If You Need a Ride to the Range

Let your instructor know in advance if you need to carpool or get a ride to the range. We often help coordinate this for students without transportation.


14. Ask Questions and Enjoy the Experience

Don’t be afraid to speak up! Ask about the law, safety procedures, or anything you’re unsure about. This class is here for you to learn, grow, and feel confident.


📣 Ready to Train?

We offer professional, law-compliant CCW training in Denver and across Colorado — designed to help you shoot with skill and carry with confidence. Our classes include live-fire qualification and detailed instruction on Colorado’s gun laws, self-defense laws, and safe firearm handling.

👉 Colorado Concealed Carry Classes
🛡️ Compare Colorado Self-Defense Insurance Plans

🔍 CCW Classes Offered Across Colorado

We proudly serve students across the Denver metro area and beyond, including:

Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Englewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Centennial, Commerce City, Northglenn, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Whether you’re nearby or making a short drive, our professional CCW training is worth the trip — with expert instruction, live-fire qualification, and full guidance through the Colorado permit process.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News

Colorado’s New CCW Instructor Verification Law Takes Effect: What You Need to Know

On August 7, 2024, a significant new law came into effect in Colorado that impacts both concealed carry weapons (CCW) instructors and those seeking to obtain a CCW permit. The new law, 18-12-202.7, mandates that all CCW instructors must be verified by the sheriff in the county where they conduct their firearms training. This move is designed to ensure that all instructors meet a standardized level of qualification and uphold high standards in firearms education.

What Does the New Law Entail?

Under this new regulation, each sheriff in Colorado is responsible for verifying firearms instructors within their jurisdiction. To become a verified instructor, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Hold a Valid CCW Permit: Instructors must possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued under Colorado law. Temporary emergency permits do not qualify.
  2. Certification as a Firearms Instructor: Instructors must be certified by a recognized entity, such as a law enforcement agency, college or university, nationally recognized firearms training organization, or a firearms training school.

Once verified, instructors will receive evidence of verification from the sheriff, which will be valid for ten years. Sheriffs are also required to maintain a public list of verified instructors, which will be accessible on their websites.

Implications for CCW Instructors

The verification process ensures that instructors are fully qualified and maintain high standards in their teaching. It also provides students with confidence that their training meets the necessary legal requirements.

What This Means for CCW Applicants

For those looking to obtain a CCW permit in Colorado, the process is about to become more rigorous. While currently, the requirement is simply to complete a class, starting July 1, 2025, the new requirements will include:

  • Mandatory 8-Hour Class: The class will cover a comprehensive curriculum, including legal responsibilities, safety, and practical firearm handling.
  • Test and Shooting Qualification: Applicants must pass a test at the end of the class and achieve a shooting qualification score of 70% or higher.
  • Range Time: Mandatory range time will be required, where applicants must shoot with the handgun they intend to carry.

These upcoming changes mean that it will become more challenging to obtain a CCW permit in Colorado. Therefore, it is highly recommended that anyone considering obtaining their permit do so now while the process is still relatively straightforward.

If you’re ready to get your CCW permit before these new requirements take effect, don’t wait—Contact us today for more information and to sign up for a class.

Getting your CCW permit now will allow you to avoid the upcoming mandatory 8-hour class, range time, and qualification test that will be required next year. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete the process under the current, simpler guidelines.

For more information on the new law and how it may impact both instructors and CCW applicants, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and ensure you’re fully prepared for the changes ahead.

Concealed Carry

Colorado New Concealed Carry Law Effective July 1, 2025

As of July 1, 2025, Colorado’s concealed carry permit process is no longer what it used to be.

In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed a law that overhauled the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). These changes are now fully in effect and apply to all new applicants and renewals.

If you’re planning to carry concealed in Colorado, here’s what you need to know—and how to get certified legally and correctly under the new law.


🚨 Key Changes Now in Effect

✅ In-Person Training Is Mandatory

Online or remote concealed carry classes no longer meet the legal requirement. All CHP classes must be taken in person.

✅ You Must Train With a Verified Instructor

Under the new law, training must be completed through a verified instructor.

A verified instructor is someone who:

  • Holds a valid Colorado CHP
  • Is certified by law enforcement, a college or university, or a nationally recognized firearms training organization
  • Is officially approved by the County Sheriff

🛑 It is a criminal offense to falsely claim to be a verified instructor.

👉 We are verified instructors, fully approved under Colorado’s new law.


📚 Updated Curriculum Requirements

Your CHP training course must now include:

  • Firearm and ammunition safety
  • Safe storage practices and child safety
  • Basic shooting skills and fundamentals
  • Colorado and federal gun laws
  • The lawful use of deadly force in self-defense
  • Best practices for interacting with law enforcement
  • Avoiding criminal encounters and judgmental use of force

📝 Written and Live-Fire Exams Required

The initial concealed carry class now requires:

  • A written test with a passing score of 70% or higher
  • A live-fire shooting qualification, also requiring 70% or higher

The full class must provide at least 8 hours of in-person instruction, including legal review and range time.


🔄 Renewal Requirements Have Changed Too

If you’re renewing your permit, you must take either:

  • The full 8-hour class again
    OR
  • A refresher course with:
    • At least 2 hours of in-person instruction
    • Updates on gun laws
    • A written test and live-fire shooting qualification (70% required on each)

❌ New Restrictions for Misdemeanors

If you’ve been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within the last 5 years, you are no longer eligible for a CHP.


✅ Peace Officer Exemption

Current peace officers with valid POST certification can still demonstrate handgun competency through their professional credentials.


🛡️ Get Trained the Right Way—With Verified Instructors

We are a Colorado-verified training provider, certified to meet the requirements under the new law.

Our CHP classes include:

  • Live-fire range training
  • Written and practical testing
  • Complete legal education
  • Certified, experienced instructors
  • Training documentation accepted by all Colorado counties

🎯 Ready to Get Certified?

Don’t risk your permit by taking a class from a non-verified instructor or skipping required exams. We’ll walk you through the new process step-by-step and help you qualify legally and confidently.

👉 View Upcoming Concealed Carry Classes


🧠 More Resources:

Firearms & CCW Training in Denver

Colorado CHP Law Changes (Full Breakdown)

Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans