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Legal & Law

Is It Legal to Openly Carry a Firearm in the City of Boulder, Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Updated: 6/2/25 at 21:43 MT

Short answer: No. Openly carrying a firearm in public is prohibited in the City of Boulder, with limited exceptions. Under Boulder Municipal Code § 5-8-21, the open carry of firearms is restricted in most public places—even for lawful gun owners. However, the law raises serious questions about constitutionality and may be subject to future legal challenges.

Let’s break down what the law says, what exceptions exist, and how it interacts with state and federal rights.

📜 Boulder Municipal Code § 5-8-21: The Law

“No person shall knowingly openly carry a firearm on or about their person in a public place.”
(Boulder Muni Code § 5-8-21(a))

This law is part of Boulder’s broader effort to implement stricter local gun regulations following the repeal of Colorado’s firearm preemption law in 2021 (SB21-256). It prohibits visible carry of firearms in all public places unless a specific exception applies.

✅ Exceptions to Boulder’s Open Carry Ban

The following individuals or situations are exempt from the ban on open carry:

  1. Law Enforcement & Military
    • On-duty federal, state, or local officers, or military personnel.
  2. Hunting or Target Shooting
    • While actively engaged in lawful hunting or shooting activities.
  3. Private Property
    • On your own land, business, or home—or with the property owner’s consent.
  4. Private Motor Vehicles
    • Transporting firearms in your car is legal under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.6, as long as state law is followed.
  5. Unloaded Firearms in Cases
    • Must be in a clearly marked, locked, or opaque gun case. Holsters are acceptable for handguns.
  6. Concealed Carry with Permit
    • Individuals with valid concealed handgun permits (CHP) may legally carry a concealed handgun; this is not considered open carry.
  7. Private Security Guards
    • When acting in the scope of their official duties.

🔄 Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Boulder

It’s critical to understand the distinction:

  • Open carry is largely banned in public spaces.
  • Concealed carry is permitted for those with a valid Colorado CHP.

If you intend to carry in Boulder, obtaining a concealed handgun permit is the safest and most legally secure option.

⚖️ Constitutional Concerns

While Boulder’s ordinance is valid under state law (because of SB21-256), it may still conflict with the Second Amendment and Colorado Constitution Article II, Section 13—both of which protect the right to bear arms for self-defense.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) reaffirmed that citizens have the right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Though Bruen focused more on concealed carry restrictions, it emphasized that firearm regulations must be historically grounded and not arbitrary.

Boulder’s blanket ban on open carry in public places could be vulnerable if challenged in federal court, especially if it’s found to lack historical precedent.

👮 Enforcement and Penalties

Violating Boulder’s open carry law is a non-criminal offense, meaning:

  • You won’t face jail time.
  • You may be fined or cited.
  • Repeat violations could lead to escalating consequences.

While the law is currently enforced, its constitutional validity is still an open question, especially in the wake of recent court rulings protecting gun rights.

✅ Bottom Line for Gun Owners in Boulder

If you’re a gun owner living in or visiting Boulder:

  • Open carry is prohibited in public spaces under local law.
  • You may still carry concealed if you have a valid Colorado CHP.
  • Private property, hunting, and transport exceptions remain protected.
  • Legal challenges to Boulder’s ban are possible, especially if it’s applied broadly or arbitrarily.

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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding firearms are subject to change, and their interpretation can vary. Always consult with a licensed attorney or legal expert for advice on specific legal matters or before taking any action based on the content of this article. Compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws is the responsibility of the firearm owner.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News

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

Mark Schneider

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

Mark Schneider

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