Tag: Colorado Gun Laws

Legal & Law

Can an 18, 19 or 20-Year-Old Legally Own a Handgun in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

If you’re 18, 19 and 20 years old — or you’re a parent of someone in that age range — you might be wondering if it’s legal to own a handgun in Colorado. The short answer is yes, but there are important restrictions and responsibilities to understand.

Federal Law: No Purchases Under 21

Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)), licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) are prohibited from selling handguns to anyone under the age of 21. This means an 18-year-old cannot walk into a gun store and buy a handgun, even if they legally can own one.

Colorado Law: Legal to Possess If Gifted by Family

Colorado does allow 18, 19 and 20-year-olds to legally possess and own a handgun, as long as it is lawfully transferred to them by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. According to Colorado law, private transfers between immediate family members are not subject to background checks and are exempt from universal background check laws under C.R.S. § 18-12-112(6)(b).

✅ Requirements and Responsible Gifting

Before gifting a handgun to someone under 21, parents and relatives should seriously evaluate whether the person is:

  • Mature and Responsible: Can they handle firearm ownership safely and seriously?
  • Legally Eligible: Are they free from any felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or other disqualifiers under C.R.S. § 18-12-108?
  • Mentally Stable: Are they mentally and emotionally ready for the responsibility of owning a handgun?
  • Trained: Have they completed a basic firearm safety course?

🎯 Recommended Training for First-Time Owners

We strongly recommend all new handgun owners — especially those 18 19 and 20 — complete a basic handgun safety course. At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we offer affordable, professional training designed for novice shooters and first-time gun owners.

Students will learn:

  • Basic pistol operation and marksmanship
  • Safe loading, unloading, and clearing
  • Colorado laws on use of force and handgun storage
  • Hands-on practice with live fire at the range

➡️ Click here to view our beginner handgun classes

🔒 Safe Storage Is Key

Whether you’re gifting a handgun or receiving one, safety is everything. Here are a few best practices for new owners:

  • Store your firearm in a locked safe or pistol box
  • Use a cable or trigger lock if needed
  • Store ammunition separately if not carrying
  • Never leave a handgun where a child or unauthorized person could access it
  • Know Colorado’s safe storage laws — especially if minors are in the home

🧠 Real-World Example

Let’s say a 19-year-old lives in Aurora with her parents. Her father legally owns several firearms. He can gift her a handgun for home defense, and she can legally possess and store that handgun in the home or even carry it on private property. However, she cannot purchase a handgun from a gun shop, and she cannot carry it concealed in public unless she is 21 and has a valid Colorado CHP.

⚠️ Civil and Criminal Liability

Parents and guardians should be aware that they can face criminal or civil liability if a gifted handgun is misused. If the young adult isn’t mentally ready, fails to store it securely, or uses it irresponsibly, it could lead to tragic consequences — and legal repercussions.

Final Thoughts

Yes, an 18, 19 and 20-year-old can legally own a handgun in Colorado, but only if it’s gifted to them by a direct family member. It’s a big responsibility — and one that should come with training, maturity, and the right mindset. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s legal — it’s about what’s safe and smart.

🔐 Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws may change and vary by jurisdiction. Always check current federal, state, and local laws before transferring or possessing a handgun. Consult a qualified attorney if you have legal questions about firearm ownership

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Understanding Self-Defense Laws in Colorado

Mark Schneider

In Colorado, self-defense is a powerful legal tool — but only when used correctly. Whether you’re a private citizen, concealed carry permit holder, law enforcement officer, or armed security guard, understanding the when and how of using force — especially deadly force — can mean the difference between a justified defense and a criminal charge.

This article breaks down Colorado’s self-defense laws, including recent updates, and how they apply in real-life scenarios.

⚖️ What Is an Affirmative Defense?

Self-defense in Colorado is considered an affirmative defense. That means:

  • You’re admitting that you used force,
  • But you’re claiming it was legally justified.

Once your attorney presents any credible evidence of self-defense, the burden shifts to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your use of force was not justified.

🏛️ When Is Force Justified in Colorado?

Under C.R.S. § 18-1-704, physical force is justified if a person:

  • Reasonably believes it is necessary to protect themselves or another person from the imminent use of unlawful force.

🔴 When Is Deadly Force Justified?

Use of deadly physical force is only justified if the person reasonably believes it is necessary to:

  • Prevent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or another person;
  • Stop the commission of (or attempted commission of):
    • Robbery
    • Aggravated assault
    • Kidnapping or aggravated kidnapping
    • Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
    • First-degree arson

📝 Note: “Aggravated” crimes typically involve weapons, serious injury, or other elevated threats that justify a deadly response.

🧱 The Castle Doctrine – “Make My Day” Law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5)

In your home, Colorado law gives you broad authority to defend yourself. Under the Castle Doctrine:

  • You may use deadly force against an intruder if you reasonably believe:
    • The person unlawfully entered your home,
    • They have committed, or intend to commit, a crime inside,
    • And they may use any physical force, however slight.

You do not need to retreat or warn them — your home is your castle.

🚷 No Duty to Retreat (Colorado Vs. Monroe) – Colorado

Colorado is a No Duty To Retreat state. This means:

  • You have no duty to retreat if you’re in a place you’re legally allowed to be.
  • You have no duty to retreat and use force (including deadly force) if all other legal conditions are met.
  • This applies to public places, workplaces, and vehicles — not just inside your home.

👮‍♂️ Who This Applies To

🧍 Citizens & CCW Holders

  • Can use force to protect themselves or others from imminent unlawful force.
  • May use deadly force in situations involving:
    • Aggravated assault
    • Aggravated kidnapping
    • Aggravated sexual assault
    • Robbery
    • First-degree arson
  • Must not be the initial aggressor, unless they:
    • Clearly withdraw from the encounter, and
    • Communicate that withdrawal.

🛡️ Armed Security Guards

  • Operate under civilian use-of-force laws, not police standards.
  • May only use force proportionally and reasonably.
  • Must justify every use-of-force incident with detailed documentation.
  • May use deadly force only when facing serious, imminent threats or the crimes listed above.

👮 Law Enforcement Officers

  • Governed by C.R.S. § 18-1-707, which provides broader discretion in using force.
  • May use deadly force when arresting someone who:
    • Has committed a felony involving a deadly weapon,
    • Is actively using deadly force,
    • Or poses an immediate threat to others.
  • Off-duty officers acting in a private capacity (e.g., security) may fall under civilian self-defense laws.

⚠️ Self-Defense Limitations in Colorado

You cannot claim self-defense if:

  • You were the initial aggressor (and didn’t withdraw),
  • You were committing a forcible felony at the time,
  • The force used was excessive or reckless,
  • You misunderstood or overreacted to a non-lethal situation.

✅ Examples of Justified Use of Deadly Force

SituationLegally Justified?Why
Armed robber threatens clerk with a gun✅ YesRobbery with deadly weapon
Assailant attempts to rape a woman in a parking lot✅ YesAggravated sexual assault
Someone tries to burn down an occupied home✅ YesFirst-degree arson
Man slaps you lightly during a heated argument❌ NoNot deadly force–just a fistfight
You chase someone and shoot them as they run away❌ NoNo longer an imminent threat

🧠 Final Takeaway

Self-defense is your legal right — but it’s not a blank check. You need to understand:

  • What justifies force,
  • When deadly force is legal,
  • And how to articulate your decision under stress.

Every case is judged on whether your actions were reasonable, proportional, and necessary under the circumstances.

🎯 Need Legal Training or Firearms Instruction?

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we provide expert instruction in:

  • Colorado Use of Force Law
  • Concealed Handgun Permit Courses (CHP)
  • Armed Security Training
  • Scenario-Based Judgment Drills

📍 Visit: ConcealedCarryClassDenver.com
📞 Call: 720-924-6654
📧 Email: cccdinstructor@gmail.com

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your rights and responsibilities under the law. Concealed Carry Classes of Denver makes no guarantees regarding legal outcomes and assumes no liability for the application of the information provided herein.

News

Colorado’s New Tax: A Costly Infringement on Second Amendment Rights

Mark Schneider

Starting on April 1, 2025, Colorado will implement a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition. While lawmakers are touting this as a measure to generate funding for crime victim services, mental health initiatives, and school safety programs, this new tax is raising serious concerns about its constitutionality and impact on gun owners’ rights.

Approved by voters through Proposition KK in November 2024, the tax aims to raise an estimated $39 million annually. However, critics argue that it is a direct infringement on Second Amendment rights. The measure places a financial burden on law-abiding gun owners, making it more expensive to exercise a constitutionally protected right. By taxing firearms and ammunition, the state is essentially penalizing citizens for owning and using guns legally.

Supporters of the Second Amendment contend that this is a backdoor attempt to limit access to firearms and ammo by making them more expensive, especially for lower-income individuals who rely on firearms for personal protection. Gun control advocates may claim that the money will fund public safety programs, but many see this as a disguised attack on gun rights that unfairly targets those who are simply exercising their legal rights.

Moreover, this new tax could have a chilling effect on citizens’ ability to protect themselves, particularly for those in high-crime areas or in professions where carrying a firearm is necessary for personal safety. The idea that gun ownership should come with an added financial burden is, at its core, unconstitutional. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, and imposing taxes or fees that disproportionately affect gun owners and shooters seems to go against the very principles this country was founded on.

As with any tax, the financial burden will likely fall heaviest on those who need it least—law-abiding gun owners who are already required to undergo training, background checks, and follow strict regulations. In effect, this tax could price out responsible gun owners while doing little to curb criminal activity. After all, criminals don’t purchase their weapons legally—they acquire them on the black market, untouched by such taxes.

The Colorado Firearms Excise Tax is yet another step in the long line of government overreach, chipping away at Second Amendment protections. For those who truly believe in the rights of American citizens to bear arms, this tax is not just an inconvenience, but a clear violation of the very freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

It’s time for lawmakers to recognize that the right to bear arms should not come with a hefty price tag—the cost of freedom should not be measured in taxes. If the government is truly interested in reducing crime and making communities safer, they should focus on real solutions, not on penalizing gun owners for exercising their rights. This new tax is not only a burden but also a direct assault on constitutional freedoms.