Tag: concealed carry requirements

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Legal & Law

Top 5 Reasons to Get Your Concealed Handgun Permit

Mark Schneider

When it comes to personal safety, more and more Americans are choosing to take control by getting their concealed handgun permit (CHP). Whether you’re concerned about potential threats or want the confidence of knowing you can lawfully protect yourself and your loved ones, applying for a CHP is one of the most responsible choices you can make.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, here are the top five reasons why getting your concealed handgun permit is a decision you won’t regret.

1. Self-Defense and Personal Safety

The most common reason people seek a concealed handgun permit is simple: self-defense. Life is unpredictable, and danger doesn’t always come with a warning. Having the legal right to carry a firearm—whether a handgun, pistol, or another defensive weapon—ensures that you’re better equipped to respond if a threat arises.

In Colorado, for example, carrying without a permit is illegal. A valid CHP allows you to carry legally, giving you not only the ability to act but the peace of mind that you’re within your rights. Whether you’re walking to your car at night, traveling, or just out with your family, you’ll be prepared to defend yourself if needed.

2. Peace of Mind and Confidence

Carrying a concealed firearm doesn’t just improve your physical readiness—it increases your mental preparedness. Knowing you have a lawful tool to protect yourself brings confidence, calm, and control.

That peace of mind benefits everyone around you. Whether you’re a parent, business owner, or everyday citizen, the ability to protect your family or react in an emergency can reduce fear and anxiety in unfamiliar or high-risk situations.

Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit can lead to fines, arrest, or even jail time, depending on the jurisdiction. A CHP is your legal shield, ensuring you’re within your rights wherever permitted by law.

When you take a certified CCW course, you also learn about self-defense law, use-of-force policies, and where carrying is restricted. Understanding these rules makes you a more responsible gun owner and helps protect you from unintentional legal trouble.

4. Protection for Your Family, Home, and Property

Your home, loved ones, and property deserve to be protected. With a concealed carry permit, you can lawfully defend yourself and others, whether at home, in public, or in transit.

Business owners, for example, may face elevated risks of theft or violent encounters. A firearm, carried legally and responsibly, gives you an option to protect your employees, assets, and livelihood if things turn dangerous.

5. Carry Reciprocity Across Multiple States

If you travel, your Colorado concealed handgun permit offers reciprocity in many other states. This means you can legally carry your firearm across state lines in places that recognize your CHP.

It’s crucial to check each state’s specific laws, but a permit provides much broader legal coverage than traveling without one. Whether you’re driving cross-country or going on a family vacation, you’ll retain your right to defend yourself in unfamiliar places.

Ready to Get Started?

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This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult your local laws or a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or acting in self-defense.

Concealed Carry, News

Colorado’s New Concealed Carry Law: Key Changes to Know

Mark Schneider

New Colorado Concealed Carry Law Taking Effect: What You Need to Know

As of July 1, 2025, Colorado’s new concealed handgun permit law will officially go into effect, significantly impacting both new applicants and those seeking to renew their permits. With sheriff’s offices such as El Paso County and Adams County already booked solid, applicants are finding that the earliest available appointments for processing are not until July 1, 2025. This means that anyone needing a permit, whether for the first time or for renewal, must meet the new training requirements under a verified instructor.

Key Changes in the Law

The new law mandates that applicants must complete an 8-hour training course from a verified instructor in Colorado to qualify for a concealed handgun permit. This training must cover essential firearm safety, legal considerations, and a live-fire qualification test to ensure competency. Additionally, renewal applicants must complete a new 4-hour course that meets the updated state requirements.

Why This Matters for Applicants

With sheriff’s offices at capacity, failing to complete the required training now could lead to significant delays in obtaining or renewing your concealed carry permit. Previously, many applicants relied on less formal online courses or minimal in-person instruction, but the new law eliminates those options. Now, both new and renewing applicants must attend a state-approved course that includes classroom instruction, testing, and a range qualification.

Verifying Approved Instructors

It’s crucial for both new and renewal applicants to research and verify that their instructor is approved. You can easily confirm this by visiting the sheriff’s office website of the county where the instructor’s primary place of business is located. For example, to verify an instructor in Denver, you can visit the Denver Police Departments website to ensure they are on the approved list. It’s always a good idea to verify before signing up for a course, as taking a class with an unverified instructor could result in a certificate that’s not valid with a loss of money and time.

Age Restrictions and Certificate Validity

Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for a concealed carry permit in Colorado. It’s also important to note that the certificate you receive upon completing the required training is only valid for one year. After that, you will need to complete the renewal process to maintain your eligibility to carry concealed. Renewal applicants have a 180-day window prior to their permit’s expiration to renew. If they fail to renew within that time frame, they have a 90-day grace period after expiration to renew. After 90 days, they must start the process as a brand new applicant, including taking the full 8-hour course again.

What to Expect in the Training

For those who need a permit, expect a structured program that includes:

  • Classroom Instruction: Covering firearm safety, Colorado gun laws, and self-defense legalities.
  • Written Exam: Requiring a passing score of at least 80%.
  • Live Fire Qualification: Shooting a minimum of 50 rounds and demonstrating shooting proficiency with a minimum accuracy requirement of 70%.

Cost of Training

The cost of concealed carry courses varies depending on the provider, location, and course length. Generally, classes can range anywhere from $80 to $250. We offer competitive pricing with our renewal course at $99.99 and our new applicant course at $139.99, excluding range fees and ammunition costs. It’s important to research and choose a verified instructor that fits your needs and budget.

Avoid Delays – Get Certified Now

Because of the overwhelming demand and the upcoming changes, waiting until mid-2025 to seek training may leave you without a valid permit for months. The best course of action is to enroll in a verified training program as soon as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and scheduling conflicts.

For those in the Colorado Springs, Denver, and Aurora areas, our Colorado Concealed Handgun Course meets all state-mandated requirements and provides the certification needed to comply with the new law.

Final Thoughts

With major counties already booked until July 2025, Colorado gun owners must take proactive steps to ensure they remain compliant with the new law. If you or someone you know needs a permit or renewal, now is the time to act. Get certified, complete your training, and avoid unnecessary delays.

For more details on available courses and registration, visit our CHP page.