Tag: concealed handgun permit

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.

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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, Legal & Law, News

Colorado Concealed Carry Class – Verified CCW Instructor

Mark Schneider

As a Colorado resident, obtaining a concealed carry permit (CCW) is not only a way to protect yourself and your loved ones but also a significant responsibility. If you’re ready to take that step, it’s crucial to ensure you’re receiving proper instruction from a verified and authorized instructor.

Mark Schneider (DPD Verified CHP Instructor)

I’m Mark Schneider, a firearms instructor authorized by the Denver Police Department to teach all Colorado residents the concealed handgun training required to obtain a Colorado concealed carry permit. As of October 3, 2024, I have been officially verified as a firearms instructor under Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-207.7. This verification means I have met or exceeded all state requirements for certification and am legally qualified to teach CCW classes throughout the state.

What Does it Mean to Be a Verified CCW Instructor?

To ensure high standards of training, Colorado law requires that all concealed carry instructors be verified by the sheriff of the county where they primarily conduct training. This verification is governed by 18-12-202.7, which lays out the strict criteria that instructors must meet. As a verified instructor, I have gone through a thorough process that includes holding a valid concealed handgun permit, being certified by a recognized firearms training organization, and demonstrating my ability to instruct.

Verification is not a one-time process—it is valid for 10 years, meaning my status as a verified instructor is current through October 2034, and I must maintain my qualifications throughout this period. The Denver Police Department has confirmed my ability to instruct Colorado residents in both initial CCW courses and refresher courses for permit renewal.

What You Can Expect from My CCW Classes

When you choose to train with me, you’re getting more than just the required certificate—you’re receiving high-quality, personalized instruction that covers all aspects of firearm safety and legal responsibilities. My classes are designed to ensure that you leave feeling confident, knowledgeable, and well-prepared to carry a concealed handgun responsibly. Here’s a breakdown of what my courses include:

1. In-Person, Hands-On Instruction

Colorado law mandates that concealed handgun training be conducted in person with the instructor present at the same location as the students—no part of the class can be taught online. My classes are interactive, with live-fire exercises that ensure you’re comfortable and competent handling a firearm. You’ll be learning in a safe and supportive environment, with real-time feedback to help you improve your skills.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum

My CCW course covers a wide range of topics to ensure you understand both the practical and legal aspects of carrying a concealed firearm. You’ll receive detailed instruction on:

  • Firearms safety fundamentals: Proper handling, storage, and care for your firearm.
  • Shooting fundamentals: Grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and more.
  • Colorado and federal firearm laws: You’ll learn the intricacies of state laws, including those governing the use of deadly force for self-defense, and the latest updates, such as the Extreme Risk Protection Orders and the Isabella Joy Thallas Act on reporting lost or stolen firearms.
  • Conflict management and de-escalation: Techniques to avoid or mitigate dangerous situations and the judgmental use of lethal force.
  • Interaction with law enforcement: Best practices for safely interacting with law enforcement while carrying a concealed weapon.

3. Live-Fire Shooting Exercise

One of the most important components of concealed carry training is the live-fire shooting exercise. Colorado law requires that students discharge at least 50 rounds of ammunition and achieve at least 70% accuracy to pass. In my class, you’ll receive personalized coaching during this exercise, helping you improve your shooting skills while ensuring that you meet the state’s accuracy requirements.

4. Written Competency Exam

In addition to the live-fire portion, Colorado law mandates that all students pass a written concealed handgun competency exam, testing your knowledge of firearms safety, laws, and use of force principles. You’ll need to score at least 80% on this exam to pass, and it will be administered as an open-book test, allowing you to refer back to course materials.

5. Refresher Classes

If you already have a concealed carry permit and need to renew it, I also offer refresher courses that meet all state requirements. Refresher courses are required to include at least two hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam. These courses ensure you stay up-to-date with any changes in firearm laws and maintain your skills.

Why Choose Me as Your CCW Instructor?

With over a decade of experience as a firearms instructor and security professional, I have trained hundreds of individuals, including security guards, law enforcement officers, and responsible gun owners. My training methods are designed to exceed state standards while providing students with practical skills that go beyond the basics. Here’s why you should choose me for your CCW training:

  • Authorized by the Denver Police Department: I am a verified and authorized instructor, giving you the assurance that your training meets all legal requirements.
  • Proven Experience: I have over 10 years of experience as an armed security guard and have trained hundreds of individuals in firearm safety, defensive shooting, and concealed carry.
  • High-Quality Instruction: My courses are interactive, hands-on, and designed to ensure you’re confident in your ability to carry and use a firearm responsibly.
  • Comprehensive Support: I offer ongoing support and advice, even after the course is complete, to help you stay informed about changing laws and best practices for concealed carry.

Ready to Get Your CCW Permit?

Whether you’re applying for your first concealed carry permit or renewing an existing one, my classes provide everything you need to meet Colorado’s legal requirements and carry a concealed handgun with confidence. With a strong emphasis on safety, legal knowledge, and real-world skills, I’m committed to helping you become a responsible and capable firearm carrier.

Sign up today for a CCW class, or contact me for more information. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about the process, the curriculum, or your responsibilities as a concealed carry permit holder.

Contact Information:

I look forward to helping you obtain your Colorado concealed carry permit!

Denver Police Verified Instructor #: 2024005

Mark Schneider Verified Instructor CertificateDownload
Legal & Law, News

Colorado’s Red Flag Law: What Gun Owners Should Know

Mark Schneider

In recent years, Colorado has implemented a legal mechanism known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to address concerns about gun violence and public safety. This article explores what an ERPO is, how it works, and its specific impact on gun owners and those who possess a concealed handgun permit in the state of Colorado.

What is an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)?

An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), sometimes referred to as a “red flag” law, allows family members, household members, or law enforcement officers to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual who is deemed to pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. In Colorado, the ERPO law is codified under Article 14.5 of Title 13 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

When an ERPO is issued, it can result in the immediate confiscation of the respondent’s firearms by law enforcement and the suspension of their ability to purchase firearms for the duration of the order. The ERPO can be temporary or extended based on a subsequent court hearing.

How ERPOs Affect Gun Owners and Concealed Handgun Permit Holders

For gun owners and individuals who hold a concealed handgun permit (CHP) in Colorado, the issuance of an ERPO has significant implications:

  1. Immediate Firearm Confiscation: Upon the issuance of a temporary ERPO or a full ERPO, the respondent must surrender all firearms in their possession to law enforcement. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
  2. Suspension of Firearm Purchase Rights: The court clerk is required to enter the ERPO into the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) system and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) on the same day the order is issued. This action prevents the respondent from purchasing firearms while the ERPO is in effect.
  3. Revocation of Concealed Handgun Permit: One of the most direct impacts of an ERPO on a concealed handgun permit holder is the immediate revocation of their permit. According to the statute, within three court days of issuing an ERPO, the issuing court must notify the county sheriff in the respondent’s jurisdiction. If the respondent holds a CHP, the sheriff is required to revoke the permit immediately. The respondent may only reapply for a CHP once the ERPO has been lifted and is no longer in effect.
  4. Statewide and Nationwide Enforcement: The ERPO is entered into both state and federal databases, making it enforceable statewide and in any jurisdiction where the respondent may be found. This ensures that law enforcement agencies are aware of the order and can take appropriate action if the respondent attempts to purchase or possess firearms.
  5. Removal of Orders from Systems: If an ERPO is terminated or expires, the CBI and relevant law enforcement agencies must promptly remove the order from their systems, restoring the individual’s right to purchase and possess firearms, assuming no other disqualifications exist.
  6. No Permanent Prohibition: It is important to note that an ERPO does not constitute a permanent finding that an individual is a “prohibited person” under federal law (18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (d)(4) or (g)(4)). However, while the ERPO is in effect, the respondent is prohibited from possessing firearms under state law.

The Unconstitutionality of ERPOs

While proponents of ERPOs argue that these laws are necessary to prevent potential violence, many gun owners and constitutional scholars believe that ERPOs are fundamentally flawed and violate constitutional rights. The most significant concerns revolve around due process and the Second Amendment.

  1. Due Process Violations: ERPOs can be issued without the respondent being present in court to defend themselves. This lack of a hearing before the initial order is granted raises serious due process concerns. Individuals can lose their firearms, a fundamental right under the Second Amendment, based on accusations that may not be fully vetted until a later court date.
  2. Second Amendment Infringement: The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, and ERPOs directly challenge this right by allowing the government to confiscate firearms without a criminal conviction or even a mental health diagnosis. This preemptive approach to law enforcement, where individuals are punished based on what they might do rather than what they have done, sets a dangerous precedent.
  3. Potential for Abuse: The broad criteria under which ERPOs can be requested open the door to potential abuse. Family members or law enforcement may petition for an ERPO based on personal grievances or misunderstandings, leading to the wrongful confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens.
  4. Chilling Effect on Gun Ownership: The threat of an ERPO can create a chilling effect, discouraging gun owners from seeking help or discussing their concerns with others out of fear that their firearms might be seized.

In conclusion, while Extreme Risk Protection Orders are promoted as a tool for enhancing public safety, they raise significant constitutional issues that cannot be ignored. The lack of due process, the infringement on Second Amendment rights, and the potential for misuse make ERPOs a deeply problematic legal measure. For gun owners in Colorado, understanding the implications of these laws is essential, and there must be continued advocacy to protect constitutional rights from such overreach.