Tag: Gun Rights

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.

News

Colorado Senate Bill 25-003: New Permit-to-Purchase Requirement for Semiautomatic Firearms

Mark Schneider

Colorado is set to implement a significant change in firearm regulations with the passage of Senate Bill 25-003, which introduces a “permit-to-purchase” system for certain semiautomatic firearms. This bill has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now awaiting the governor’s signature. If signed into law, the new requirements will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 25-003

  1. Permit-to-Purchase System:
    • Individuals seeking to purchase specific semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines must first obtain a permit-to-purchase.
  2. Vetting by Local Sheriff:
    • Similar to the process for obtaining a concealed carry permit, applicants must be vetted by their local sheriff before receiving a purchase permit.
    • The sheriff has discretion to deny a permit if they determine the applicant’s past behavior suggests they may present a danger to themselves or others.
  3. Firearm Safety Training Requirement:
    • Applicants must complete a firearm safety course, which could include a 12-hour training program or a combination of a hunter safety course with additional training.
  4. Background Check:
    • A background check will be mandatory for all permit applicants as part of the vetting process.
  5. Scope of Affected Firearms:
    • The law targets gas-powered semiautomatic firearms that accept detachable magazines.
    • It does not apply to firearms already owned by Coloradans.
    • Exceptions exist for certain semiautomatic rifles commonly used for hunting and for firearms with fixed magazines.
  6. Permit Validity and Renewal:
    • The permit will be valid for five years and may be renewed upon meeting the necessary criteria.

Implications for Gun Owners and Sellers

This legislation does not ban the sale or possession of these firearms outright but introduces additional regulatory steps before purchase. Gun owners will need to ensure compliance with the new permit system before making any purchases after the law takes effect.

Firearm dealers will also need to verify that buyers have a valid permit-to-purchase before completing transactions for affected firearms.

What Happens Next?

With the bill now heading to the governor’s desk, it is widely expected to be signed into law. If enacted, the Colorado permit-to-purchase system will be one of the more restrictive measures on semiautomatic firearm sales in the country.

For those affected, early preparation will be key. Prospective buyers should begin familiarizing themselves with the permitting process, and firearm safety instructors may see an increase in demand for qualifying training courses.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the implementation date approaches.

News, Self Defense Insurance

Why I No Longer Recommend USCCA For Self Defense Insurance

Mark Schneider

For years, I have recommended USCCA as an option for self-defense insurance to my students. However, after seeing several concerning issues with their pricing, marketing tactics, and overall approach to supporting their members, I can no longer endorse them. If you’re considering self-defense insurance, here’s why I believe USCCA is no longer the best option and which alternatives I now recommend instead.

1. USCCA Has Gotten Too Expensive

USCCA’s membership costs have become increasingly difficult to justify. At $40 per month or $400 per year, their plans are significantly more expensive than many competitors. While they offer some benefits, the cost is simply not competitive when other companies provide similar or better coverage at a fraction of the price.

2. Shady Marketing Practices

One of my biggest issues with USCCA is their aggressive and questionable marketing tactics. They have started marketing directly to my CCW students before they even attend my class, trying to sell their insurance without my knowledge or consent. I find this incredibly unprofessional, and because of this, I will never advertise or book classes through their website again.

3. Relentless Spam and Upselling

USCCA doesn’t just market to students before class—they continue to bombard them with emails and sales pitches afterward. Many of my students have complained about the constant spam, pushing them to buy more products and services. While it’s normal for companies to market their offerings, the overwhelming frequency of USCCA’s emails is excessive and unnecessary.

4. Questionable Case Support

There have been several controversial cases where USCCA backed out of providing legal support, leaving their members stranded. In some of these cases, USCCA acted as if nothing unusual had happened, despite strong criticism from the firearms community. When you pay for self-defense coverage, you need to know your provider will stand behind you when it matters most. Unfortunately, I no longer have confidence that USCCA will do that consistently.

5. Protector Academy Isn’t Worth the Price

USCCA promotes its Protector Academy as a key benefit of membership. While it does contain some good training videos, much of the same content can be found for free on YouTube. The idea of exclusive training sounds great, but in reality, it’s not enough to justify the high membership cost when so many high-quality, free training resources are available elsewhere.

6. Customer Service Issues

There have been numerous complaints about poor customer service and difficulty canceling memberships. Some members have reported being charged even after canceling or having to go through multiple steps just to get a response from USCCA support.

7. False Sense of Security

Many people assume that just having a USCCA membership means they are completely protected in a self-defense situation. However, some of the cases they’ve backed out of show that coverage isn’t guaranteed. This false sense of security could put people in a bad situation if they end up needing legal defense.

8. USCCA’s Shift in Priorities

USCCA started as a self-defense insurance company, but over time, they’ve moved toward being more of a media company—focusing on marketing, training content, and selling products rather than actually providing solid legal protection. This shift has made many in the gun community skeptical of their true priorities.

Better Alternatives to USCCA

If you’re looking for a better and more affordable self-defense insurance option, here are two companies I now recommend:

1. Right to Bear – $13/month

Right to Bear offers comprehensive legal coverage at a fraction of USCCA’s cost. At just $13 per month, it’s a much more affordable option for concealed carriers who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.

2. Firearms Legal Protection (FLP) – $10/month

FLP provides strong self-defense legal protection for as little as $10 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly choices available. They have a solid reputation for standing behind their members when legal trouble arises.

Check Out My Self-Defense Insurance Comparison Chart

I’ve put together a detailed self-defense insurance comparison chart on my website, where you can see how different providers stack up against each other.

If you’re serious about protecting yourself legally, take a look at the options available and make an informed decision. The right coverage could make all the difference when it matters most.