Tag: gun

Dive into a wide range of topics related to guns, including firearm reviews, training techniques, maintenance tips, legal updates, and responsible gun ownership. Our articles are designed to inform, educate, and support everyone from first-time buyers to experienced shooters.

Concealed Carry, News

How Much Does a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Cost?

Mark Schneider

2025 Guide for New & Renewal Applicants

If you’re applying for or renewing a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), knowing the total cost ahead of time helps you budget and avoid surprises.
Colorado law requires state-approved training, a background check, and payment of county sheriff’s fees for both new and renewal permits.

Below is the full breakdown for new applications and renewals, including training, range, and ammo costs.

1. County Sheriff’s Office Fee

Your CHP application or renewal is processed through your county sheriff’s office.

  • New permit fee: $50 – $100 (varies by county)
  • Renewal fee: $63 in most counties
  • Late renewal penalty: Usually + $15 if expired within 6 months

This fee covers administrative processing, record checks, and submitting your background check request to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

2. Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Fee

The CBI charges $52.50 for the mandatory background check on both new and renewal applications.

This covers:

  • Criminal history & mental health record checks
  • Fingerprint processing (for new applicants)
  • Statewide verification of eligibility

For more details on eligibility and the legal process, see our Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Guide.

3. Training Class Costs – Required for Both New and Renewal

Colorado law requires state-approved training every time you apply or renew.

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we offer:

  • New Permit Class: $160 – 9 hours, meets all state requirements
  • Renewal Class: $110 – 4.5 hours, meets all state requirements
  • Range Fee: $20 – $25 (varies by location)
  • Ammunition: 50–100 rounds, typically $20 – $50 depending on caliber

Want to prepare for the shooting qualification? Check out our Colorado Shooting Drills to sharpen your skills before class.

4. Total Estimated Costs

For a New Permit:

ExpenseTypical Cost
Sheriff’s Fee$50 – $100
CBI Fee$52.50
New Permit Class$160
Range Fee$20 – $25
Ammunition$20 – $50
Total$302.50 – $387.50

For a Renewal:

ExpenseTypical Cost
Sheriff’s Fee$63
CBI Fee$52.50
Renewal Class$110
Range Fee$20 – $25
Ammunition$20 – $50
Total$265.50 – $300.50

Why Choose Concealed Carry Classes of Denver?

  • State-approved instructors verified by local sheriffs
  • Denver & Thornton classroom locations
  • Live-fire qualification included
  • Covers Colorado gun laws and self-defense scenarios
  • Small class sizes for personalized instruction

✅ Sign Up Today
Don’t wait until the last minute—classes fill quickly!
Register now for your Colorado concealed carry class and carry with confidence.

Legal & Law, News

Colorado Approaches One-Year Countdown to Firearms Safety Course Requirement

Mark Schneider

Denver, CO – August 9, 2025 — Colorado is now exactly one year away from the most sweeping change to state firearms law in decades. Starting August 1, 2026, law-abiding residents will be required to complete a certified firearms safety course and obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card or a “permit to purchase license” before purchasing or transferring certain semiautomatic firearms.

Created under Senate Bill 25-003 (SB 3), the requirement is modeled after Illinois’ FOID card system but takes its own approach. Supporters in the legislature claim it will promote responsible gun ownership. Critics, including many in Colorado’s firearms community, see it as yet another bureaucratic hurdle that burdens law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminals—who already ignore existing laws.

What Firearms Are Affected?

The law applies to:

  • Semiautomatic rifles
  • Semiautomatic shotguns
  • Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines

Private transfers and dealer sales are both covered. Anyone attempting to buy one of these firearms after August 1, 2026, without the card will be denied at the point of sale.

Special Rule for Hunter Education Graduates

If you already have a valid Colorado Hunter Education card, you will only be required to take the 4-hour basic course instead of the extended 12-hour version. The basic course still requires passing a written exam with a 90% or higher score.

Important Warning About Concealed Carry Classes

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class will NOT count toward this new requirement. Even if you’ve taken a CHP class recently, it will not qualify you for the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. You must take the specific state-approved Firearms Safety Course once it becomes available in 2026.

Course & Card Requirements

  • Basic Course: 4 hours covering safe handling, storage, magazine safety, child access prevention, mental health awareness, extreme risk protection orders, and empathy toward victims.
  • Extended Course: 12 hours over two or more days with additional legal and psychological training.
  • Eligibility Card: Issued after successful completion; valid for five years.

Instructors must be verified by their county sheriff, and licensed dealers will verify card status before finalizing a sale.

Why This Matters to Colorado Gun Owners

Colorado has never required a permit to purchase before. This is a major shift in policy—one that could cause significant delays if you wait until the last minute. Sheriffs, especially in Boulder County, have already voiced concerns over handling an estimated 50,000+ applications in the first year. That could mean processing delays and a backlog right before hunting season or other peak firearm purchase periods.

How This Compares Nationally

Colorado joins states like Illinois and California in adopting a “permit-to-purchase” system. Pro-gun advocates note that these systems have done little to reduce crime in other states but have made it more expensive and time-consuming for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Timeline to Be Ready

Now – Learn the requirements and check if your Hunter Ed card qualifies you for the 4-hour course.
June 2026 – Concealed Carry Classes of Denver (CCCD) plans to begin offering state-approved courses to help you meet the requirement in time.
August 1, 2026 – Law goes into effect; no card means no purchase or transfer.

FAQ

Does this affect all firearms?
No. It applies only to specified semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and certain handguns with detachable magazines.

Will my concealed carry class count?
No. A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit class does not meet the requirements of SB 3 and will not qualify you for the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. You must take the specific state-approved course.

What if I already own firearms?
You can keep them. The law applies to new purchases or transfers after August 1, 2026.

Pro-Gun Perspective

This new requirement doesn’t target criminals—it targets responsible gun owners with more red tape, extra fees, and mandatory classes. That’s why planning ahead is key: the sooner you complete the process once it opens, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your constitutional rights without interruption.

Take Action Now

Legal & Law, News

Does Colorado Have a Waiting Period to Buy Firearms?

Mark Schneider

Short answer: Yes. As of October 1, 2023, Colorado imposes a minimum three-day waiting period between the time you purchase a firearm and when you can take it home.

Colorado’s Waiting Period Law

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-115, all firearm sales — dealer or private — must be delayed for at least three full days after the completion of the purchase paperwork. This applies whether you are buying a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.

The stated intent of the law was to provide a “cooling-off period” to prevent impulsive acts of violence. Many gun owners see it differently — as another burden placed on law-abiding citizens that does nothing to deter criminals.

Exceptions to the Waiting Period

The law provides some exemptions, including:

  • Active-duty military
  • Law enforcement officers purchasing duty firearms
  • Antique firearms and certain curios/relics
  • Emergency transfers ordered by a court

For everyone else, the clock starts after you complete the background check paperwork, and you cannot take possession until the waiting period expires.

Penalties for Violating the Law

If a seller transfers a firearm before the waiting period is over, they can face a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for repeat violations.

Why This Law Matters to Gun Owners

Colorado already has a universal background check system. Now, even after passing your background check instantly, you still have to wait three days to pick up your firearm. Critics argue that this can leave citizens defenseless during urgent self-defense needs — especially victims of domestic violence who may not have three days to wait.

Relevant Colorado Statute

  • Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-115 – Establishes the three-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, outlines exceptions, and sets penalties.

Take Your Firearms Knowledge Further

✅ Sign Up for a Colorado CCW Class – Learn the law, improve your skills, and carry with confidence.
🛒 Shop Our Gear & Accessories – Holsters, range gear, and more.
🎯 Practice Shooting Drills – Build your accuracy and speed.
📜 Read More Colorado Gun Laws – Stay informed and compliant.