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Your Go-To FAQ for Colorado Concealed Carry Law, CHP Permits, and Responsible Firearm Ownership

Whether you’re a new applicant or a long-time concealed carrier, you probably have questions—especially with Colorado’s laws changing in July 2025. As verified instructors, we’ve put together the most detailed and accurate FAQ available for CCW holders in the state. Let’s break it down:

📝 CHP Application & Renewal

❓ Do I Need to Take a Class to Get My CHP?

Yes. You must complete an 8-hour, in-person training class that includes:

Live-fire shooting (minimum 50 rounds)
A written exam (must score 70%+)
Instruction from a verified Colorado instructor

🔒 After July 1, 2025, online classes are no longer valid.

❓ What’s the Application Process?

Step	What You Need
Training	8-hour in-person class (valid 1 year)
ID	Valid Colorado photo ID
Photo	Passport-style photo
Application	Completed at your county sheriff’s office
Fee	Up to ~$152 depending on county
Fingerprints	Taken at your appointment
Background Check	CBI + FBI check required
Processing	Up to 90 days

❓ What About Renewals?

Topic	Details
Renewal Period	Up to 120 days before expiration
Grace Period	6 months after expiration (late fee may apply)
Expired 6+ Months	Must reapply as a new applicant
New Requirements (7/1/25)	2-hour refresher, live fire, written test
ID Required	Colorado driver’s license or ID
Late Fee	~$15 in most counties

⚖ Use of Force Laws

❓ When Can I Use Deadly Force?

Under CRS 18-1-704 & 704.5:

Threat must be imminent
You cannot be the initial aggressor
Force must be proportional to the threat
Deadly force is only justified to prevent death or serious bodily harm

Deadly force is justified if stopping:

Murder or attempted murder
Sexual assault (active, not past or future)
Kidnapping
Robbery (with threat or weapon)
Aggravated assault
Burglary involving forced entry
First-degree arson posing threat to life

📍 Where Can and Can’t I Carry?

Location	Carry Allowed?
Denver City Buildings	❌ No
Boulder Parks	❌ No
CU/CSU Buildings	❌ No
DIA Airport	❌ No
K–12 School Grounds	✅ In vehicle ONLY
Private Property Posted “No Guns”	❌ No
Public Transit	✅ With CHP
National Forests	✅ Yes
Federal Buildings	❌ No
Military Bases	❌ Not without written authorization

🧠 Mental Health & CHP

❓ Will Mental Health Disqualify Me?

You may be denied a CHP if:

You were adjudicated mentally incompetent
Placed on a mental health hold
Committed to a mental institution

You can petition the court for restoration with documentation from a licensed provider.

🔫 Firearm & Permit Details

❓ How Many Guns Can I Carry?

There’s no legal limit on how many firearms you carry, as long as they are concealed and safely handled.

❓ Can I Carry with a Round in the Chamber?

Yes. All modern handguns are designed to be carried with a round chambered, using a proper holster.

❓ Can I Use Medical Marijuana and Still Have a CHP?

No. Marijuana use, even medical, disqualifies you under federal law. Lying on your CHP application may result in perjury charges.

❓ What Happens if I Lose My Permit?

You must report it and request a replacement from your county sheriff. A fee usually applies.

❓ Can I Carry at Work?

That depends on:

Employer policy
Whether it’s private or public property
If you keep it in your vehicle, it’s often allowed unless posted otherwise

❓ What if I Move to Another County or State?

New county: Notify sheriff’s office and renew with them
Out-of-state move: Your Colorado CHP becomes invalid

🚗 Firearm Transportation

Type	Legal?
Handgun (Loaded, Concealed in Car)	✅ Yes
Long Gun (Loaded)	❌ No – must be unloaded
Ammo in Same Case?	✅ Legal, but not best practice
Gun Left in Car Unattended?	✅ If it’s secured and not visible

🚫 Reasons for Denial

Reason	Outcome
Felony Conviction	Lifetime ban
Domestic Violence Misdemeanor	Federal disqualifier
Active Restraining Order	Disqualified until lifted
Lying on Application	Considered perjury
Recent Alcohol/Drug Offenses	Discretionary denial

🧍 Situational Awareness & De-escalation

Avoid confrontations whenever possible
Always scan for exits and group behavior
Use strong body language and clear verbal direction
Don’t let ego override smart choices
Drawing your firearm is only for defense, not intimidation

📞 What Should I Say to 911 After a Shooting?

Say:

“There has been a shooting. I was attacked. I defended myself. Please send police and medical. I will cooperate and would like to speak to my attorney.”

Then say nothing else.

🧾 Common Procedural Questions

❓ Do I Have to Carry My Permit With Me?

Yes. You must carry both your CHP and valid ID while carrying.

❓ Can I Carry in a Bar or Restaurant?

Yes, but you may not be intoxicated while carrying. Stay below the legal limit.

❓ Can I Wear a Mask While Carrying?

Yes. Colorado law does not prohibit carrying with a face covering.

❓ Is There Magazine Capacity Limit?

Yes – 15 rounds. Possession of higher-capacity magazines is illegal unless lawfully owned before July 1, 2013. Proving that can be difficult, so we recommend using compliant mags only.

✅ Take the Next Step in Your CCW Journey

🔫 Book a Concealed Carry Class – In-person, verified training
🛡 Explore Self-Defense Insurance Options
📚 Learn Colorado’s Use-of-Force Laws
📞 Contact Us With Any Questions

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment, Shooting Techniques

Best 9mm Ammo for Bear Defense: What Actually Works?

June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 Mark Schneider

In the backcountry, your life could depend on the ammo you carry. While 9mm is not the ideal caliber for bear defense, with the right ammunition and shot placement, it can be better than nothing. This guide will help you choose the best 9mm bear defense ammo to give yourself a fighting chance.

⚠️ Is 9mm Enough for Bear Defense?

Let’s be blunt: 9mm is a light caliber when it comes to stopping a charging bear — especially compared to 10mm, .44 Magnum, or even a 12-gauge slug. But with the right load, it can still offer some level of protection.

The key is penetration — not expansion. Your goal isn’t to cause massive wound cavities. It’s to drive a bullet deep enough to reach vital organs, break bone, or sever the spine.

✅ What to Look For in 9mm Bear Defense Ammo

Hard cast bullets or solid copper projectiles
Flat nose (meplat) for straight-line penetration
+P or +P+ pressures for higher velocity
Avoid hollow points — they expand and stop short

🔥 Top 9mm Ammo Choices for Bear Defense

🥇 1. Underwood 147gr +P+ Hard Cast Flat Nose

Bullet: Hard Cast, gas-checked
Velocity: ~1,150 fps
Energy: ~430 ft-lbs
Why It Works: Maximum penetration and bone-breaking potential. Built for dangerous game — not just humans.

🥈 2. Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 147gr +P+ Hard Cast

Bullet: Hard Cast Flat Nose
Velocity: ~1,100 fps
Energy: ~400 ft-lbs
Why It Works: Proven backcountry load. Engineered for dangerous animal encounters. Compatible with compact pistols like the Glock 19.

🥉 3. Lehigh Defense 90gr +P Extreme Penetrator

Bullet: Solid copper fluted
Velocity: ~1,400 fps
Energy: ~390 ft-lbs
Why It Works: Non-expanding but creates massive tissue disruption. Excellent for shorter barrels and fast follow-up shots.

❌ What to Avoid

✘ Hollow Points (e.g., HST, Gold Dot, XTP)

Designed to expand in human tissue
Will fail to penetrate deeply enough in muscle and bone
May clog and underperform in real bear encounters

✘ Standard FMJ or Target Ammo

Round nose can deflect off bone
Inconsistent results, not made for barrier penetration

🧠 Why Bears Attack

You startled a bear (especially a sow with cubs)
You’re near a kill or food source
The bear is starving or diseased
The bear sees you as prey

Bear attacks are rare, but when they happen, they’re violent, fast, and life-threatening. Your ammo choice matters.

🧺 Backcountry Safety Tips

Store food correctly using bear canisters or hanging methods
Dispose of trash properly
Avoid surprise encounters — make noise while hiking
Carry bear spray, and use it as your first line of defense
Use your firearm only when lethal force is your last option

🧩 Final Thoughts: Should You Rely on 9mm?

If you’re hiking or camping in bear country and a 9mm is all you have, load it right. Don’t expect miracles — but know that proper ammo can make a difference. Shot placement, awareness, and readiness matter more than caliber alone.

If you have the option, upgrade to 10mm or .44 Magnum, but if not, go with hard cast or extreme penetrator ammo — and practice.

✅ Train Before You Need It

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we train students for real-world threats — including backcountry survival. Whether you’re preparing for a hike, carrying for self-defense, or simply want to build skills, our courses help you stay ready.

🔒 Don’t Hike Without Legal Protection

If you ever have to shoot to save your life — even from a bear — you’ll deal with legal questions afterward. Protect yourself with a self-defense liability plan:

Legal defense coverage for wilderness incidents
24/7 emergency attorney hotline
Civil defense protection

Compare CCW & Self-Defense Insurance Plans Here

📚 Learn Colorado’s Self-Defense Laws

Understanding your legal rights is just as important as knowing how to shoot. We break down Colorado’s use-of-force laws, duty to retreat, defense of others, and more.

Visit Our Guide to Colorado Self-Defense Laws

🎯 Ready to Get Trained?

🧭 Suggested Ammo Sources (No Affiliate Links)

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Gear and Equipment, Guide, Legal & Law

Best Bear Defense Gun & Caliber: Can 9mm Really Stop a Bear?

June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 Mark Schneider

When it comes to bear defense, you’re not out to hunt — you’re trying to survive. Whether it’s a black bear on a trail or a charging grizzly in the backcountry, you need to react fast and hit hard. While most people turn to magnum revolvers or 10mm pistols, there are real documented cases where even a properly loaded 9mm has stopped bear attacks.

That said, it’s not about caliber hype — it’s about gear that works, training that holds up under pressure, and understanding what actually causes bear attacks in the first place.

📏 Real Bear Defense Cases with 9mm (Cited)

📍 Russian River, Alaska (2002)

A fisherman shot a charging grizzly using a 9mm loaded with FMJ rounds. The bear collapsed after being hit.
🔗 AmmoLand Case #1

📍 Bachelor Gulch, Colorado (2004)

A homeowner stopped a bear trying to enter his house with a 9mm handgun. The bear fled after being hit.
🔗 AmmoLand Case #2

📍 Alaska Guide: Phil Shoemaker (2016)

Veteran guide used a Smith & Wesson 3954 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore 147gr hard cast +P to stop a charging grizzly.
🔗 AmmoLand Case #3
🔗 American Hunter

📊 Caliber Comparison: What’s Best for Bear Defense?

Caliber	Capacity	Recoil	Penetration	Best Ammo Type	Verdict
9mm	High	Low	Medium (w/ hard cast)	Hard Cast / Solid	Minimum viable
10mm Auto	Medium	Medium	High	Hard Cast / Solid	Ideal all-around
.44 Magnum	Low	High	Very High	Hard Cast / Solid	Gold standard
.454 Casull	Very Low	Brutal	Extreme	Hard Cast / Solid	Overkill for most

⚡ What a Real Bear Charge Looks Like

Distance to impact: Often under 30 feet
Speed: 35+ mph
Time to contact: ~1.5–2 seconds
Your draw and shot time: You have about 1 second — maybe

If you’re not trained to draw from your holster, find your front sight, and fire under adrenaline, the caliber doesn’t matter. You won’t get the shot off in time.

Train for stress. Practice holster draws. Use a chest rig in bear country.

🐾 Bear Attacks Are Rare — But Real

Bear attacks are extremely rare. Most bears avoid humans. But when they do attack, it’s often:

Fast
Unexpected
Violent
Lethal if you’re unprepared

🐻 Why Do Bear Attacks Happen?

You surprise a mama bear with cubs
Classic grizzly encounter — she sees you as a threat.
You startle the bear at close range
You round a bend and both of you nearly crap yourselves. He might bluff, or he might charge.
The bear is starving and desperate
Especially in late fall, food is scarce. These bears test boundaries or go predatory.
The bear is diseased or feral
Rare but extremely dangerous. Erratic behavior and zero fear of humans.

🗱️ Don’t Invite a Bear to Dinner

Avoid bear encounters by following basic food safety:

Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it
Never leave trash out — pack it out or seal it
Cook away from your tent
Don’t leave pet food or scented items unattended

Most bear problems start with human carelessness.

🫰 Bear Spray First, Firearm Second

Bear spray is:

Easier to use under stress
Non-lethal and often just as effective
Safer legally in parks and public lands

But spray can fail. That’s why we recommend:

Carry both. Spray is your first line of defense. Firearm is your last resort.

❓ FAQ: Bear Defense & Firearms

Can a 9mm stop a bear?
Yes — when loaded with hard cast or solid copper rounds. But it’s not ideal. 10mm and magnums offer more stopping power.

What’s the best ammo for bear defense in 9mm?

Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P
Underwood 147gr Hard Cast
Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator

Where should I carry my gun?
Chest rigs are best. Strong-side OWB holsters also work. Avoid backpack carry.

Is it legal to shoot a bear?
Only in self-defense. You must articulate an imminent threat, just like in human encounters.

🔋 What About 148gr 9mm Ammo?

Some 148gr 9mm loads are target ammo (like lead wadcutters) — not designed for bear defense.

But if you’re using something like Buffalo Bore’s 147gr–148gr Hard Cast Outdoorsman +P, you’re in good hands. These rounds are purpose-built for deep, straight-line penetration.

✅ Bear-Ready 9mm Ammo Includes:

Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman +P
Underwood 147gr Hard Cast
Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator

Avoid hollow points. They’re designed for soft tissue, not thick hide and bone.

📑 Click here to read our full 9mm Bear Defense Ammo Breakdown →