Tag: handgun

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense Insurance

Understanding Defensive Firearm Display Laws in Colorado

Mark Schneider

In some states, law-abiding gun owners have legal protection when they draw or show a firearm to deter a threat without firing it. This is commonly referred to as a “defensive display” of a firearm. States like Arizona have specific statutes that acknowledge this as a lawful act—Colorado does not.

If you’re a concealed carry permit holder or armed professional in Colorado, it’s crucial to understand what this means for you.

No Specific Statute for Defensive Display

Colorado law does not have a statute that protects defensive display of a firearm. If you draw, brandish, or even place your hand on your firearm in an attempt to deter someone, you may find yourself under criminal investigation—even if you never pointed the firearm or pulled the trigger.

The most common charge is menacing, which becomes a class 5 felony if a firearm is involved.

You Could Be Charged with Menacing

Under CRS § 18-3-206, menacing is defined as:

Knowingly placing or attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury through threat or physical action.

Once a firearm is involved, it doesn’t matter whether you intended to fire—it can still be considered a threat of deadly force. This could result in felony charges and life-changing consequences.

The “Reasonable Person” Standard

Whether you’re charged or convicted depends on whether your actions meet Colorado’s self-defense standard, which includes:

  • Was the threat of serious bodily injury or death imminent and unavoidable?
  • Did you draw your firearm to deter a danger of serious bodily injury or death?
  • Would a reasonable person in your situation have acted the same way?

If the threat wasn’t immediate, unavoidable, and didn’t involve a high risk of serious bodily injury or death, then your display of a firearm could be seen as unlawful intimidation, not self-defense.

Affirmative Defense and the “Lesser of Two Evils”

If you’re charged with menacing or unlawful use of force, Colorado law may still allow you to assert an affirmative defense in court. An affirmative defense means you don’t deny the act (e.g., drawing your firearm), but argue that it was legally justified.

One powerful legal argument in these cases is the necessity defense, sometimes called the “lesser of two evils.” This means you knowingly violated a law—but only to prevent a greater and imminent harm.

In a defensive display situation, your attorney might argue:

“Yes, my client displayed a firearm, but only to prevent a greater, imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. It was the lesser of two evils.”

If a judge allows the affirmative defense to go to trial, the burden shifts to the prosecution to disprove your justification beyond a reasonable doubt.

This defense can be powerful—but it’s risky, fact-specific, and hinges on solid legal strategy.

Realistic Examples That Could Lead to Charges

These are the types of actions that seem defensive to some, but may land you in handcuffs:

  • Lifting your shirt to reveal your concealed handgun during an argument
  • Drawing your firearm when someone aggressively approaches but hasn’t yet touched you
  • Resting your hand on your pistol when someone is yelling at you in a parking lot

Unless the situation involves a clear, imminent, and unavoidable threat of serious bodily injury or death, you risk being charged with felony menacing.

Why Self-Defense Insurance is a Must in Colorado

Because Colorado law doesn’t recognize defensive display as a protected action, even a justified display of your firearm can lead to arrest, prosecution, and thousands of dollars in legal fees.

That’s why self-defense insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make as a concealed carrier or armed security professional.

✔️ It pays for your criminal defense attorney
✔️ It covers civil lawsuits that may follow
✔️ It provides expert legal help from day one

If you ever find yourself being questioned, arrested, or sued for trying to stop a threat, self-defense insurance can save your freedom, finances, and future.

🔗 Compare the top self-defense insurance plans here — We break down the options side-by-side to help you choose the right coverage.

What You Can Do Instead

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe—but don’t face an imminent threat—you’re better off:

  • Creating distance and leaving the situation if possible
  • Using verbal commands and maintaining situational awareness
  • Calling law enforcement early
  • Documenting the encounter if safe to do so

Pulling or displaying your firearm should be a last resort, not a warning tactic.

Final Thoughts: Be Trained, Be Covered, Be Smart

Colorado does not protect you for warning shots or defensive display. Even with good intentions, you could be charged with a felony and forced to defend yourself in court.

However, if your actions were truly necessary to avoid a greater harm, you may still have a valid legal defense—but you’ll need proper legal representation and expert support.

🛡️ Don’t Risk Your Future

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, protect yourself legally and practically:

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal counsel related to self-defense incidents in Colorado.

Gear and Equipment

What Is Level IIIA Body Armor? The Ultimate Guide for Security Guards & Concealed Carriers

Mark Schneider

If you’re looking for protection against handgun threats, Level IIIA body armor is one of the most popular options on the market. Whether you’re an armed security guard, law enforcement officer, or a civilian with a concealed carry permit, understanding what Level IIIA armor is—and isn’t—can help you make the right decision for your safety.

In this article, we’ll break down what Level IIIA body armor means, what it stops, how it compares to other levels, and why it’s such a common choice.

What Does Level IIIA Mean?

Level IIIA is a ballistic rating established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) under its Standard 0101.06. The NIJ sets performance standards for body armor, ensuring that products meet strict testing requirements.

Level IIIA body armor is rated to stop:

  • .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose bullets traveling at ~1,470 feet per second
  • .44 Magnum SJHP rounds traveling at ~1,430 feet per second

It also reliably stops virtually all common handgun rounds, including:

  • 9mm
  • .40 S&W
  • .45 ACP
  • .38 Special
  • .357 Magnum

This makes Level IIIA soft armor the highest level of protection available for flexible, concealable vests.

What Will Level IIIA Armor Not Stop?

It’s important to understand that Level IIIA armor will not stop rifle rounds. Even a standard 5.56x45mm or 7.62x39mm fired from an AR-15 or AK-47 will penetrate soft armor.

To protect against rifles, you would need:

  • Level III plates, which stop most common rifle threats (like 7.62 NATO FMJ)
  • Level IV plates, which stop armor-piercing rifle rounds (like .30-06 M2 AP)

However, Level IIIA is still highly valuable because statistically, most shootings involve handguns. It also allows for much lighter, more comfortable daily wear compared to rifle plates.

Types of Level IIIA Body Armor

Level IIIA armor typically comes in:

  • Soft armor panels: Flexible aramid or UHMWPE layers that can be worn in concealed carriers or overt vests.
  • Helmet inserts: Many ballistic helmets are also rated at IIIA.
  • Backpack inserts: Designed for discreet carry protection.

At CCCD, we often recommend 10×12 soft armor panels rated to Level IIIA. They’re about 7/16″ thick, waterproof, and can withstand multiple hits from .44 Magnum—offering excellent protection without the bulk of rifle plates.

Level IIIA strikes a perfect balance for many professionals because it:

  • Stops nearly all handgun threats.
  • Is light and flexible. Typically under 1 pound per panel.
  • Can be worn discreetly. Perfect for plainclothes security or personal protection.
  • Costs less than rifle-rated plates. Making it affordable for individuals and agencies.

That’s why it’s the armor of choice for most armed guards, patrol officers, and concealed carriers who need to stay protected without sacrificing mobility.

Choosing Level IIIA Body Armor

When shopping for Level IIIA armor, look for:
✅ NIJ-certified testing. Always verify the armor was tested to the latest NIJ standard (usually 0101.06).
✅ Quality materials. Aramid (like Kevlar) or UHMWPE are industry standards.
✅ Waterproof covers. To protect the ballistic material from moisture damage.
✅ Multi-hit capability. Armor should be tested to stop multiple rounds.

Final Thoughts on Level IIIA Protection

If your primary threat is handgun rounds—as is the case for most security assignments and civilian defensive encounters—Level IIIA body armor is an outstanding choice. It gives you serious protection without the weight and rigidity of rifle plates, making it ideal for all-day wear.

🛡️ Ready to Gear Up?

👉 Click here to check out our affordable Level IIIA soft armor panels — perfect for outfitting your carrier with trusted protection against handgun threats.

Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Legal & Law, News, Situational Awareness

The Average Gunfight: How Many Rounds, What Distance, and How Fast?

Mark Schneider

When most people imagine a gunfight, they think of something out of a movie—dozens of rounds fired across long distances in a drawn-out exchange. The reality, especially in civilian self-defense scenarios, looks very different. Whether you’re a CCW holder, armed security guard, or just serious about self-defense, understanding the real-world dynamics of an average gunfight is essential to training smart and staying alive.

How Many Rounds Are Typically Fired?

Studies and data consistently show that real-world gunfights involve far fewer rounds than you might expect:

  • Law Enforcement Encounters: According to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) reports, the average number of rounds fired by officers in shooting incidents varies annually. For instance, in 2017, officers fired an average of 4.1 rounds per incident.
  • Civilian Self-Defense Cases: In a comprehensive five-year analysis of armed citizen encounters, it was found that defenders fired an average of 2 shots per incident. Notably, in situations where more than two shots were fired, it often appeared that the defender continued firing until their firearm was emptied.
  • Training Organization Data: Rangemaster, a prominent civilian defensive firearms training organization, reported that among 70 documented gunfights involving their alumni, the average number of rounds fired was about 4, with a range from 1 to 11 rounds per incident.

These numbers debunk the idea that more ammunition automatically makes you safer. While magazine capacity matters, accuracy and decision-making under pressure matter more.

At What Distance Do Most Gunfights Happen?

This may surprise you:

  • Close-Range Engagements: The widely cited “Rule of Threes” suggests that most gunfights occur at approximately 3 yards, involve 3 shots, and last about 3 seconds. This heuristic is supported by various law enforcement training materials and anecdotal evidence.
  • Law Enforcement Data: According to the FBI, offenders shot approximately 50.9% of officers within a distance of 0 to 5 feet. leb.fbi.gov
  • Variability in Distances: While close-range encounters are most common, there are documented instances of defensive shootings occurring at longer distances. For example, in the 2022 Greenwood Park Mall shooting, a civilian bystander engaged and neutralized an active shooter from a distance of 40 yards. en.wikipedia.org

So while it’s critical to master close-quarters shooting, it’s just as important not to neglect medium-range marksmanship in your training.

How Long Do Gunfights Last?

Almost all defensive shootings are over in seconds. Literally.

  • Average Duration: The “Rule of Threes” encapsulates this, indicating that many such encounters are resolved in approximately 3 seconds.
  • Rapid Resolution: For instance, in the 2019 Dayton shooting, law enforcement officers engaged and neutralized the shooter within 32 seconds of the first shots being fired. en.wikipedia.org

The takeaway? Your training should simulate that pressure: draw, shoot, move, and make life-or-death decisions in just a few seconds.

What This Means for Your Training

If you’re serious about concealed carry or working in armed security, your training should reflect these facts:

  • Train Close-Up: Most encounters happen inside 7 yards. Your first shot needs to be fast and accurate.
  • Train Under Stress: Practice with timers, movement, and decision-making. Create realistic scenarios, not just static range time.
  • Carry Enough Ammo—but Don’t Overthink It: If you have a spare magazine and can run your gun efficiently, you’re ahead of the curve.
  • Prepare Mentally: Learn how to recognize threats early, act decisively, and justify your actions legally and ethically.

Final Thoughts

The average gunfight is fast, close, and violent. There’s no warning bell, no time to fumble with your firearm, and no room for error. The more you align your training with the realities backed by hard data, the more prepared you’ll be to protect yourself and others.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult an attorney and follow local laws when carrying or using a firearm in self-defense.