Tag: second-amendment

News

Colorado’s New Gun Control Law: Understanding the Impact

Mark Schneider
Photo Credit: Jesse Paul/The Colorado Sun

On April 10, 2025, Governor Jared Polis signed a sweeping new gun control law into effect, targeting law-abiding Coloradans who wish to purchase semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. Beginning August 1, 2026, you’ll be forced to take mandatory, state-approved training before you can legally buy a semi-auto firearm that millions of Americans already own responsibly.

They’re calling it a “public safety” law — but let’s be honest. That’s bullshit. This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with control.

❗ What the Law Actually Requires

Under the new law, Colorado residents must take a state-mandated Firearm Safety Course from a Verified Instructor — a title and approval process now controlled by the government.

To legally purchase a semiautomatic firearm, you must complete one of the following:

  • ✅ A 10-hour Hunter Safety Course plus a 4-hour Firearm Safety Course taught by a Verified Instructor, or
  • ✅ A 2-day, 12-hour Firearm Safety Course taught entirely by a Verified Instructor

Renewals require a 4-hour refresher course, also taught by a Verified Instructor.

🕒 Existing Gun Control Laws Are Already Burdensome

Let’s not forget: Colorado already has a 3-day waiting period on all firearm purchases — that’s been law since 2023.

And we’ve had a 15-round magazine capacity limit in place since July 1, 2013.

These laws haven’t stopped criminals — but they’ve made legal gun ownership slower, harder, and more frustrating for responsible citizens who follow the rules.

Now the state wants to stack more red tape on top.

💸 A De Facto Gun Tax — With a New 6% Squeeze

This new law adds even more cost and complexity to exercising a fundamental right. Between the mandatory training, time off work, range fees, background checks, and the 3-day wait, you’re now paying hundreds if not thousands of dollars and losing days of your life just to legally purchase a firearm.

And it doesn’t stop there.

In 2024, Colorado voters — many of whom were unaware of the real impact — approved a 6% tax on all firearm and ammunition sales.

That money is supposed to go toward “violence prevention programs.” But let’s be real — it’ll likely end up in the hands of some politically connected nonprofit that lobbied for the bill and now gets a taxpayer-funded payday.

They’re not taxing criminals. They’re taxing you — the law-abiding citizen trying to do everything right.

And it hits hardest for:

  • Working-class Coloradans
  • Single parents
  • Minority communities
  • First-time gun owners who need protection the most

Meanwhile, criminals — who don’t take classes, wait three days, or pay taxes — are unaffected.

🧠 The Second Amendment Doesn’t Require a Permission Slip

There is no historical tradition of requiring government training and permission to exercise your rights. The Founders didn’t require a license to bear arms — and neither should we.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen made it clear: gun laws must align with the historical tradition of the Second Amendment.

This law doesn’t pass that test. It fails it — badly.

⚖️ Expect Legal Challenges

Several gun rights organizations have already signaled their intent to challenge this law in court. And for good reason — it’s unconstitutional.

These are the groups leading the charge:

We support them all — and you should too.

🔒 A Slippery Slope You Can’t Ignore

This isn’t just about one bill. It’s about setting the stage for more restrictions.

What’s next?

  • Mental health screenings?
  • Gun registries?
  • Total bans on semiautomatics?

This is how liberty dies — one “common sense” restriction at a time.

👊 We’re Ready — And We’ve Got Your Back

If the law stays in place, we’ll be ready to help you meet the training requirements without breaking the bank.

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we’ll offer:

  • ✔️ Both approved course formats
  • ✔️ Competitive pricing
  • ✔️ Certification upon completion
  • ✔️ Experienced, pro–2A Verified Instructors

👉 Click here to learn more and reserve your spot

🛡️ Legal Protection Is Just As Important

Training is only one part of being a responsible gun owner. If you ever have to defend yourself, you’ll need a legal defense team.

👉 Compare self-defense insurance plans here so you’re covered before something happens.

🔚 Final Thoughts

This law won’t stop crime. It won’t make anyone safer. But it will make it harder for everyday Coloradans to defend themselves.

We’re not here to comply. We’re here to train, educate, and fight back.

The Second Amendment wasn’t written with fine print. It wasn’t meant to be “convenient.” It was meant to guarantee freedom — and that’s exactly what we’re fighting for.

We’re not backing down. Neither should you.

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.