Tag: self-defense insurance

Concealed Carry, Services

Do I Need to Take a Class to Renew My Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

Mark Schneider

The answer is yes – if you’re looking to renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you are required to take a renewal class. Colorado law mandates that all Concealed Handgun Permit holders complete a renewal class through a verified instructor, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with both legal changes and safety training.

Why is the Renewal Class Necessary?

The renewal class serves two main purposes:

  1. Legal Requirements: As laws surrounding concealed carry and firearms change, it’s vital to ensure that permit holders are informed about these updates to remain compliant with state laws.
  2. Safety and Skill Maintenance: Firearm safety and handling skills can degrade over time if they aren’t consistently practiced. The renewal class helps you brush up on important topics related to firearm safety, carrying procedures, and, most importantly, the use-of-force laws that affect your right to carry.

Verified Instructor Requirement

To renew your CHP, your class must be taken with a verified instructor. A verified instructor ensures that you are receiving accurate, up-to-date information regarding laws and proper firearm handling techniques. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the renewal process and ensuring that you stay safe while carrying your weapon.

What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your Permit?

If you fail to renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit before it expires, your permit will become invalid, and you will need to go through the full application process to obtain a new permit. This may include background checks and submitting new fingerprints, which could be more time-consuming and costly than simply renewing.

How Soon Can You Renew Your CHP?

You can renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit up to 6 months before the expiration date. This allows you to stay ahead of the process and avoid any lapse in your ability to carry concealed. However, if you miss the renewal deadline and your permit expires, you will be required to take the full application process again, including submitting new fingerprints and going through a background check.

No Grace Period After Expiration (Effective July 1, 2025)

Currently, Colorado provides a 6-month grace period after your permit expires during which you can still renew it without having to reapply from scratch. However, starting July 1, 2025, there will be no grace period after expiration. If your permit expires, you will need to reapply as a new applicant, including completing the required training, submitting new fingerprints, and undergoing a background check.

Until July 1, 2025, the 6-month grace period still applies, so you have some time to renew your permit after it expires.

What Does the New Law Say?

Effective July 1, 2025, there will be some key changes to Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit process:

  1. New Applications:
    • Applicants will be required to complete an 8-hour Concealed Handgun Training Class with a verified instructor.
    • The training certificate must be dated within one year of your application.
  2. Renewal Applications:
    • You will need to take either an 8-hour Concealed Handgun Training Class or a 2-hour Refresher Class taught by a verified instructor.
    • The certificate must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application.
  3. No Grace Period After Expiration:
    • Starting July 1, 2025, there will be no grace period after your permit expires. If you fail to renew before your permit’s expiration, you will need to reapply as a new applicant and complete all required training.

How Long is the CHP Renewal Class?

The renewal class is typically shorter than the initial course. In Colorado, the renewal class generally takes about 4.5 hours, while the initial class can be up to 9 hours long. This allows you to refresh your knowledge without the need for a full re-certification process.

Do You Need to Take the Renewal Class in Person?

While some states offer online or virtual renewal classes, Colorado requires that the class be taken in person with a verified instructor. This ensures that you can ask questions, receive feedback, and participate in any necessary hands-on training related to firearm safety and law updates.

What to Expect in the Renewal Class

The renewal class typically covers:

  • Changes in Colorado firearm laws
  • Basic safety and handling of firearms
  • Legal use of force and self-defense laws
  • Situational awareness while carrying concealed
  • A written test at the end of the class to assess your understanding
  • A live fire requirement of 50 rounds minimum with a qualification of 70 percent or higher

This is a great opportunity to refresh your skills and ensure you’re up to date with any legal changes or best practices.

How Often Do You Need to Renew Your CHP?

In Colorado, your Concealed Handgun Permit is valid for 5 years. After that, you must renew it to continue carrying concealed legally. Make sure to check your permit’s expiration date and plan to take the renewal class well in advance to avoid any lapses in your ability to carry.

Take Your Renewal Class with Us

At [Your Business Name], we offer CHP renewal classes that meet the state requirements and are taught by verified instructors. Whether you’re renewing your permit for the first time or just keeping it current, we provide an easy, straightforward process that fits your schedule.

To register for your renewal class, visit our page: Colorado Concealed Carry Class.

Stay compliant, stay safe, and ensure that you’re ready to legally and confidently carry your firearm. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment

Should You Carry Backup Magazines?

Mark Schneider

There is an ongoing debate about whether CCW holders, Armed Security Guards and Law Enforcement should carry backup magazines or how many should be carried. Some argue that the average self-defense encounter does not require extra ammunition, while others believe in preparing for worst-case scenarios.

Three Back Up Glock 17 Mags in A Zero Nine Mag Carrier

Personally, I believe you should always carry a backup magazine—or even multiple backups. As a security professional, I carry three backup magazines on my vest while on duty. My duty firearm is a Glock 45, and since Colorado has a magazine limit of 15 rounds, I ensure I have enough ammo to handle any situation. When I conceal carry, I always carry a backup magazine using the Tulster mag carrier, which looks like a pocket knife sitting in my pocket and makes carrying an extra mag discreet and convenient.

Here are my key reasons why carrying a backup magazine(s) is essential:

1. Having Extra Ammo for a Gunfight

The most obvious reason is simply having more ammunition in case a gunfight lasts longer than expected. The USCCA’s 3-5 rule states that the average self-defense shooting for a CCW holder lasts 3 to 5 seconds, occurs at 3 to 5 yards, and involves 3 to 5 rounds fired. Statistically, that means a standard 15+1 setup should be enough in most cases.

However, statistics don’t mean much when you’re the one in the fight. I prepare for the worst, whether on duty or carrying concealed. According to Tom Givens, an expert in self-defense training, data from FBI gunfights (2012-2016) showed that 92% of engagements happened between 6 to 10 feet, with an average of 3.7 rounds fired. While that suggests a standard magazine should be sufficient, I’d rather have extra ammo than wish I had it when my life is on the line.

2. Dropped or Lost Magazines

In high-stress situations, psychological and physiological effects can impair performance. Factors like tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, adrenaline dump, auditory exclusion, and the fight-or-flight response all come into play. Under such stress, there’s always the possibility of accidentally dropping your magazine or hitting the mag release.

Other scenarios include:

  • The mag hitting an object while taking cover and dislodging.
  • The magazine breaking or failing.
  • Needing to clear a stoppage and dropping the mag.
  • The mag falling into an inaccessible spot—like under a car or into thick grass—during a nighttime encounter.

If that happens, do you want to waste precious time fumbling for your magazine, or would you rather grab your backup and get back in the fight? Even seasoned professionals make mistakes—Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch, once broke his 1911 magazine getting out of a patrol car and his 1911 Handgun temporarily became a single shot gun.

3. Magazine Malfunctions Happen

Magazines are one of the most common failure points in a firearm. Springs wear out, feed lips get bent, and debris can cause feeding issues. If your primary magazine malfunctions in a fight, having a backup allows you to quickly swap it out and keep fighting.

4. Multiple Attackers

Self-defense situations don’t always involve just one threat. If you’re facing multiple attackers, your ammo could deplete fast. Home invasions, carjackings, and active shooter incidents all present scenarios where extra rounds could mean the difference between survival and running out of ammo.

5. Extended Engagements

While statistics suggest most gunfights are over quickly, not all fights are typical. If you’re caught in a prolonged engagement—such as an active shooter scenario, a barricaded suspect situation, or a gunfight while retreating to cover—you’ll want as much ammo as possible.

6. Active Shooter and Terrorist Attacks

In active shooter scenarios and terrorist attacks, you may face an extended fight, multiple attackers, or the need for additional rounds to neutralize the threat. In these unpredictable events, having extra ammunition can be a life-saving decision.

Consider the October 7th, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, where attackers opened fire on civilians and security forces, leading to prolonged engagements and many casualties. Had those caught in the attack not had the proper amount of ammunition, the outcome could have been even worse. This kind of threat highlights the importance of being prepared for not only common criminal encounters but also the possibility of facing a terrorist or extremist attack.

7. Different Carry Considerations

Tulster Neo Mag on a Shield Arms Magazine
  • Security Work vs. Concealed Carry: When on duty, I carry three extra mags. When carrying concealed, I carry one spare with a low-profile Tulster mag carrier that looks like a pocket knife.
  • Low-Profile Carry: If you want extra ammo but are worried about printing, magazine carriers like NeoMag, SnagMag, or belt-mounted options make carrying easy.

8. Real-World Lessons & Historical Incidents

History has shown time and time again that having extra ammo can be critical:

  • 1986 FBI Miami Shootout – FBI agents ran out of ammo, leading to tragic results.
  • 1997 North Hollywood Shootout – Police were severely outgunned and low on ammo.
  • Kyle Rittenhouse Case – He fired multiple rounds against multiple attackers, and extra ammo was crucial.

Final Thoughts

While the statistics suggest that a single magazine might be enough in most gunfights, self-defense is about preparing for the worst, not hoping for the best. I firmly believe in carrying extra magazines because malfunctions happen, fights can last longer than expected, and multiple attackers are a reality. The addition of carrying extra ammo can be a lifesaver in the face of both everyday threats and extraordinary events like active shooter incidents or terrorist attacks.

Carrying an extra magazine(s) adds very little weight or inconvenience but provides a significant increase in survivability. Whether you’re a CCW holder, security professional, or law enforcement officer, a backup magazine(s) is an essential part of being truly prepared.

Self Defense Insurance

Why Self-Defense Insurance is Essential for Gun Owners: The Daniel Penny Incident

Mark Schneider

When it comes to carrying concealed, self-defense should always be a top priority. But what happens when you use force to protect yourself, and the legal system decides to question whether your actions were justified? This is the exact situation Daniel Penny found himself in after the tragic death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway in May 2023. While Penny was ultimately acquitted of all charges, his case highlights the importance of having self-defense insurance, especially for those who carry concealed weapons (CCW).

The Daniel Penny Case: A Timeline of Legal Trouble

On May 4, 2023, Daniel Penny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was involved in an incident aboard a New York subway train when he restrained Jordan Neely, a man reportedly displaying erratic behavior, by placing him in a chokehold. Neely later died from the incident, leading to a high-profile criminal case. Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter, with prosecutors arguing that his actions were reckless and caused Neely’s death.

Daniel Penny is escorted to his arraignment after he surrendered to police in New York City on May 12.
Photo Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

The case was fraught with public and media attention, with political tensions running high. Some perceived the prosecution as politically motivated, influenced by public outcry and the need to satisfy social justice groups. Penny’s defense team, however, argued that he acted in self-defense, fearing for his safety and that of other passengers on the subway.

The trial, which began in March 2024, lasted several weeks, and on March 15, 2024, Penny was acquitted of all charges. Despite his acquittal, the financial and emotional toll of this case was immense.

The Financial Cost of Legal Defense

While Penny was cleared of criminal charges, the financial costs associated with defending himself in both the criminal and civil courts could easily exceed $500,000. Legal fees for high-profile criminal cases can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trial and the experience of the legal team.

In addition to criminal defense costs, Penny could face significant costs in a civil lawsuit. If the Neely family decides to sue for wrongful death, Penny could be looking at another $100,000 to $500,000 in legal fees and court costs. These costs are not uncommon for high-profile civil cases and can continue to rise depending on the length of litigation.

Why Self-Defense Insurance is Crucial for CCW Holders

This is where self-defense insurance comes in. For those who carry concealed weapons, having a self-defense insurance plan is vital. These plans cover the legal defense costs associated with criminal and civil liabilities, as well as potential damages in civil lawsuits.

For example, self-defense insurance can cover:

  • Criminal defense: Legal fees and expert witnesses to defend against charges like manslaughter or homicide.
  • Civil liability: Costs associated with wrongful death lawsuits and settlements.
  • Additional expenses: Court fees, lost wages, and the potential for settlements.

The total cost of defending yourself after using force in a self-defense situation can range from $250,000 to over $1 million. A self-defense insurance plan can reduce or even eliminate these costs, allowing you to focus on defending your case, rather than worrying about how to pay for it.

Want to see how different self-defense insurance plans compare? Click here to check out our comparison chart.

Real-Life Examples of the Need for Self-Defense Insurance

Penny’s case is far from unique. In fact, there are many other cases of CCW holders who found themselves caught in legal battles after using force in self-defense. For instance, a Michigan CCW holder was involved in a shooting incident during an attempted robbery. His legal fees skyrocketed to over $250,000, despite the fact that he was ultimately found to have acted in self-defense. Another example is a Texas man whose civil lawsuit from a self-defense shooting lasted for years, costing him more than $400,000 in attorney fees and settlements, even though he was acquitted in criminal court.

These cases emphasize how costly a legal defense can be, even if you act legally and responsibly. Without self-defense insurance, the financial burden can be overwhelming.

The Political Debate and the Impact of Public Opinion

The Daniel Penny case also became a flashpoint for broader societal debates about public safety, self-defense laws, and police use of force. Many argued that the prosecution was politically motivated, influenced by the political climate surrounding issues like race, policing, and homelessness. Public protests and media coverage led to heightened scrutiny of Penny’s actions, with some claiming that he was being prosecuted not just for the death of Neely, but as part of a larger political agenda.

This case underscores how crucial it is to understand the implications of using force in self-defense. Even if you are ultimately acquitted, you could face years of legal battles, public scrutiny, and hefty financial costs.

How to Choose the Right Self-Defense Insurance

For CCW holders, understanding the legal risks of self-defense situations is essential. Self-defense insurance helps mitigate these risks by offering coverage for both criminal defense and civil lawsuits. But not all plans are the same. When selecting a self-defense insurance plan, consider the following:

  • Coverage limits: Ensure that the plan covers both criminal and civil defense.
  • Attorney access: Look for a plan that provides access to experienced attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases.
  • Policy limits: Make sure the policy covers substantial legal fees and potential settlements in civil cases.

Want to compare self-defense insurance plans? Visit our comparison chart for an easy guide to find the best plan for your needs.

Social Proof: What Others Are Saying

Many CCW holders who have invested in self-defense insurance have praised the peace of mind it provides. One customer shared, “I never thought I’d need it, but when I was involved in a self-defense situation, the insurance covered my entire legal defense. It’s invaluable, especially in high-stakes cases.” Another user said, “After being in a legal battle following an attempted mugging, my self-defense insurance saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It was the best decision I made.”

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance

The Daniel Penny case shows that even when you act in self-defense, the financial and emotional costs can be overwhelming. Self-defense insurance is a crucial tool for any CCW holder, offering peace of mind and protection against the costs of both criminal and civil liabilities. Protect yourself and your future by ensuring you have the right coverage in place.

For more information on the different types of self-defense insurance, be sure to check out our comparison chart.