Gun Laws in Colorado
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Colorado's moderate score of 62 reflects the state's mixed approach to gun legislation, with some protections for gun owners but also several significant restrictions including magazine capacity limits and expanded background check requirements.
Colorado Gun Laws Summary
Colorado has a mixed approach to gun laws, with some protections for gun owners but also several significant restrictions that have been implemented in recent years. The state maintains a balance between gun rights and certain regulatory measures, particularly in response to high-profile incidents within the state.
Colorado is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, which are issued by the county sheriff's departments. Applicants who meet all statutory requirements must be issued a permit, though sheriffs maintain some discretion if they believe the applicant would be a danger to themselves or others.
As of 2023, Colorado has not adopted constitutional carry. The state continues to require permits for concealed carry, and in recent years has enacted several new gun control measures including a red flag law, magazine capacity limits, and expanded background check requirements for private sales.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
No permit is required to purchase firearms in Colorado, but background checks are mandatory for all firearm transfers, including private sales. Colorado uses the CBI InstaCheck system for background checks, which operates alongside the federal NICS system.
All firearm transfers between private parties must be processed through a licensed dealer with a background check. The only exceptions are for transfers between immediate family members, temporary transfers for hunting or sporting purposes, and certain antique firearms. Concealed carry permits provide reciprocity with 27 states but do not exempt permit holders from background checks when purchasing firearms.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Colorado requires a permit for concealed carry, and permits are issued to residents who are at least 21 years old and meet all statutory requirements. Applicants must demonstrate competency with a handgun by completing a training course. Colorado honors concealed carry permits from some states but not all.
Open carry is generally legal without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, though local jurisdictions may have some authority to regulate open carry in certain public buildings and spaces. Denver's ban on assault weapons has been upheld by courts as an exception to state preemption. Colorado has a "Make My Day" law that provides legal protection to those who use deadly force against intruders in their homes, though the state does not have a broader stand-your-ground law applying outside the home.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Colorado prohibits magazines with a capacity greater than 15 rounds that were manufactured after July 1, 2013. There is no statewide ban on "assault weapons" or feature-based restrictions for rifles, though the city of Denver maintains its own assault weapon ban. NFA items such as suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns are legal in Colorado provided they comply with federal law.
Local Laws
Colorado has state preemption for most firearm laws, meaning local governments cannot enact ordinances that conflict with state law regarding the possession, ownership, or transfer of firearms. However, in 2021, the state legislature passed a law that allows local governments more authority to regulate firearms, including restricting open carry and regulating the sale and transfer of firearms. The city of Denver has successfully defended its assault weapon ban as an exception to state preemption.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Colorado Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
Colorado is a generally permissive state when it comes to buying, owning, and carrying firearms and ammunition. While there are not many hurdles to buying firearms and ammo beyond those instituted at the federal level, there are some state laws that make carrying firearms more difficult, and a few restrictions that can curtail people’s rights to possess and carry firearms.
While this piece should not be considered legal advice, we hope that it can serve as a guide for those who plan to purchase and carry firearms in Colorado. Keeping things relatively simple, Colorado law prevents localities from making firearms laws that contradict those at the state level. That means that there is one set of firearms laws throughout the state as a whole, although there are a few exceptions, which we note in this piece.
This piece covers the legal processes for buying, owning, and carrying firearms and ammunition in Colorado. We’ll start with the ammo laws before getting into the firearms laws and finishing things out with some resources that we hope you’ll find useful.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Colorado
First, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
Colorado does not have laws that prohibit people from purchasing ammunition beyond those already existing at the federal level. Thus, federal law is the source of guidance for buying ammunition in CO. There is an age requirement to purchase ammunition: people have to be 18 to buy rifle and shotgun ammunition, and 21 to buy pistol ammo.
Additionally, prohibited persons cannot purchase ammunition anywhere in the country. This includes people who have been convicted of most felonies or domestic violence, folks who have been ruled mentally incompetent by a court, and those who have been admitted to a mental health facility against their will.
Because CO does not impose additional restrictions in terms of ammunition, people can, generally, have ammunition shipped to residential addresses in the state assuming that they meet the above-mentioned requirements. Keep in mind, though, that carriers might institute their own rules for ammo shipments. Commonly, carriers may ask for someone with a valid ID to be present to sign for the delivery of a shipment containing ammunition.
While ammunition is not heavily regulated in the state, Colorado does have a magazine ban. The state prohibits people from owning magazines with more than a fifteen-round capacity. While this makes the laws in the state more restrictive, the ban does allow people to keep the magazines they owned before the effective date of the ban and does not apply retroactively. Thus, Colorado can be considered permissive overall in terms of ammunition, but the magazine ban is indicative of a state where there is at least some political will to enact stricter gun laws.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Colorado
The ammo laws in Colorado are generally quite permissive, with the exception of a magazine restriction. This mixed bag of both permissive and restrictive practices in CO continues with its gun laws as well.
For instance, the state does not ban any particular type of firearms: there’s no assault weapons ban to be found in the state. There is, on the other hand, a mandatory waiting period of three days for all gun sales in the state that are done through an FFL. The state also mandates that there be background checks when someone sells a firearm to anyone who is not in their immediate family.
Buying a firearm in Colorado then, requires the filling out of a Form 4473 with every purchase, since all of them will be done through an FFL. Then, once the background check and payment clear, people have to wait three days to pick up their purchased firearm. This makes CO somewhat restrictive on the actual buying of firearms, even if the state is fairly permissive in terms of what firearms can be legally bought in the state.
Openly carrying a firearm is legal at the state level, but this is one of the exceptions to the general rule that the state controls the firearms laws in Colorado. Denver, for instance, has outlawed open carry within city limits.
Colorado currently requires a permit to concealed carry a firearm, though there have been bills introduced at the state level in the past to waive this requirement. As things stand as of the time of this reading, Colorado is a shall-issue state. Attaining the permit is a matter of paying a relatively modest fee to the relevant county sheriff’s office, as well as fingerprinting and a background check.
Like every other state, CO has prohibitions on places where firearms can be carried, including:
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Federal Facilities
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K-12 Schools
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Airport Terminals
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Private Property with posted signage
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Colleges and Universities that prohibit CCWs
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Court Buildings
These restrictions are common to even the most lax state. Where CO is somewhat unusual is that it also imposes a penalty on possessing a firearm while intoxicated.
Speaking of possession of a firearm, the state also has a red flag law: this means that it is possible for someone’s firearms to be removed from them without a trial, a hearing with them present, or conviction of any kind of crime.
While the lack of assault weapons bans or the like, and the relatively simple process to get a concealed carry permit in the state may sound permissive, the waiting period and red flag laws make Colorado a more restrictive state in terms of carrying and using firearms. While the restrictions in the state are not placed on the purchasing of firearms, some of the laws do make it easier to take guns from people. Again, this shows at least some political willingness to become a more restrictive state. As the population in cities grows, more restrictive gun laws might well begin to pass at the state level in Colorado.
While they are not currently a firearms manufacturing company (although they did briefly hold the rights to an all-polymer gun, the ACR), one of the most popular magazine and accessory companies, Magpul, is headquartered in Colorado. Interestingly, as the article points out, Magpul puts “Denver” on their products mostly to make a point to the anti-gun folks who tend to live in that city.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Colorado
The sales tax in Colorado is 2.9%, making it one of the lowest in the nation. But, localities impose their own taxes, meaning that the effective tax rate in the state is sometimes over 10%.
There are no additional taxes on firearms and ammunition sales in the state: picking an FFL in one of the areas that do not impose local sales taxes might be a good way to bring down the cost of a gun purchase in the state.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of all of the FFLs in the country, which includes those in Colorado. This list is kept up to date. Gun stores are usually Type 1 or Type 2 FFLs.
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The state’s Department of Parks and Wildlife maintains a number of shooting ranges for all kinds of shooting sports: many of these are situated in some of the most naturally beautiful lands in the world.
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Even in the less gun-friendly cities, there are a number of well-rated gun stores in Colorado.
While it is focused on private party sales, ColoradoGunTrader is an active forum with good information about local events, gun stores, and spots to shoot.