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Colorado Law Changes

There have been several changes to Colorado laws pertaining to firearms and the sales of firearms.
To begin with it is important to know  what the definition of a firearm is!


 How does the ATF define a firearm?

The term “Firearm” means: Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; 

Age Limits to Purchase a Firearm
One of the biggest changes was the age limit. You now must be 21 years old to purchase any firearm (Pistol or Rifle) no matter what caliber the firearm is chamber in.

3 Day Waiting Period
The three day waiting period begins once the firearm has been purchased and the background check started. You must wait 72 (seventy two) hours from that time, until you are legally able to pick up that firearm. So for example, if you finish the purchase and initiate the background check on Monday at 1:30 pm, the you may not return for that gun until after 1:30pm on the following Thursday. But just remember, since three days have passed since you started the background check, you will have to re-certify that all of your information on the form 4473 is still correct.

Colorado Background Checks
Currently, the cost of a background check in the state of Colorado is $12.50. But, just like everything else, that is soon to change. As of March, 1st 2025, the fee is increasing to $15.00 (fifteen dollars) for a background check. 

Colorado Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax
Effective April 1, 2025 –  a 6.5% excise tax on the net taxable sales of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition sold by firearm dealers, firearm manufacturers and ammunition vendors in Colorado. 

While it is still unknown how this tax will be implied, calculated, collected or even enforced… you can expect prices to go up just to cover these new government costs.

New requirements for concealed carry permits
 Starting July 1, 2025, the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit will change. 
This law mandates that training classes to qualify for a concealed carry permit offer at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire test where participants shoot at least 50 rounds. Passing the live-fire test, as well as a written exam, will also be mandatory to get a concealed carry permit. 
Once you receive your certificate for passing the concealed carry class, you will have six (6) months to apply for your concealed carry permit. Otherwise, you will have to take the class again.

Merchant category codes
 By May 2025, credit card companies will have to assign specific merchant codes to firearms and ammunition dealers.  The legislation is aimed at making it easier to track gun purchases. 

Permitting for gun sellers
 Firearms dealers in Colorado will be required by July 1, 2025, to obtain a state permit that costs $400 and be subject to random and regular inspections.

Doesn’t this sound like fun!  

 The law will also require employee background checks and training to identify people trying to illegally purchase guns. Employees will have to report anyone who tries to unlawfully purchase a gun to law enforcement within 48 hours. Finally, the measure will require  gun stores to lock up their firearms. 

I guess it’s a good thing we already have a giant vault!

Safe storage in vehicles 
Starting in 2025, a gun will have to be in a locked, hard-sided container out of view, such as a glove box or center console, when kept in a vehicle.

The law will also require the vehicle to be locked. Violators will face a fine, though there are exceptions for people who work on farms and ranches or in the military or law enforcement.

The penalty for violating the law will be a civil infraction that carries a fine.

The measure also requires gun dealers to post a sign notifying customers of the new law.