Major Colorado Firearm Law Changes Affecting Gun Owners

Colorado gun owners have seen several major firearm law changes in the last few years. These changes affect concealed carry training, permit renewals, firearm purchases, gun dealers, magazine restrictions, and future training requirements for certain semi-automatic firearms.

This article is a practical overview for gun owners in Pueblo, Southern Colorado, and across the state. Always verify current law before making a firearm purchase, applying for a permit, or relying on older information.

Enhanced Concealed Carry Training Requirements

Effective July 1, 2025, Colorado House Bill 24-1174 changed the training requirements for concealed handgun permits. New applicants must complete at least eight hours of in-person training, including live fire and a written exam.

Minimum 8 hours of in-person training for new applicants
Live-fire training required
Written test required
Live-fire proficiency required
Training must be taught by a verified instructor
Renewal applicants must complete a refresher course

Several Colorado sheriff offices have published guidance stating that the written exam requires a minimum score of 80%, and the live-fire test requires a minimum score of 70% accuracy.

Need Colorado concealed carry training? Visit Have Gun Will Train Colorado’s concealed carry class page for current class information.

Need to renew your permit? Visit Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Training.

Permit-To-Purchase Requirements For Specified Semiautomatic Firearms

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 creates new training requirements for the purchase or transfer of certain firearms classified under Colorado law as Specified Semiautomatic Firearms.

Under the new system, many buyers will need to complete an approved firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring covered firearms.

The program begins August 1, 2026
Courses must be in person
Courses must be taught by a sheriff-verified instructor
Students must pass the final exam with a minimum score of 90%
Training records are handled through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety Program
Course completion expires after five years

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has stated that concealed carry training does not satisfy this new Firearms Safety Program requirement. Hunter education alone also does not satisfy the requirement unless combined with the required basic firearms safety course.

Need information on local gun stores and FFLs? Visit the Gun Stores & FFLs section on Shoot Straight Pueblo.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Colorado’s magazine restriction law remains in effect. In general, magazines capable of holding more than fifteen rounds may not be sold in Colorado unless they fall under earlier grandfather provisions.

Gun owners should also remember that local restrictions and enforcement attitudes may vary. Do not assume that every jurisdiction in Colorado treats magazine possession or enforcement the same way.

Minimum Age Requirement

Colorado law restricts firearm purchases and soon ammunition purchases by age. Gun buyers should verify current federal and state requirements before attempting to purchase any firearm.

Many Colorado firearm law changes are actively watched by courts, law enforcement agencies, gun rights organizations, and firearms dealers, so this area may continue to change.

Firearm Dealer Permit Requirements

Effective July 1, 2025, House Bill 24-1353 requires Colorado firearms dealers to obtain a state firearms dealer permit in order to engage in the business of dealing firearms in Colorado.

This law adds state-level permitting and compliance obligations on top of federal firearms license requirements. Dealers may also face additional employee training, administrative, and recordkeeping requirements.

Looking for local firearm businesses? Browse the Gun Stores & FFLs, Gunsmithing & Custom Work, and Ammunition & Reloading sections.

Why These Changes Matter

These changes affect more than paperwork. They affect the cost, time, training, and planning involved in buying firearms, renewing concealed handgun permits, and operating firearm-related businesses in Colorado.

For new shooters, concealed carry permit holders, hunters, collectors, and firearm businesses, staying current is now part of responsible gun ownership.

Stay Connected With Local Firearm Resources

Shoot Straight Pueblo is a local resource directory for shooting sports, firearm businesses, places to shoot, training resources, and Colorado firearm news.

If you need training before applying for a permit, renewing a permit, or preparing for future Colorado firearm requirements, visit Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

If you are looking for places to practice, visit our Places to Shoot section.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Firearm laws change. Always verify current law and consult an attorney for legal advice.