1. Enhanced Concealed Carry Training (Effective July 1, 2025)
House Bill 24‑1174 introduces substantial updates to Colorado’s concealed carry permit (CCP) system:
- Mandatory 8 hours of in-person training, including live-fire exercises
- Written test (≥ 80% pass rate) and live-fire proficiency (70% accuracy) required
- Training must be conducted by certified instructors registered with county sheriffs, with verified instructor lists publicly available
- Renewal of permits also requires a 2-hour refresher or proof of continued competency
2. Permit-to-Purchase for Semi-Automatic Firearms (Effective August 1, 2026)
Senate Bill 25‑003 creates Colorado’s first permit-to-purchase requirement for most semi-automatic rifles:
- Citizens must obtain a Firearm Safety Course Eligibility Card
- Applicants complete a safety class and live-fire training, pay fees, and undergo a background check
- Only rifles with fixed magazines up to 15 rounds may be sold without this permit
- This change is considered a de facto assault-style weapons regulation
Impact: This law significantly changes how many semi-automatic rifles are purchased, requiring additional steps, cost, and training. It takes effect in August 2026.
3. Magazine Capacity Caps & Age Restrictions
- Standard capacity magazine ban remains: No new magazines over 15 rounds unless grandfathered from before July 2013
- Minimum age to purchase any firearm is 21, upheld by federal court in June 2025
Impact: Gun buyers must confirm their magazines were lawfully owned before 2013, and young adults must wait until 21 to purchase any new firearm.
4. Dealer Permits and Regulation (HB 24‑1353, effective July 1, 2025)
Retail firearms dealers must now obtain state firearms dealer permits, including background checks and training requirements for owners and employees
Impact: Gun shops face new administrative overhead and possible compliance challenges, leading to concerns about cost and access .
5. Ongoing Local Authority & Sanctuary Jurisdictions
- Local governments, like Denver and Boulder, can set their own rules on carrying firearms in municipal buildings or parks.
- Meanwhile, over 39 Colorado counties have declared themselves “Second Amendment Sanctuaries,” limiting enforcement of some state firearm laws
Impact: Firearm owners must stay aware of specific local ordinances that may limit where and how they carry, even if they comply with state law.
Where to Go for Help
If you’re wondering where to find certified training, how to navigate local ordinances, or what gear and services you need, Basalt Firearms is here to help:
- We can connect you with verified instructors for the new concealed carry curriculum
- We offer training advice and pro gear and cleaning services
- Stop by our downtown Basalt location for answers on compliance, local laws, and permits
Have questions or want help meeting these new requirements? Visit us, call us, or send us a message—we’re here to support your safe and confident ownership.