As a proud part of the Western Colorado firearms community, we believe that every gun owner should have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but what does that look like here in Colorado?
Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, a range regular, or a new firearm owner, this guide will walk you through the basics of the Second Amendment and how Colorado’s state laws affect your right to carry.
The Second Amendment: Your Constitutional Right
At the federal level, the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. This was firmly upheld in the landmark Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which recognized that individuals have the right to own firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense in the home.
Colorado builds on this foundation with its own constitutional language.
Firearm Rights in the Colorado Constitution
Colorado’s Constitution reinforces the Second Amendment in Article II, Section 13, stating that “the right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property… shall be called in question.” However, it also allows for the state to impose reasonable regulations, which is where things get more specific.
Understanding those state-specific regulations is key to exercising your rights responsibly and legally.
Open Carry in Colorado
Colorado is an open carry state. If you’re 18 or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm, you can openly carry a handgun or long gun in most public areas. However, there are important exceptions.
Open carry is prohibited:
- In government buildings
- On school property
- Where explicitly banned by local ordinances or private businesses
Local control matters: Some cities, like Denver and Boulder, have additional restrictions on open carry. Always check the local laws before carrying in a new area.
Concealed Carry in Colorado
Colorado operates under a “shall-issue” system for concealed carry permits (CHPs), meaning that sheriffs must issue permits to qualified applicants.
To obtain a CHP in Colorado, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal U.S. resident
- Pass a background check
- Complete a certified handgun safety training course
Concealed carry is not permitted in federal buildings, schools, or any location that has clearly posted a no-firearms policy.
What’s Changing: New Concealed Carry Training Requirements (July 1, 2025)
A major update to Colorado’s concealed carry laws goes into effect on July 1, 2025. House Bill 24-1174 introduces more rigorous training requirements for CHP applicants.
New rules include:
- 8 hours of in-person training (not online)
- Live-fire qualification at a certified range
- Written exam (must score at least 80%)
- Firearms proficiency test (must hit 70% of targets)
- Curriculum covering safe handling, lawful use of force, and how to interact with law enforcement
Even for renewals, permit holders will need to complete a 2-hour refresher course or demonstrate ongoing competency.
Certified military personnel and competitive shooters may be eligible for modified requirements, depending on their training.
This change aims to ensure that those carrying concealed firearms are both skilled and informed.
Magazine Limits and Other State Laws
In addition to carry laws, Colorado has other firearm regulations to be aware of:
- Magazine capacity is limited to 15 rounds (grandfathered magazines purchased before July 1, 2013, are allowed).
- “Ghost guns” (unserialized firearms made at home or with 3D printers) are now illegal to possess or transfer.
- You must be 21 or older to purchase any firearm, including rifles and shotguns, as of a 2023 law upheld by federal courts.
- Beginning in August 2026, new rules will go into effect requiring safety permits for many semi-automatic firearms classified as “assault-style weapons.”
As a gun owner, it’s your responsibility to understand not just state law, but also local ordinances wherever you plan to carry.
Stay Informed. Stay Legal. Stay Prepared.
At Basalt Firearms, we’re here to help our customers navigate the ins and outs of responsible gun ownership. Whether you’re applying for your first CHP or want to stay up-to-date on training requirements, our team is ready to help.
Stop by our store in downtown Basalt, Colorado to talk with our experienced staff, shop firearms and gear, or get professional gun cleaning services. We’re proud to support Western Colorado’s responsible firearm community.
Questions about your rights or what gear you need to carry legally?
We’re just a visit—or a phone call—away.