Colorado Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Colorado Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact Colorado gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to Colorado can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

Colorado State Constitution

The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called in question; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons.

Colorado Constitutional Provision Article 2, Section 13: Right to bear arms

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

Vestment of political power. All political power is vested in and derived from the people; all government, of right, originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.

Colorado Constitutional Provision Article 2, Section 1: Vestment of political power

People may alter or abolish form of government proviso. The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves, as a free, sovereign and independent state; and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided, such change be not repugnant to the constitution of the United States.

Colorado Constitutional Provision Article 2, Section 2: People may alter or abolish form of government proviso.

Colorado Gun Laws

Colorado Gun Laws Overview (Source: NRA-ILA)
Colorado Concealed Carry (CCW) Overview (Source: HandgunLaw.us)
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Fees & Information (Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation DPS)
Colorado Concealed Carry Permits Frequently Asked Questions (Source: Colorado Attorney General)

Colorado Hunting Rules & Regulations

Hunting Licenses (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
Big Game Season Dates and Fees (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
Licensing Purchase Product Online Portal (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
Reserve a Hunt Site (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
Colorado Hunter Education (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)

Colorado Shooting Ranges

State Shooting Ranges (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
NSSF-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NSSF's WhereToShoot.org)
NRA-Affiliated Shooting Ranges (Source: NRA.org)

Colorado Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

IDPA Clubs (Source: IDPA.com)
IDPA Matches (Source: IDPA.com)
USPSA Clubs (Source: USPSA.org)
USPSA Matches (Source: USPSA.org)
USA Shooting Clubs (Source: USAShooting.org)
USA Shooting Matches (Source: USAShooting.org)
4-H Shooting Sports State Contacts (Source: 4-HShootingSports.org)

Colorado NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

Colorado NRA-Affiliated Training Courses (Source: NRA.org)
Colorado "Friends of NRA" Events & News (Source: FriendsofNRA.org)

Colorado State Firearm & Hunting Associations

Colorado State Shooting Association (NRA-Affiliated)
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (NAGR and GOA-Affiiated)
Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition
Colorado Second Amendment Association
Colorado Chapter Safari Club International (SCI-Affiliated)
Colorado Ducks Unlimited Chapter
Colorado Students for Concealed Carry (Source: ConcealedCampus.org)
Colorado Civilian Marksmanship Program (Source: TheCMP.org)
Colorado NRA-Affiliated State Association (Source: NRA.org)
Colorado Safari Club Affiliated State Association (Source: SafariClub.org)

Colorado Gun Shows and FFLs

Colorado Gun & Knife Shows (Source: GunShows-USA.com)
Colorado Gun Shows (Source: GunShowTrader.com)
Colorado FFL Holders (Source: FFLGunDealers.net)
NICS Firearm Checks by State (Source: FBI.gov)

Colorado's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

Colorado Elected Public Officials

Congressional (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Gubernatorial (Source: VoteSmart.org)
State Legislature (Source: VoteSmart.org)
Statewide Officials (Source: VoteSmart.org)
NRA's Ranking of Colorado Public Officials (Source: NRA-PVF.org)

Colorado Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

Colorado State Checkbook (Source: Open The Books)
Colorado State Employees (Source: Open The Books)
Colorado Personal & Economic Freedom Ranking (Source: CATO Institute)
Colorado Civil Asset Forfeiture (aka "Policing For Profit") Ranking (Source: Institute for Justice)

Colorado State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Colorado State Business Tax Climate Rank (Source: Tax Foundation)
Taxes in Colorado (Source: Tax Foundation)

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings

Gun and Ammo Laws by State

Popular Ammo Calibers and Brands

223 Ammo 7.62x39 Ammo 9mm Ammo 45 ACP Ammo 22 LR Ammo 12 Gauge Ammo 5.56x45 Ammo 308 Win Ammo 40 S&W Ammo 380 ACP Ammo 38 Spl Ammo 357 Mag Ammo