Are you curious about gun laws in Colorado? Whether you’re a gun owner or just want to understand the rules, it’s essential to know the laws to stay safe and legal. Let’s explore the ins and outs of Colorado’s gun regulations, including concealed carry laws.

Understanding Firearms Ownership

First things first, who can own a gun in Colorado? Well, generally, anyone who isn’t legally prohibited from doing so. That means no serious criminal record or mental health issues. When buying a gun, you’ll need to pass a background check. But remember, not all guns are fair game. Some are restricted, like machine guns or sawed-off shotguns.

Concealed Carry Laws

Ever heard of concealed carry permits? These let you carry a hidden gun in public. But getting one isn’t a walk in the park. You must meet specific criteria, like being at least 21 and completing firearms training. Once you’ve got your permit, you can’t carry everywhere. There are places—like schools or government buildings—where it’s a no-go.

Open Carry Laws

While concealed carry hides your firearm, open carry does the opposite. In Colorado, you can openly carry your gun without a permit. But keep in mind that some people might not feel comfortable around visible firearms. It’s also essential to know where open carry is off-limits, like in certain cities or private properties.

Transporting Firearms

Planning a road trip with your gun? Make sure you know the transportation laws. When traveling with firearms in your car, they must be unloaded and locked away. And if you’re flying or taking public transport, there are extra rules to follow. It’s all about keeping everyone safe while you’re on the move.

The Red Flag Law: A Controversial Measure

Colorado’s Red Flag Law allows courts to temporarily take guns away from people deemed a threat to themselves or others. While some see it as a crucial safety measure, others worry about potential abuse or violations of rights. It’s a topic sparking heated debates across the state.

The idea behind the Red Flag Law is to identify people who might be in crisis and at risk of harming themselves or others with a gun. If someone is showing signs of danger, like threatening to hurt themselves or others, a family member or law enforcement officer can ask a judge to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). If the judge agrees, the person’s guns can be taken away for a while until the crisis passes. Some argue that this law is a violation of rights, and others see it as a necessary safety measure.

Recent Changes in Gun Laws

Gun laws aren’t set in stone. They can change with new legislation or court rulings. Staying informed is key to understanding your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner.

There have been a few new laws regarding gun ownership in Colorado. Here’s what you need to know about the latest updates:

3-Day Wait for Buying Guns

Now, when you buy a gun in Colorado, you have to wait three days before you can actually get it. Before, you could get your gun right after passing a background check. But now, there’s a waiting period to make sure everything’s okay. If a seller gives you a gun before the three days are up, they could get in trouble and have to pay a fine. There are some exceptions, though, like if you’re buying an old-fashioned gun or if you’re in the military and need a gun for deployment soon.

Gun Companies Can Be Held Accountable

There’s a new law that makes it easier to hold gun companies responsible if their products cause harm. Before, it was tough to sue gun companies for things like gun violence. But now, if a gun company breaks the rules or does something wrong, they can get sued. This helps make sure that gun companies are making safe products and following the law.

No More “Ghost Guns”

Colorado has said no to “ghost guns” – that’s guns made from parts without serial numbers. These guns are hard to trace and can be dangerous. Now, it’s illegal to have or sell these kinds of guns in Colorado. If you’re caught with one, you could get in serious trouble, like going to jail. People who already have these guns have until 2024 to add a serial number to them. But that’s not easy, because not many stores want to do it.

These changes are all about keeping everyone safer and making sure that gun owners follow the rules. It’s important to know about these new laws and follow them to help make our community a better place for everyone.

Remember, with the right to bear arms comes great responsibility. Whether you own a gun or not, knowing Colorado’s gun laws is everyone’s business. By staying informed and following the rules, we can all contribute to a safer community for everyone.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com