A Guide to Gun Ownership in Colorado.
The Supreme Court recently made a decision regarding gun laws. With new laws and rulings, however, the specifics can vary from state to state. Keeping up with what is legal in your area can be difficult sometimes.
That's why we are going to look at what gun laws are currently in our home state of Colorado. Let's get into it:
What Are the Laws for Purchasing and Carrying Guns in Colorado?
Colorado goes by federal law when it comes to age requirements. This means a person must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle or long gun, and 21 to purchase a handgun. Those who are at least 21 are able to get a concealed carry permit through the local sheriff's office. There is no requirement for a reason given by gun owners for wanting the permit. Additionally, Colorado honors concealed carry permits from most other states. Open carry in Colorado does not require a permit; however, some cities like Denver do not allow it.
State law also bans firearm registries. Colorado also has a "castle doctrine," which means people are permitted to use deadly force in their homes and do not have a duty to retreat. The duty to retreat is a law in certain jurisdictions and requires non-aggressors to retreat to a safe place if they are able to, rather than harming the aggressor in self-defense. A Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) background check is required in order to purchase a firearm.
What Does Open Carry Mean in Colorado?
In Colorado, people are able to openly carry and display long handguns and rifles without particular permits. Local governments, however, can ban open carry in certain buildings or public spaces. As we mentioned, the City of Denver does not allow open carry.
Where Can Gun Owners in Colorado Legally Carry?
Lawful firearms are allowed in private automobiles or motor vehicles for property protection and self-defense while traveling. Lawful firearms are also allowed on the owner's home, private property, or business they own. Lawful concealed handguns are allowed if they have their permit on them or they are a current or retired law-enforcement officer or military member who is permanently stationed in Colorado. Firearms are not permitted in public buildings that have security checkpoints. Gun owners are allowed to carry in national forests in Colorado as long as they follow federal regulations and state laws.
Who Can't Buy a Gun in Colorado?
There are multiple reasons someone may not be allowed by law to own or carry a firearm in Colorado. These include:
- You are subject to a restraining order that bans gun possession
- You have escaped from justice
- You are an addicted to or an illegal user of any controlled substance
- You have been determined as “mentally defective” or have been ordered to a mental institution
- You are in the U.S. illegally or unlawfully
- You have entered the United States with a non-immigrant or temporary visa
- You have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- You have rejected your U.S. citizenship
- You have been convicted or accused by state or federal law of:
- a felony
- a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term longer than one year
- an attempt to carry out a felony
- an act that would be considered a felony if committed in Colorado
- a misdemeanor crime, if it is domestic violence
What Guns Are Legal and Illegal in Colorado?
Not all guns are legal. Let's take a look at which ones you can and cannot own by law:
Legal guns include handguns, pistols, revolvers, or any firearms with a barrel over 12 inches long, which does not include any revolving or detachable parts or magazine breech. Full-length rifles and full-length shotguns are also permitted, as well as antique firearms that were made no later than 1898 and firearms considered by U.S. state law as curios or relics.
Illegal guns and accessories, on the other hand, include firearm silencers, armor-piercing ammunition, machine guns, short shotguns, short rifles, defaced firearms, and large capacity ammunition magazines that were purchased after July 1, 2013.
You can check out the Colorado Legal Defense Group website for more detailed information.
Additional Requirements
Colorado state law requires gun owners to store their guns safely and responsibly and out of reach of minors and unauthorized users. Unlawful firearm storage is defined as a Class 2 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or as much as $750 in fines. Additionally, people have 5 days to report the loss or theft of firearms. Failure to report can result in a civil infraction with $25 fines for first offenders. Repeat offenders are considered misdemeanors and can cost up to $500 in fines.
There is a lot to digest when it comes to state laws, and we hope that this will help give some clarification on gun laws in Colorado.
