Shotgun Exemption: Colorado's Unique Handgun Law Loophole

Colorado's gun laws are complex and stringent, aiming to balance individual rights with public safety. While the state allows residents aged 18 and older to possess firearms, there are specific regulations for purchasing handguns and shotguns. To buy a handgun, one must be at least 21 years old, undergo a background check, and meet certain eligibility criteria. On the other hand, the minimum age to purchase a shotgun or long gun is 18 years. This article will explore the nuances of Colorado's handgun and shotgun purchasing laws, shedding light on the state's approach to firearm regulation.

Colorado residents must be 21+ to buy handguns and 18+ to buy shotguns

Colorado has varying laws regarding the purchase of different firearms. For instance, Colorado residents must be 21 or older to buy handguns, and individuals must be 18 or older to purchase shotguns or long guns. These laws are enforced by certified peace officers in the state.

To buy a handgun in Colorado, you must be a resident of the state and pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) background check. A valid Colorado driver's license or ID card can be used to prove age and residency. The background check requires the buyer to fill out an ATF form 4473 at the gun store, which is then submitted to the CBI InstaCheck system. The approval or rejection process typically takes less than 30 minutes. As of October 1, 2023, there is also a three-day waiting period before the firearm can be transferred to the purchaser.

For shotguns or long guns, Colorado law requires individuals to be 18 or older. No permit is required to purchase these firearms, but buyers must provide identification and undergo a background check by a licensed firearms dealer.

It is important to note that local jurisdictions in Colorado may have additional restrictions on firearm purchases. For example, the city of Boulder has prohibited the sale and possession of semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines to anyone under 21.

Colorado also has specific laws regarding the possession of firearms by minors. Minors under the age of 18 are permitted to possess a firearm if they are involved in hunting or sporting activities, attending relevant safety courses, or with the permission of a parent or guardian at their residence.

A Colorado ID and background check are required to buy a shotgun

In Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase a shotgun or long gun. While Colorado does not require gun registration, all firearm purchases from licensed gun dealers or gun shows will require paperwork and background checks.

To buy a shotgun in Colorado, you must provide a Colorado ID and undergo a background check by a licensed firearms dealer. This is a mandatory requirement, even if you are buying the shotgun through a private sale or transferring it to a relative. The background check will be conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which enforces federal and state purchaser prohibitions. The CBI will search various databases, including the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database, to determine whether the transfer of the firearm would violate any federal or state laws. The background check typically takes around 20 minutes, but some can take up to two weeks or longer, depending on the volume of checks being processed.

The background check process involves filling out an A.T.F. Form 4473, which asks questions about the purchaser's criminal history, mental health, protective orders, citizenship, and substance use, among other things. Answering "yes" to any of these questions automatically disqualifies you from gun ownership in Colorado.

If you pass the background check, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before you can receive the shotgun, starting from October 1, 2023. It is important to note that Colorado has specific laws regarding the transportation and storage of firearms, so be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations.

A permit is not needed to carry a rifle or shotgun in Colorado

Colorado's gun laws can be confusing, with varying rules for different types of firearms. While the state does have some relatively lax gun laws, there are still a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing and carrying rifles and shotguns.

Firstly, it's important to note that Colorado does not require a permit to purchase a rifle or shotgun. The same is true for handguns, although there are different rules for buyers under 21 due to federal law. When buying any type of firearm in Colorado, you must provide identification and undergo a background check conducted by a licensed firearms dealer.

Now, when it comes to carrying a rifle or shotgun in Colorado, the laws can be a bit more complex. According to Title 33, it is lawful to carry a weapon in your vehicle, but only if it is a pistol or revolver, and the chamber is unloaded. This means that you cannot carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in your vehicle, but you can transport it unloaded.

However, there is an exception to this rule. According to Title 18, you can carry a firearm, including a rifle or shotgun, in your vehicle for lawful protection. This means that if you are using the firearm for self-defence or the protection of others, you can carry it loaded in your vehicle.

Additionally, in Colorado, you generally do not need a permit to openly carry a rifle or shotgun. Open carry laws are regulated by local county and municipal authorities, so it's important to check the specific restrictions in your area. But, in most cases, no permit is required to openly carry a rifle or shotgun as long as you are somewhere it is legal to do so.

On the other hand, if you want to carry a concealed rifle or shotgun, the laws are different. In Colorado, a permit is required to carry a concealed firearm, including rifles and shotguns. This permit can be obtained through the Sheriff of the county in which you live, and it must be carried with you along with a valid photo ID.

So, while Colorado does have some relaxed gun laws, it's important to remember that there are specific regulations around carrying rifles and shotguns, particularly when it comes to concealed carry and transporting them in vehicles. It is crucial to abide by all sections of the relevant statutes to ensure compliance with the law.

Colorado residents can open-carry handguns without a permit

In Colorado, there is no permit required to openly carry a firearm in public. However, that doesn't mean that there are no laws governing open carry. For example, open carry is prohibited in Denver.

Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to openly carry a gun in Colorado. You may not carry a gun in certain places, such as schools or government buildings. It is also important to note that, even though open carry is legal in Colorado, you may still be asked to leave a business or other private property if the owner or manager asks you to do so.

Colorado is considered a "shall-issue" state, where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices. A permit is required to carry a concealed gun in Colorado, and to obtain one, a person must be at least 21 years old and have completed a firearms training course.

Colorado allows a person to carry a firearm in a vehicle if it is for the lawful protection of themselves or others. The firearm must be in plain view, and local jurisdictions may not enact laws that restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon.

Colorado residents need a CCW permit to carry a concealed handgun

• The applicant must be a legal resident of Colorado and be 21 years or older.
• They must take an NRA-sponsored gun safety course and demonstrate handgun competence.
• A background check, including fingerprint checks, is required and must be conducted by a licensed firearms dealer.
• The applicant must complete an application form from the sheriff's office in their county of residence.
• The applicant must meet certain criteria, including not having any felony convictions, not being an alcoholic or addicted to controlled substances, and not being subject to protection orders related to domestic violence or other forms of abuse.
• The permit is typically valid for five years and may be renewed through the local sheriff's department.

It is important to note that Colorado has specific laws regarding the purchase and possession of firearms. For example, there is no requirement to register a firearm in Colorado, but background checks and paperwork are necessary for purchases from licensed dealers or gun shows. Additionally, certain types of weapons and accessories are banned in Colorado, such as short shotguns and rifles, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition that can pierce armor.

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