Colorado Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 15-round magazine limit. 3-day waiting period. Permit required to buy AR-15-style rifles (since Aug. 2026). Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Colorado requires a permit for concealed carry but issues on a shall-issue basis. The state limits magazines to 15 rounds, requires universal background checks for all transfers, imposes a 3-day waiting period on firearm purchases (since October 2023), and has an extreme risk protection order (red flag) law. As of August 1, 2026, a new law (S.B. 25-003) requires a permit and safety course to purchase most detachable-magazine semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and certain handguns going forward; existing owners are unaffected.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required
• Open Carry: Generally permitted without a permit; local restrictions may apply
• Permit to Purchase: Not required, except a permit and safety course are required to buy detachable-magazine semiautomatic rifles/shotguns and certain semiautomatic handguns (since Aug. 1, 2026) (S.B. 25-003 (C.R.S. § 18-12-116))
• Assault Weapon Ban: No outright ban, but a permit/training requirement applies to future purchases of most detachable-magazine semiautomatic firearms (since Aug. 1, 2026) (S.B. 25-003 (C.R.S. § 18-12-116))
• Magazine Limit: 15 rounds maximum
• Waiting Period: 3 days (from initiation of the background check; since Oct. 2023) (H.B. 23-1219)
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Extreme Risk Protection Order
• Castle Doctrine: Yes
• Stand Your Ground: Yes
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Reciprocity with ~33 states, for residents of those states 21+ (Colorado Bureau of Investigation — CHP Reciprocity)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires a shall-issue concealed handgun permit. Open carry is generally allowed without a permit.

What is the magazine limit in Colorado?

Colorado limits magazines to 15 rounds. Magazines acquired before the law may be grandfathered if continuously owned.

Does Colorado require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Colorado requires universal background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, including private sales.

Does Colorado have a red flag law?

Yes. Colorado's Extreme Risk Protection Order law lets law enforcement, family or household members, and certain professionals and institutions (including health-care providers, schools, and colleges, expanded in 2026) petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Colorado have a waiting period?

Yes. Since October 1, 2023 (H.B. 23-1219), a dealer or private seller can't deliver a firearm until 3 days after the background check was initiated, even if the check is approved sooner.

Do I need a permit to buy an AR-15 or similar rifle in Colorado?

Yes, as of August 1, 2026. S.B. 25-003 requires a permit and firearm safety course (4-12 hours depending on prior training) to purchase a semiautomatic rifle, shotgun, or gas-operated handgun with a detachable magazine. Firearms already owned before that date are unaffected, and it does not apply to fixed-magazine or bolt-action firearms.

Does Colorado recognize my out-of-state concealed handgun permit?

Only if you're a resident of one of roughly 33 states Colorado has a reciprocity agreement with, and you're 21 or older with a valid driver's license from that state. Colorado does not recognize permits from California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and several other states — check the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's current list before traveling, since it changes.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.