Colorado gun purchase laws

Colorado gun purchase laws

Colorado's gun purchase laws have gotten stricter in recent years, particularly after the 2023 legislation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Background Checks: A universal background check is required for all firearm transfers, including private sales and transactions at gun shows. 

This means you cannot acquire a gun from an unlicensed seller without a background check conducted by a licensed dealer through the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI).

Waiting Period: Effective October 2023, a mandatory three-day waiting period applies to most firearm purchases after initiating the background check. 

This waiting period gives time for the CBI to complete a thorough background check and helps prevent impulsive gun purchases. 

There are exceptions for certain situations, such as transfers between family members and antique firearm purchases.

Age Requirement: Colorado law differentiates between handgun and long gun purchases based on age. You must be at least 18 years old to buy a long gun like a rifle or shotgun. 

However, handguns are considered more powerful and have a higher age restriction of 21 for purchase.

Additional Considerations: While Colorado doesn't require a permit to own a gun, a license is necessary for carrying a concealed handgun in public. 

The state also has laws regarding secure gun storage to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children, and restrictions on so-called "ghost guns" that lack serial numbers.

For an in-depth look at Colorado gun laws, you can explore resources from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) for information on firearm background checks, the Colorado Attorney General's Office for a comprehensive overview, or Everytown for Gun Safety for their ranking and analysis of Colorado's gun laws.