How to Buy a Firearm in Colorado
Visit: FFL Transfer Page for fee schedule and detail.
What to Expect Before and After New Laws (July 2026)
If you’re trying to understand how to buy a firearm in Colorado in 2026, you’re not alone. Between new legislation, changing requirements, and a lot of mixed information online, it’s easy to get confused. This guide breaks it down in plain English—what the process looks like today, what’s changing, and what you should expect moving forward.
The Current Process (Before July 2026)
Buying a firearm in Colorado today is relatively straightforward.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit a licensed dealer (FFL)
You must purchase through a federally licensed firearms dealer like Damage Factory. - Select your firearm
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns are available depending on inventory and legal eligibility. - Complete a background check
All purchases go through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check system. - Observe the waiting period
Colorado currently requires a mandatory 3 day waiting period before you can take possession of the firearm. - Pick up your firearm
Once approved and the waiting period is complete, you can take your firearm home.No permit or pre-approval card is currently required for most standard purchases.
What May Change in July 2026 (SB 25-003)
Colorado is moving toward a more regulated process for certain firearm purchases. Under the new law like SB 25-003, the process requires additional steps before you can even buy.
Expected changes may include:
- Obtaining a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from your local sheriff
- Completing a state-approved training course
- Passing a written exam
- Then proceeding with the purchase process
Important:
Many details are still being finalized, including:
- Processing timelines
- Training requirements
- Costs (One estimate was as high as $1000)
- Testing standards
This means the future process may take significantly longer than it does today.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Today:
- Choose firearm
- Background check
- Waiting period
- Pickup
Possible 2026 Process:
- Apply for eligibility
- Wait for approval
- Complete training
- Pass exam
- Then purchase
- Then wait again
👉 Visit Damage Factory
👉 Firearm Transfers Info
👉 FAQ – Buying & Laws
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to buy a firearm in Colorado?
Currently, no permit is required for most standard firearm purchases.
How long is the waiting period?
Colorado has a mandatory waiting period before you can take possession of a firearm. Check with your dealer for current timing.
Will I need training to buy a firearm in 2026?
Proposed laws suggest training may be required for certain purchases, but details are still being finalized.
Can I still buy firearms legally in Colorado?
Yes. Firearm purchases are still legal through licensed dealers, following state and federal requirements.
References
https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/colorado-passes-gun-control-laws-before-adjourning-for-2025