Firearm law reference
Colorado firearm laws
A plain-English overview of the firearm rules most relevant to buying and selling in Colorado — private-sale background checks, permits to purchase, restricted-firearm and magazine rules, handgun roster, waiting periods and ammunition. Federal law applies everywhere on top of these state rules.
At a glance
Reviewed 2026-06-26
What to watch for
- Important: Colorado requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (background check).
- Important: Colorado: From August 1, 2026, buying certain semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines requires completing a state firearms safety course.
- Caution: Interstate transfers must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state for the background check; a private buyer can't take a handgun across state lines.
- Caution: Colorado restricts large-capacity magazines. Magazines over 15 rounds are restricted.
- Note: Colorado has a waiting period (about 3 days) before a firearm can be received.
- Note: Never transfer to a prohibited person or complete a straw purchase (buying for someone else) — both are federal crimes.
General information, not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and city or county ordinances may add requirements this summary doesn't capture. Verify the current law with the Colorado Attorney General or state police and consult a licensed attorney before any transfer. Last reviewed 2026-06-26.
Frequently asked
Does Colorado require a background check for private firearm sales?
Yes. Colorado requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (FFL), who runs the background check.
Do you need a permit or license to buy a firearm in Colorado?
Yes. From August 1, 2026, buying certain semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines requires completing a state firearms safety course.
Does Colorado restrict "assault weapons"?
Colorado does not have a state "assault weapons" ban, though federal rules still apply.
Are magazine-capacity limits in effect in Colorado?
Yes. Magazines over 15 rounds are restricted.
Is there a waiting period to receive a firearm in Colorado?
Yes — about 3 days. The federal background check must also clear before transfer.
Are there rules for buying ammunition in Colorado?
This summary doesn't list state ammunition-purchase rules for Colorado. Federal law still bars prohibited persons from possessing ammunition, and dealers can't sell handgun ammunition to anyone under 21 or other ammunition to anyone under 18.
Buying or selling in Colorado?
Rangium shows these state-specific notes right on every listing, and Vanta can answer compliance questions against your own inventory. Rangium is a neutral listings venue — it never processes payment or ships firearms.