Colorado Firearm Law Guide
Understanding Colorado SB25-003 (SB3)
A plain-English guide to Colorado’s Specified Semiautomatic Firearm law, including covered firearms, limited exemptions, eligibility requirements and required firearm safety training.
This guide provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Review the enacted law and official Colorado guidance for complete requirements.
SB25-003 at a Glance
A quick overview of the major elements of Colorado’s Specified Semiautomatic Firearm law.
Who It Affects
Individuals purchasing or transferring a firearm covered by Colorado’s Specified Semiautomatic Firearm definition.
What It Covers
Certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns that meet the specific features and definitions established by the law.
Training
Eligible purchasers generally complete either the 4-hour Basic Course or the 12-hour Extended Course.
Eligibility Card
The eligibility card allows an approved applicant to enroll in the required firearm safety course. After completing the course, the applicant receives the permit required to purchase or transfer a qualifying SSF.
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Definitions, requirements and exemptions depend on the complete statute.
Does SB25-003 Apply to Me?
Follow the questions below to determine which requirement may apply to you.
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Are You Purchasing or Transferring a Covered SSF?
A firearm that meets Colorado’s definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.
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Yes
Do You Qualify for a Statutory Exemption?
Exemptions apply only in limited circumstances.
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Yes
You May Be Exempt
Review the complete statutory requirements before relying on an exemption.
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No
Do You Have Qualifying Hunter Education?
Hunter Education determines which course you need.
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Yes
4-Hour Basic Course
For students with qualifying prior Hunter Education.
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No
12-Hour Extended Course
For students without qualifying prior Hunter Education.
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Yes
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Yes
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No
SB25-003 May Not Apply
Confirm that the firearm is not covered by Colorado’s statutory SSF definition.
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Yes
A firearm that meets Colorado’s definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.
Exemptions apply only in limited circumstances.
Your Hunter Education history determines which course you need.
This decision guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Definitions and exemptions depend on the complete statutory requirements.
What Counts as a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm?
Under Colorado SB25-003, a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm, commonly called an SSF, generally falls into one of the following categories.
Semiautomatic Rifles
A semiautomatic rifle that uses a detachable magazine, unless it falls within one of the exclusions established by the law.
Semiautomatic Shotguns
A semiautomatic shotgun that uses a detachable magazine, unless it falls within one of the statutory exclusions.
Gas-Operated Handguns
A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun that uses a detachable magazine, as specifically defined by the statute.
Is the firearm semiautomatic, does it fall within one of the covered categories, and does it use a detachable magazine? The statutory exclusions must also be considered.
Firearms the Definition Excludes
- Certain firearms designed to operate only with .22-caliber or smaller rimfire ammunition
- Bolt-, pump-, lever- or slide-action firearms
- Firearms with qualifying permanently fixed magazines
- Recoil-operated single- or double-action semiautomatic handguns
- Firearms made permanently inoperable
- Antique firearms and qualifying curios or relics
- Specific firearm models expressly identified in the law
Important: This is a general summary, not legal advice. The statute contains detailed definitions, exceptions and specifically listed firearm models. Review the enacted text of Colorado SB25-003 when evaluating a particular firearm.
Exemptions Are Limited
SB25-003 contains exceptions for specific people, organizations and transfers. An occupation or prior service does not automatically create an exemption.
Law Enforcement and Government Agencies
Certain law-enforcement agencies, peace officers, correctional institutions and other designated government entities may qualify when the firearm is acquired or used for an authorized official purpose.
Military Official Duties
Members of the United States Armed Services, reserve forces or Colorado National Guard may qualify for transactions connected to the performance of their official duties. Military service alone does not create a general personal exemption.
Dealers, Gunsmiths and Approved Programs
Certain transfers involving federally licensed dealers, gunsmiths, approved gunsmithing programs and qualifying educational institutions may be permitted for storage, disposal, repair, modification or instruction.
Other Limited Transactions
Additional exceptions address specific circumstances such as qualifying estates or trusts, museums, forensic laboratories and firearms capable of firing only blanks when used as authorized film props.
Veterans, active-duty service members and law-enforcement officers are not automatically exempt from every personal purchase. The transaction must meet the applicable statutory requirements.
This section provides general information and is not legal advice. Review the complete exemptions in Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-116 or consult a qualified Colorado attorney regarding a specific transaction.
Common SB3 Questions
Straightforward answers to common questions about Colorado SB25-003 and its firearm-safety training requirements.
When does Colorado SB25-003 take effect?
The law’s restrictions involving Specified Semiautomatic Firearms take effect August 1, 2026.
Does Hunter Education exempt me from training?
No. Qualifying Hunter Education does not completely eliminate the training requirement. It may qualify you for the 4-hour Basic Course instead of the complete 12-hour Extended Course.
What does the eligibility card allow me to do?
The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card allows an instructor to verify that you are eligible to enroll in the required training. The eligibility card does not purchase or transfer a firearm.
How long is the eligibility card valid?
A Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is valid for five years from its date of issuance.
Can I purchase more than one SSF?
SB25-003 does not establish a one-firearm limit for a person who satisfies the applicable requirements. However, every purchase or transfer must still comply with all other applicable Colorado and federal laws.
Are law-enforcement officers automatically exempt?
No. The statutory exception applies in specific official-duty circumstances and is not a blanket exemption for every personal purchase.
Where can I complete the required training?
The Basic and Extended courses must be completed in person with an instructor who has been verified under Colorado’s SB25-003 instructor requirements. No portion of the required course may be conducted online.
These answers provide general information and are not legal advice. Review the enacted text of Colorado SB25-003 for complete requirements.
Read the Law & Official Guidance
Review the enacted law and official Colorado guidance for complete definitions, requirements and program updates.
Bill history, final text, fiscal information and official legislative documents.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Official Program GuidanceOfficial information about eligibility cards, training and the Firearms Safety Program.
Official CPW Document Implementation OverviewCPW’s overview of the program, customer process and agency responsibilities.
