Colorado’s new firearm restriction law, SB25-003, became effective on August 1, 2026, and restricts the purchase and transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms, requiring a safety course, and mandating specific permits/fees. This represents a transition from an open, point-of-sale purchase model to a strict “permit-to-purchase” regulatory structure for specific semi-automatic firearms.

Key Provisions of Colorado SB25-003

Restricted Firearms: The new law prohibits the sale, purchase, or transfer of “Specified Semiautomatic Firearms” (SSFs), which are defined as semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. Rapid-fire trigger modifications, bump stocks and binary triggers are now explicitly banned for sale, transfer or resale.

Grandfather Clause: Existing owners who bought or possessed these firearms before the new law took effect on August 1, 2026 are not impacted regarding current possession. Thus, owners of now-banned guns do not have to surrender them.

Permit and Training Requirements: Buyers must now complete an in-person firearms safety training course applied for through state and local law enforcement, and must pass a written exam with a minimum score of 90%.

In addition to passing a background check and three-day waiting period, buyers must pre-apply online via the state’s Firearms Safety System to get a sheriff-approved Eligibility Card.

Fees: A mandatory $52 fee must be paid to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) alongside any local sheriff’s office and course fees.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes, a few limited exemptions do exist. For example, manual-action and fixed-magazine firearms (bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and tubular fixed-magazine rifles/shotguns) are excluded from the new restrictions. Exemptions also apply to military forces, peace officers and specific historical or film prop usages.

How does this differ from Federal rules?

Colorado’s new gun law operates in tandem with existing Federal gun law baseline which mandates National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by licensed dealers on all firearm sales. Licensed dealers are federally prohibited from selling handguns to out-of-state buyers, and long guns outside of applicable state laws. 

If you’re a gun owner, consider establishing a gun trust.

A gun trust can prevent other household members from facing accidental unlawful possession charges when handling a firearm by allowing for shared possession among multiple trustees. Gun trusts also provide seamless inheritance transfer while keeping your gun inventory and transfer details off the public record.

Snow Atkinson & Griess can help you establish a gun trust as part of your estate plan. Contact us today for a consultation.