Is the AR-15 legal in Colorado?

Colorado has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (purchase permit since Aug 2026, local bans)). Many standard AR-15 configurations remain legal, but specific features may be prohibited. Verify your build against current state law.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Colorado?

15 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Colorado require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (semi-autos, since Aug 2026). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Colorado before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Colorado?

Colorado concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Colorado?

Colorado open carry: Yes (except Denver). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Does Colorado require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in Colorado extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Colorado Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Partial (purchase permit since Aug 2026, local bans)

Mag Capacity Limit

15 rounds

Permit to Purchase

Yes (semi-autos, since Aug 2026)

Firearm Registration

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Yes (except Denver)

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

Unrestricted

State Preemption

Partial

Key Notes

15-round magazine limit. Denver bans assault weapons and open carry. 3-day waiting period effective Oct 2023. Firearms safety course and eligibility card required for most semi-auto purchases since August 1, 2026.

•15 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines holding more than 15 rounds cannot be sold or transferred in Colorado. Possession of pre-ban magazines is legal.
•Partial Assault Weapon Rules: since August 1, 2026, buying a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that takes a detachable magazine, or a gas operated pistol, requires a sheriff issued eligibility card and safety courses (C.R.S. 18-12-116). Owning one is not banned. Denver also bans assault weapons inside city limits.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — The state must issue a concealed carry permit if you meet the legal requirements. There is no discretion to deny qualified applicants.
•Yes (except Denver) Open Carry — Open carry is legal statewide except in Denver, which bans it by local ordinance.
•Partial (State Preemption): since 2021 (SB21-256) state law is a floor, not a ceiling, so cities and counties may pass stricter firearm rules, assault weapon bans included.
•Yes (semi-autos, since Aug 2026) Permit to Purchase — Since August 1, 2026, buying most semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines requires a sheriff issued eligibility card and a firearms safety course. A federal challenge is pending.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Colorado Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Magazine Capacity Limit in Effect

Colorado limits magazine capacity (15 rounds). Standard 30-round PMAGs and similar magazines may not be sold or imported in their factory configuration. Plan your build around pinned, welded, or reduced-capacity magazines.

NFA Items Permitted

Colorado allows ownership of NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Permit Required to Purchase

Colorado requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (semi-autos, since Aug 2026)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Colorado extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Colorado Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Colorado?: Colorado has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (purchase permit since Aug 2026, local bans)). Many standard AR-15 configurations remain legal, but specific features may be prohibited. Verify your build against current state law.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Colorado?: 15 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.
Does Colorado require a permit to buy a firearm?: Yes (semi-autos, since Aug 2026). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Colorado before purchasing a firearm.
Can I conceal carry in Colorado?: Colorado concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Colorado?: Colorado open carry: Yes (except Denver). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Colorado?: Yes. Colorado allows suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Colorado require background checks for private sales?: Yes. Background-check requirements in Colorado extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Colorado firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.