Is the AR-15 legal in Colorado?

Colorado has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (local)). 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?

No (until 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

Colorado Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Partial (local)

Mag Capacity Limit

15 rounds

Permit to Purchase

No (until 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 required for most semi-auto purchases starting August 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 (local) Assault Weapon Ban — There is no statewide assault weapon ban, but Denver and some localities ban assault weapons within 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) — The state preempts most local gun laws, but Denver and a few other localities retain some regulatory authority, including assault weapon bans.
•No (until Aug 2026) Permit to Purchase — Currently no permit is needed, but starting August 2026, a firearms safety course will be required to purchase most semi-automatic firearms.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Colorado Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

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

NFA Items Permitted

Colorado allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

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 (local)). 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?: No (until 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 ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
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.