Federal Firearms
Regulations (2025)
Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or an experienced shooter, understanding federal and Colorado firearms regulations is essential for safe and legal ownership.
Explore background checks, magazine limits, concealed carry rules, and more to stay informed.
01.
Background Checks
- All firearm purchases from licensed dealers must pass a NICS background check
- Applies to both handguns and long guns.
- Exceptions exist for certain law enforcement or private transfers in some states
02.
Firearms Transfer Forms
- Purchases require ATF Form 4473 (records buyer info + background check results)
- Must be retained by the dealer for at least 20 years
03.
Age Restrictions
-
Federal minimum age:
- 21 for handguns from dealers
- 18 for rifles or shotguns from dealers.
04.
Firearm Types & Restrictions
- Fully automatic weapons require a Class III license and ATF approval (NFA)
-
Short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other NFA items require:
- ATF approval
- $200 tax stamp
- Registration in the NFA Registry
05.
Bump Stocks
- Supreme Court ruling (2024) legalized bump stocks under federal law
- However, some states still ban them
06.
Ghost Guns
- ATF regulations classify unfinished frames/receivers as firearms
- Must have serial numbers and go through background checks for retail sales
07.
Safe Passage – Interstate Transport
-
FOPA protects lawful transport if:
- Firearm is unloaded
- Locked and separate from ammo
- Legal at origin and destination
08.
Ammunition
- No federal limit on the quantity you can purchase
- Prohibited persons (felons, certain domestic violence convictions, etc.) cannot possess ammo
Colorado
Firearms Regulations (2025)
01.
Age Requirements
- 21+ to purchase handguns
- 18+ to purchase rifles or shotguns
02.
Universal Background Checks
- All transfers (including private sales) require a background check through a dealer
03.
Large-Capacity Magazine Ban
- No magazines over 15 rounds can be sold or transferred
- Owners who possessed them before July 1, 2013, can keep them
04.
Waiting Period (Effective October 2023)
- 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases
05.
Bump Stocks
- Supreme Court ruling (2024) legalized bump stocks under federal law
- However, some states still ban them
06.
Ghost Guns
- ATF regulations classify unfinished frames/receivers as firearms
- Must have serial numbers and go through background checks for retail sales
07.
Red Flag Law
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger
08.
Concealed Carry
-
Colorado is a “shall-issue” state for concealed carry permits:
- Must be 21+
- Pass background check
- Complete safety training
09.
Open Carry
- Legal except in Denver and certain locations (e.g., schools, government buildings)
10.
Firearm Storage Law
- Must securely store firearms if a minor or prohibited person could access them
11.
Specific Semi-Auto Firearm Regulations (Coming 2026)
-
Starting August 2026, certain semiautomatic rifles will require:
- A Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card
- Background check
- Age limit of 21+
12.
Ammunition Purchase Regulations (Coming July 2026)
- Age to buy ammo raised to 21
- Ammo stored behind counters in stores
Key Takeaways for
Gun Owners in Colorado
- Must pass a background check for all purchases (even private sales)
- Magazine limit = 15 rounds max
- Safe storage required if minors or prohibited persons could access guns
- Waiting period = 3 days for all firearm purchases
- Concealed carry requires a permit; open carry restricted in certain places
- Future laws will impose more rules on semiauto rifles and ammo purchases
Important
Resources
How Basalt Firearms
Supports Legal, Responsible Ownership
- Compliance-First Sales Process: Every sale is handled in full compliance with both federal and Colorado gun laws
- FFL Transfer Services: Buying a gun online? Let us handle your FFL transfer quickly and legally
- Educational Support: Our experienced staff can answer your questions about background checks, magazine limits, concealed carry permits, and more
- Documentation Help: We assist with the paperwork and offer guidance to ensure you stay within the bounds of state and federal regulations
Have Questions About
Colorado Gun Laws?
We know that firearm laws can be complex and ever-changing. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first firearm or want clarity on a specific regulation, the team at Basalt Firearms is here to help. Stop by our shop in Basalt, Colorado, or give us a call, we’re always ready to serve the Western Slope’s community of responsible gun owners.