Q: WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO PURCHASE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION?
A: 1. In order to buy a handgun in Colorado, the purchaser must be a Colorado resident and at least 21 years old. In order to buy a rifle in Colorado, the purchaser must be at least 18 years and does not have to be a Colorado resident.
2. Same applies to ammunition.
Q: IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD & BACKGROUND CHECK TO PURCHASE FIREARMS?
A: Before people can lawfully buy a firearm in Colorado, they must pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and NICS federal background check. The process includes filling out an application(ATF form 4473) and waiting about twenty minutes for approval (or a rejection). The waiting period depends on the demand of the CBI database. (COVID-19 is causing high demand so the waiting period is about three days.)
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A FIREARM?
A: To purchase a firearms you need the following:
An acceptable form(s) of identification. (see FAQ #4 & #5 below)
Be a Colorado resident and have proof of it. (see FAQ #7 below)
Q: WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE FORM OF IDENTIFICATION?
A: A valid Colorado driver's license, Colorado State ID card, or Military ID. (Military see FAQ #6 below for more information). Colorado issued, valid temporary ID with supporting government issued photo ID. Driver's licenses that have been invalidated due to outstanding tickets or other serious problems will prevent transfer. If your ID has either an outdated residence address or a P.O. box listed as your address, then Federal Law requires an additional government identification that lists your physical address or new, current address. Some acceptable documents that help prove residential address are: DMV Automobile Registration, Colorado hunting/fishing license or Concealed Handgun Permit.
Q: CAN ANY COLORADO ID BE USED FOR PURCHASES?
A: Yes
If your Colorado driver license or identification card doesn’t have your current address on the front, you must also present proof of lawful residency in Colorado by providing one of the following documents:
Valid hunting or fishing license with current address.
Valid vehicle registration with current address
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card with vehicle registration and matching addresses.
Q: I AM IN THE MILITARY, CAN I BUY A GUN? WHAT DO I NEED?
A: Service Members with a Military ID and a copy of purchaser's current orders showing a permanent duty station in Colorado qualify as proof of residency for firearms purchases and Military ID. No temporary duty orders are acceptable if permanent duty is outside of Colorado. If no permanent duty station orders are available, a letter from the purchaser's command on official letterhead stating permanent duty status in Colorado; otherwise, purchaser must have either a Colorado driver's license or Colorado State ID Card. A Colorado driver's license or Colorado State ID card may be used for identification purposes with appropriate proof of address documentation (see FAQ #7), and Active Duty Military ID.
Q: WHAT DO I NEED FOR PROOF OF RESIDENCY?
A: For all firearms, Federal law requires a government issued identification that shows residence address (Valid Colorado ID card or DL). If your ID has a P.O. Box or outdated residence address, a second form of government issued license or ID is required. Some acceptable examples that can show current residence address are: Official DMV printout showing correct address, current automobile registration, or other government issued document that shows your residence address such as aa hunting/fishing license.
Q: I AM AN ALIEN. CAN I BUY (OR RENT) A GUN AND/OR AMMUNITION?
A: Yes, with the following conditions: (Background checks can take up to 5-7 days as additional verification from government agencies is required. )
Immigrant Aliens & Aliens from Visa Wavier Countries
Immigrant aliens may possess, purchase, & rent firearms & purchase ammunition. However, they still must satisfy all other requirements for purchase. The buyer's "A" number must be provided on 4473; a photocopy of their INS issued Alien registration card or Admission number (form I94W) must be provided along with their permanent address state issued ID.
Q: CAN I FILL OUT THE BACKGROUND CHECK AHEAD OF TIME?
A: No, Background check must be filled out once a serialized item has been selected for purchase or once your out of state transfer has arrived on premises and been accepted into our ATF logbooks.
FIRST TIME GUN BUYERS CHECKLIST
-Eye and Ear Protection
-Cleaning Supplies
-Targets
-Range Bag
-Lock or Safe
-Extra Magazines
-Ammunition
-Intro to Pistol Class at Bighorn Firearms
-Firearms Legal Protection FLP