Firearms
Compliance

ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record)

Federal law (27 CFR § 478.124) requires all firearm purchasers to complete ATF Form 4473. This form must be completed in person at our facility. You must provide truthful and accurate answers — false statements on Form 4473 are a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. You must present valid government-issued photo ID and be the actual buyer (no straw purchases).

NICS Background Check

In Colorado, background checks are conducted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) InstaCheck program (not directly through FBI NICS). Results are:

• Proceed: Transfer may proceed after the 3-day waiting period
• Delayed: Additional FBI review needed (up to 3 business days)
• Denied: Transfer cannot proceed. You may appeal through CBI at (303) 239-8062

Age Requirements

• 18 years old: Minimum age to purchase rifles and shotguns from a licensed dealer
• 21 years old: Minimum age to purchase handguns from a licensed dealer
• 21 years old: Minimum age to purchase handgun ammunition

CBI InstaCheck — $15 Background Check Fee

Colorado requires all firearm transfers (including private sales) to go through a licensed FFL dealer with a CBI background check. The fee is $15, paid by the purchaser at time of transfer. This applies to ALL firearm transfers — no exceptions for private party sales in Colorado.

3-Day Waiting Period

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-115) requires a minimum 3-day waiting period between the initiation of a background check and the delivery of a firearm. This applies to all firearm purchases and transfers, with no exceptions, even if your background check clears immediately.

Magazine Capacity Restriction

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-302) prohibits the sale or transfer of magazines capable of accepting more than 15 rounds. We comply with this law and do not sell or ship magazines exceeding 15-round capacity to Colorado addresses.

Red Flag Law (ERPO)

Colorado's Extreme Risk Protection Order law (C.R.S. § 13-14.5-103) allows law enforcement and family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk. If you are subject to an active ERPO, you cannot purchase or receive firearms.

Secure Storage Law

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-114) imposes criminal liability on firearm owners when a minor gains access to a negligently stored firearm. We strongly recommend secure storage for all firearms.

If you reside outside Colorado:

• Long guns (rifles/shotguns): May be purchased in person at our facility, subject to both Colorado law and your home state's laws
• Handguns: Must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer in your home state for transfer — federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(3)) prohibits interstate handgun sales without FFL-to-FFL transfer
• Online purchases: All firearms must be shipped to an FFL dealer (either our Colorado facility or your home state dealer)

If your background check results in a denial, we cannot complete the transfer. We are not responsible for and cannot influence the outcome of background checks. You have the right to appeal:

You may also submit a written appeal to the FBI NICS Section. The NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 provides the right to challenge denials based on incorrect records.

We advocate for responsible firearm ownership. Every gun owner should know and practice the Four Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded — always
• Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy
• Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to shoot
• Know your target, what is beyond it, and what is between you and it

We recommend all new firearm owners complete a certified firearms safety course. Colorado does not require a permit to purchase firearms, but training is strongly encouraged. Resources: NSSF Safety Programs | USCCA Training

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-12-114) requires firearm owners to store firearms securely to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by minors. Criminal liability applies when a minor gains access to a negligently stored firearm and injury results.

Secure storage options include: gun safes and lock boxes, trigger locks, cable locks, and biometric access safes. We recommend consulting with a safe manufacturer to find the solution appropriate for your home and family situation.

Our FFL License Information