July 2026 Colorado Gun Owner Briefing | HGWTC News
July 2026 Colorado Gun Owner Briefing
Firearms safety reminders, legal considerations, training tips, and class announcements from Have Gun Will Train Colorado.
Colorado Law Update
New Ammunition Sales Law Takes Effect July 1
Beginning July 1, 2026, Colorado’s new ammunition sales law changes how ammunition is sold by retailers throughout the state.
Among the changes:
- Retail ammunition must be accessible only with the assistance of a store employee.
- Retail sales are generally limited to purchasers who are 21 years of age or older, although the law includes several exceptions.
- Retailers shipping ammunition must use an age-verification delivery service.
- Violations are generally civil infractions for a first offense and may become a Class 1 misdemeanor for subsequent violations.
While these changes primarily affect retailers, Colorado gun owners should be aware that purchasing ammunition may look different after July 1.
Featured Article #1
Open Carry vs. Menacing in Colorado
Many permit holders don’t realize that displaying a concealed handgun during an argument can quickly turn a lawful carry situation into a criminal investigation.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in many parts of Colorado, but using a firearm to influence another person’s behavior when deadly force is not justified can create serious legal consequences.
Featured Article #2
Administrative Gun Handling: Where Most Firearms Incidents Happen
Most firearms incidents do not happen while shooting. They happen while loading, unloading, cleaning, transporting, and holstering firearms.
Good administrative gun handling is one of the most overlooked skills among both new and experienced gun owners.
Featured Article #3
Are Small Guns Good for Concealed Carry?
The smallest gun isn’t always the easiest gun to shoot. Pocket pistols and micro-compacts are easy to carry, but they come with tradeoffs.
- Increased recoil
- Smaller sights
- Reduced shootability
- More difficult manipulation
Before choosing the smallest handgun available, understand both the advantages and disadvantages.
Training Tip of the Month
The Gun Is Not a Communication Device
A firearm is not for winning arguments.
It is not for teaching someone a lesson.
It is not for scaring people into compliance.
The gun only comes out when lawful self-defense justifies it.
Responsible gun owners understand that a firearm is a life-saving tool—not a tool for intimidation.
Student Question of the Month
Can I Show My Gun as a Warning So I Don’t Have to Shoot?
Short answer: Probably not.
If deadly force is not legally justified, displaying a firearm to influence another person’s behavior can create significant legal problems.
The best outcome is avoiding the confrontation altogether.
New Training Program
Primary Handgun Skills
Over the years, I have found that many permit holders were never taught the fundamentals of safe gun handling.
- Safe loading and unloading
- Administrative gun handling
- Holster safety
- Trigger finger discipline
- Muzzle discipline
- Basic shooting fundamentals
Course Information
- Length: 2.5 Hours
- Cost: $75
- Range Fee: $10 if live fire is conducted
- Schedule: By appointment
This course was developed to help gun owners build confidence and improve their handling skills in a safe, low-pressure environment.
