Open Carry in Colorado

ByRick Sindeband

Open Carry in Colorado: Rights, Risks, and Realities

By Rick Sindeband – Have Gun Will Train Colorado

Open carry in Colorado is legal—but is it smart? While I fully support our Second Amendment rights, I’ve never been a fan of open carry in public spaces. And here’s why.

open carry in colorado

Understanding Open Carry in Colorado

Colorado allows residents and legal gun owners to openly carry firearms in most public places without a permit, provided they are at least 18 years old and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm.

However, local governments can impose restrictions. For example:

  • Denver County prohibits open carry within city limits under local ordinance.
  • SB24-131 allows more local control over firearm restrictions in sensitive spaces like libraries, public parks, and government buildings.

Source: Colorado Revised Statutes and SB24-131

The Good: When Open Carry Makes Sense

There is a place for open carry—typically:

  • On private property (especially rural or agricultural land)
  • During outdoor activities like hiking or camping
  • In defensive scenarios where visibility may deter threats (be very careful about this)

When done responsibly by trained individuals, open carry can be a practical part of personal protection.

The Bad: Untrained and Unsafe Practices

Too often, open carry in public areas becomes a liability:

  • No training required: Unlike concealed carry, which in Colorado requires safety instruction, legal education, and a permit, open carry has zero training mandates.
  • Bad optics: A firearm in plain sight can cause panic among the public, even when no threat is present.
  • Tactical disadvantage: You’re an instant target in any active shooter or criminal confrontation. Your gun is visible—and may be the first thing someone tries to take from you.
  • Bad Holsters: Many of the holsters I see are not worn properly, or are not the proper holster for the type of carry. I call this Barney Fife Carry

A recent Las Vegas homicide reminds us that firearm visibility can lead to unpredictable—and deadly—outcomes.

A Better Option: Concealed Carry with Training

As an instructor, I see the value of structure and discipline. Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders in Colorado must:

  • Be 21 or older
  • Complete a training course
  • Pass a background check

This ensures at least a baseline understanding of firearm safety and lawful use of force. As of now, Colorado still allows relatively straightforward access to concealed carry permits, but new laws coming in July 2025 will change that—longer classes and higher costs.

Final Thoughts from a Firearms Instructor

I’m not anti-gun. I train people to use them properly. But I’m also not blind to the risks when people carry openly without knowing the law or having any real defensive training. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

If you choose to carry—open or concealed—do it right:

  • Get trained
  • Know the law
  • Practice regularly
  • Respect others

When it comes to open carry in Colorado, rights come with responsibilities. Let’s carry smart, not just loud.

Sources & References

For Training on proper holsters and all types of firearm training call:

Rick Sindeband
Have Gun Will Train Colorado
719-821-3958
rick@havegunwilltraincolorado.com

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