Open Carry vs Menacing in Colorado | Concealed Carry Warning
Open Carry vs. Menacing in Colorado
Open carry and menacing are not the same thing. One may be lawful. The other can become a serious criminal charge.
Colorado gun owners need to understand the difference. Simply carrying a visible firearm is one thing. Displaying, touching, lifting your shirt, or drawing a concealed handgun during an argument is something entirely different.
This article explains the difference between open carry and menacing in Colorado, and why using a firearm to influence another person’s behavior can create major legal trouble.
The Short Version
Open carry is generally legal in much of Colorado for people who may lawfully possess firearms, but local restrictions apply.
Menacing occurs when a person knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
If a deadly weapon is involved, menacing can become a felony.
Open Carry in Colorado
Open carry generally means carrying a firearm openly where it is visible to others. In many parts of Colorado, open carry is lawful for people who are legally allowed to possess firearms.
However, Colorado has local restrictions. Denver and some other local jurisdictions may restrict or prohibit open carry. Gun owners are responsible for knowing the law where they are carrying.
Open carry, by itself, is usually treated differently from threatening conduct because the firearm is already visible. The key issue is whether the person is simply carrying or using the firearm to threaten, intimidate, or control someone else.
What Is Menacing in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, menacing generally involves knowingly placing or attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
When a deadly weapon is used, displayed, or represented, the charge may be much more serious.
For concealed carriers, the danger zone is usually not lawful carry. The danger zone is using the presence of the gun to send a message during a confrontation.
When Concealed Carry Turns Into Menacing
A concealed handgun should not be used as a communication tool. It should not be displayed to win an argument, scare someone, or make a point.
Examples of conduct that can create problems include:
- Lifting your shirt to show your concealed handgun during an argument
- Touching or gripping the gun while arguing
- Partially drawing the gun to make someone back off
- Displaying the firearm as a warning when deadly force is not justified
- Using the gun to influence someone’s behavior
- Pointing the gun when there is no lawful justification for deadly force
You do not have to fire the gun for the situation to become serious. You may not even have to point it directly at someone. If your conduct places another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, you may have created a menacing problem.
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.
If you would not be legally justified in using deadly force, you should be extremely cautious about displaying or touching the firearm during a confrontation.
Why Open Carry and Menacing Are Treated Differently
The difference often comes down to conduct and intent.
| Behavior | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Openly carrying a holstered handgun | Generally lawful carry, depending on location |
| Lifting a shirt to reveal a concealed handgun during an argument | Possible intimidation or threat |
| Grabbing the gun during a dispute | Possible attempt to place another person in fear |
| Drawing the gun when deadly force is not justified | Potential menacing or other criminal charge |
Open Carry vs. Brandishing
Many people use the word “brandishing” casually, but Colorado law often analyzes the conduct under other statutes, including menacing, disorderly conduct, harassment, or unlawful use of a weapon, depending on the facts.
The important point is this: carrying a firearm is not the same as using a firearm to threaten someone.
If the firearm becomes part of the confrontation, the legal risk changes quickly.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Menacing Allegations
- Arguing while armed
- Letting anger control the situation
- Touching the gun to make a point
- Displaying the gun as a warning
- Assuming “I never pointed it” is a complete defense
- Trying to scare someone away when deadly force is not justified
- Failing to leave when leaving was clearly possible
The best legal fight is the one you never create. Avoiding the confrontation is usually better than trying to explain later why your hand was on the gun.
Plain-English Rule for Concealed Carriers
The gun only comes out for lawful self-defense.
Not for communication. Not to win an argument. Not as a warning. Not to make someone behave.
If you would not be justified in using deadly force, do not use the gun to influence the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open carry legal in Colorado?
Open carry is generally legal in many parts of Colorado for people who may lawfully possess firearms, but local restrictions apply. Denver and some other jurisdictions may restrict or prohibit open carry.
Is printing considered menacing?
Accidental printing, where the outline of a concealed handgun shows through clothing, is usually different from intentionally displaying a gun to intimidate someone. Menacing requires conduct that places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
Can I show my gun as a warning?
That is a bad idea. If deadly force is not justified, displaying a gun to influence another person’s behavior can create serious legal risk.
Do I have to point the gun for it to be menacing?
Not necessarily. The issue is whether your conduct knowingly placed or attempted to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Pointing the gun makes the situation worse, but other conduct can also create problems.
What about Denver?
Denver has stricter local rules, including restrictions on open carry. Always verify local law before carrying openly in any city or county.
Wanna or Hafta?
The decision to draw a gun is made long before the moment arrives.
My book Wanna or Hafta helps responsible gun owners think through the difference between what they want to do and what they legally have to do.
The law cares. So will a district attorney. So will a jury.
Colorado Legal Resources
- CRS 18-3-206 Menacing — Colorado statute on menacing.
- Colorado General Assembly — official state legislative information.
- Colorado Judicial Branch — Colorado court information and legal resources.
Related Training
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About Have Gun Will Train Colorado
Have Gun Will Train Colorado is Southern Colorado’s full-time firearms training school. Since 2010, Rick Sindeband has trained thousands of students in concealed carry, handgun fundamentals, firearm safety, and defensive handgun skills.
Our goal is simple: help responsible gun owners build safe habits, develop practical skills, and understand the responsibilities that come with carrying firearms in Colorado.
Get Trained Before You Carry
Understanding when not to touch the gun is just as important as knowing how to shoot it.
Editor’s Note
This article was originally published in 2025 and has been substantially updated in 2026 to reflect current Colorado law, training practices, and common issues faced by concealed carry permit holders.
Legal Notice: This article is educational information only and is not legal advice. Laws change, local ordinances may differ, and specific incidents require advice from a qualified Colorado attorney.
