New! Primary Handgun Skills Course Now Available

You have a permit. You own a handgun. But were you ever taught how to handle it safely?

One thing I’ve noticed while teaching concealed carry permit and renewal classes is that many students can pass the required qualification, but were never taught (Primary Handgun Skills) the fundamentals of safe gun handling.

Most firearms incidents do not happen while shooting. They occur while loading, unloading, holstering, unholstering, transporting, or handling firearms during everyday activities.

That is why I have developed a new training program called Primary Handgun Skills.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for:

• Concealed carry permit holders
• Students who recently completed a permit class
• Renewal students who want additional training
• Gun owners who never received formal handgun instruction
• Individuals who want to improve safe gun handling habits

This is not an advanced shooting class.

This is a practical course focused on safe firearm handling and the skills every responsible gun owner should possess.

What Will You Learn?

• Proper loading and unloading procedures
• Magazine removal and chamber verification
• Safe gun handling habits
• Muzzle discipline
• Trigger finger discipline
• Holster safety
• Administrative gun handling
• Safe carry practices
• Practical shooting fundamentals

Why This Course Matters

Many people have never been shown how to properly clear a firearm, verify firearm condition, safely holster a handgun, or manage a firearm around other people.

These skills are critical for anyone who carries a handgun for personal protection.

Safe gun handling is every bit as important as marksmanship.

Course Information

• Course Length: 2.5 Hours
• Cost: $75
• Range Fee: $10 if live-fire training is conducted
• Class Size: Small group instruction
• Scheduling: By appointment

Classes will be scheduled based on student demand. Contact me directly to discuss available dates and times.

Ready to Improve Your Skills?

If you have a concealed carry permit and would like to improve your firearm handling skills, I would be happy to work with you.

Call or text Rick Sindeband at 719-821-3958 for scheduling information.

Contact Rick

About Have Gun Will Train Colorado

Since 2010, Have Gun Will Train Colorado has helped thousands of students develop safe firearm handling skills, obtain concealed carry permits, and become more responsible gun owners.

Our goal is simple: provide practical, real-world firearms training that helps students stay safe, confident, and legal.

Related Training

• Colorado Concealed Carry Class
• Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Class
• Handgun Fundamentals Course
• Training Schedule

The post Primary Handgun Skills | Safe Gun Handling for Permit Holders appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Colorado’s new firearms safety program creates two possible training paths.

Some students may qualify for a shorter course, while others may need the extended training option.

As implementation continues, always verify current requirements before registering.

For a complete overview of the program, see:

Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Program

The 4 Hour Firearms Safety Course

Current guidance indicates students with qualifying Hunter Education credentials may use the shorter training pathway.

• Approximately 4 hours
• Hunter Education pathway
• No live-fire qualification
• Written testing required
• Minimum passing score expected: 90%
• Certified instructors only

Students should verify eligibility before registering.

The 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course

Students without a qualifying Hunter Education course may need the extended course.

• 12 hours total instruction
• Multiple training days
• No live-fire qualification
• Written examination required
• Minimum passing score expected: 90%
• Certified instructor required

Quick Comparison

Common Questions

Will Hunter Education completely replace the process?

No.

Current guidance suggests Hunter Education may reduce training requirements but does not eliminate the process.

Can I choose the shorter course if I do not have Hunter Education?

Current understanding suggests no.

Students without qualifying Hunter Education will require the extended pathway.

Will I need to shoot?

Current implementation suggests no live-fire qualification requirement.

The post Colorado 4 Hour vs 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course | Pueblo Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

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The HGWTC Monthly Briefing

June 2026

Colorado Gun Law Updates • Training Tips • Student Questions • Upcoming Classes

A Note From Rick

Hello Friends,

Welcome to the first edition of the HGWTC Monthly Briefing.

One of the questions I hear most often is, “What has changed?” Sometimes it is a question about Colorado gun laws. Other times it is about concealed carry permits, firearms training, or simply how to handle a handgun safely.

This monthly briefing is designed to help answer those questions. Each month I’ll share important legal updates, training tips, common student questions, and links to articles that I believe responsible Colorado gun owners should read.

Stay safe and keep training,
Rick Sindeband
Have Gun Will Train Colorado

Colorado Gun Law Update

Can Police Search Your Vehicle Just Because You Have a Gun?

Many gun owners assume that once a police officer sees a firearm during a traffic stop, the officer can automatically search the entire vehicle. That is not how the law works.

The presence of a firearm by itself does not automatically create probable cause to search your vehicle. Understanding the difference between lawful possession and probable cause is important for every gun owner who transports firearms to the range, carries concealed, or keeps a firearm in a vehicle.

Read the Full Article

Permit Holder Reminder

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewals Have Changed

Many permit holders are surprised to learn that Colorado’s renewal requirements are no longer as simple as they once were.

Renewal applicants must complete a refresher class that includes legal updates, a written examination, and a live-fire qualification exercise.

If your permit expiration date is approaching, do not wait until the last minute. Training certificates have time limits, and sheriff’s offices can experience processing delays.

Read More About Renewal Training

Colorado SSF Update

New Training Requirements Are Coming

Colorado’s Specified Semiautomatic Firearm program continues to generate questions from gun owners across the state.

Many people are trying to determine whether they will need a 4-hour course, a 12-hour course, hunter education credentials, sheriff approval, or additional training requirements.

If you own or plan to purchase certain semiautomatic firearms in the future, now is a good time to begin understanding the new requirements before they take effect.

Read the SSF Training Article

Training Tip of the Month

Unload in the Correct Order

One of the most common mistakes I see in both new and experienced shooters involves unloading a semi-automatic pistol.

Always begin by pointing the firearm in a safe direction.

1) Remove the magazine.
2) Rack the slide.
3) Lock the slide open.
4) Visually inspect the chamber.
5) Physically inspect the chamber and magazine well.

Remember: the magazine is the feeding source. If it remains in the firearm, the pistol can still load a cartridge into the chamber.

Student Question of the Month

Do I Have to Tell a Police Officer I Have a Concealed Handgun Permit?

Colorado does not have a general duty-to-inform law requiring permit holders to immediately announce that they possess a concealed handgun permit.

That said, how you conduct yourself during a traffic stop matters.

I do not declare my permit in Colorado. I declare my handgun. No one needs a permit to carry a loaded handgun concealed in an automobile in Colorado. Make sure you have a proper holster in case you have to hand the firearm to the officer. Practice this while sitting in your car and make sure your methods are smooth and safe.

Keep your hands visible, avoid sudden movements, do not reach toward the firearm, and follow lawful commands from the officer. A calm and professional interaction helps everyone involved.

Train With Us

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Class

Handgun Fundamentals

Court Ordered Gun Safety Class

OC / Pepper Spray Training

View Training Schedule

Stay Connected

Follow Have Gun Will Train Colorado on Facebook for training tips, Colorado gun law updates, and class announcements.

Follow Us on Facebook

Have Gun Will Train Colorado

Rick Sindeband

Professional Firearms Training in Pueblo, Colorado

Phone: 719-821-3958

Email: rick@havegunwilltraincolorado.com

Website: HaveGunWillTrainColorado.com

Professional Firearms Training Since 2010

The post June 2026 Colorado Gun Owner Briefing | Have Gun Will Train Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Are Small Guns Good for Concealed Carry?

Small guns are easy to carry, but they are not always easy to shoot.

Many people shopping for a concealed carry handgun start with the smallest pistol they can find. That makes sense on the surface. A small gun is easier to hide, easier to carry, and less likely to be left at home.

But there is a tradeoff. The smaller the handgun, the harder it often becomes to shoot well, manipulate safely, and control under stress.

What Is a Mouse Gun?

A “mouse gun” is an informal term often used for very small handguns carried for personal protection. These may include small semi-automatic pistols, pocket pistols, and small revolvers.

Many are chambered in calibers such as .380 ACP, .32 ACP, .25 ACP, .22 LR, or similar small cartridges. Some people carry them in a pocket, purse, ankle holster, or small concealed carry holster.

Whatever gun you carry, it still needs to be carried safely. Even a small handgun should be protected by a proper holster that covers the trigger guard.

The Biggest Problem: Recoil

Many new shooters assume a small gun will have light recoil. Often, the opposite is true.

A very small handgun has less weight, less grip area, and less surface for the shooter to control. That can make recoil feel sharper than expected, especially in small .380 pistols and lightweight revolvers.

When the gun moves more in the hand, students often struggle with:

• Maintaining a solid grip
• Getting quick follow-up shots
• Pressing the trigger without disturbing the sights
• Practicing enough because the gun is unpleasant to shoot

Small Guns Usually Have Small Sights

Small guns often come with small, low-profile sights. That may help with concealment, but it can make the gun harder to aim.

The shorter sight radius also makes aiming errors more noticeable. A slight misalignment of the sights on a small handgun can move the shot more than many shooters expect.

Some small pistols have sights that are difficult to see and difficult to replace. A simple trick some shooters use is adding a bright color to the front sight, but that does not solve the bigger issue: small guns require better fundamentals.

Safe Handling Can Be Harder with Small Pistols

This is where many people get into trouble.

Small handguns can be harder to load, harder to unload, harder to lock open, and harder to inspect. Some small pistols do not lock open after the last round. Some have tiny controls. Some have stiff slides. Some have manual safeties that are difficult to operate under stress.

That creates problems for new gun owners and concealed carry permit holders who have never been properly trained.

Common problems include:

• Pointing the muzzle in an unsafe direction while trying to rack the slide
• Putting the support hand in front of the muzzle
• Getting the trigger finger too close to the trigger
• Failing to remove the magazine before clearing the gun
• Failing to verify the chamber is empty
• Struggling to lock the slide open for inspection

That is why I tell students that many small guns are better suited for experienced gun handlers, not people who are just learning the basics.

Ballistics and Short Barrels

Small guns often have short barrels. Short barrels can reduce velocity, and reduced velocity can affect bullet performance.

This does not mean a small gun is useless. It means the shooter must understand the limitations of the equipment.

With a smaller caliber or shorter barrel, shot placement becomes even more important. The shooter must be able to control the gun, hit accurately, and make good decisions under pressure.

Small Gun vs. Compact Handgun

For many concealed carry students, a compact handgun may be a better choice than an ultra-small pocket pistol.

A compact handgun may offer:

• A better grip
• Better sights
• Less felt recoil
• More ammunition capacity
• Easier slide operation
• Better reliability
• Better overall shootability

The goal is not to carry the smallest gun possible. The goal is to carry a gun you can safely handle, shoot accurately, and use responsibly if you ever have to defend yourself.

Pros of Small Guns for Concealed Carry

• Easy to conceal: Small guns are easier to hide under light clothing.
• Easy to carry: Lightweight guns are less likely to be left at home.
• Good for deep concealment: Pocket pistols can work when larger guns are impractical.
• Useful as backup guns: Experienced carriers may use small guns as secondary firearms.

Cons of Small Guns for Concealed Carry

• Harder to shoot well: Small guns for concealed carry have small grips and short sight radius make accuracy more difficult.
• More felt recoil: Lightweight guns can be uncomfortable to practice with.
• Harder to manipulate: Slides, safeties, and controls may be difficult to operate.
• Lower capacity: Many small guns hold fewer rounds.
• Less forgiving: Small guns demand better fundamentals from the shooter.

Should You Carry a Small Gun?

Maybe. But you need to be honest about your ability.

Before relying on a small handgun for concealed carry, ask yourself:

• Can I load and unload it safely?
• Can I rack the slide without pointing it in an unsafe direction?
• Can I keep my finger indexed properly?
• Can I shoot it accurately?
• Can I manage the recoil?
• Will I actually practice with it?
• Do I have a proper holster for it?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, you need more training before depending on that firearm for self-defense.

Related Training

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 choose, carry, and handle firearms safely.

The post Small Guns for Concealed Carry | Are Pocket Pistols a Good Choice? appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Stop Calling It an Accident

Most firearms incidents are not accidents. They are usually the result of poor handling, broken safety rules, bad habits, or a lack of proper training.

Firearms safety is not complicated, but it does require discipline. When someone has an unintended discharge, points a firearm in an unsafe direction, leaves a gun unsecured, or places a finger on the trigger at the wrong time, calling it an “accident” often hides the real problem.

The better word is negligence.

Accident vs. Negligence

An accident is something that could not reasonably be prevented. True mechanical failure or a completely unforeseeable event may fall into that category.

Negligence is different. Negligence means someone failed to follow basic safety rules, ignored proper procedures, or handled a firearm carelessly.

That distinction matters because firearms are deadly tools. The language we use affects how seriously people take responsibility.

The Four Firearms Safety Rules Matter

Responsible gun owners should know and follow the basic safety rules every time they handle a firearm.

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

If these rules were followed consistently, most so-called accidental shootings would never happen. When a person violates one or more of these rules, the result is usually not bad luck. It is bad gun handling.

Why the Word “Accident” Causes Problems

Calling every unintended discharge an accident removes responsibility. It makes the event sound like fate, chance, or bad luck.

But guns do not simply “go off” by themselves under normal handling. Someone loaded the firearm, pointed the firearm, and touched the trigger. Someone failed to verify the condition of the firearm.

That is why language matters.

When we call negligent behavior an accident, we lower the standard. When we call it negligence, we put responsibility where it belongs.

Common Examples of Negligent Firearms Handling

• Pointing the muzzle at people while removing a firearm from a case or holster
• Putting a finger on the trigger before the gun is on target
• Failing to remove the magazine before clearing a semi-auto pistol
• Failing to lock the slide open and visually inspect the chamber
• Handling firearms casually at home, in vehicles, or on the range
• Leaving loaded firearms accessible to children or unauthorized persons
• Assuming a firearm is unloaded without checking it properly

Training Fixes Bad Habits

Most people do not need fancy shooting tricks. They need solid fundamentals, safe handling habits, and someone willing to correct unsafe behavior before it becomes dangerous. Firearms incidents are not accidents.

At Have Gun Will Train Colorado, we focus heavily on safe gun handling, loading and unloading procedures, muzzle discipline, trigger finger discipline, and responsible firearm ownership.

Responsible Gun Owners Must Raise the Standard

Gun owners, concealed carry permit holders, instructors, and range officers should not excuse careless gun handling. We should correct it.

That does not mean embarrassing people. It means being honest. If someone does something unsafe, it needs to be addressed immediately.

Firearms safety is not about ego. It is about preventing tragedy.

Final Thoughts

If you own, carry, or handle a firearm, the responsibility is yours. You are responsible for the muzzle, and you are responsible for the trigger. Also you are responsible for the condition of the firearm.

Stop calling preventable firearms incidents accidents.

Call them what they are: negligence.

Related Training

Why Train with 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, firearm safety, handgun fundamentals, and defensive firearms skills.

Our goal is simple: help responsible gun owners build safe habits, develop practical skills, and understand the legal responsibilities that come with firearm ownership.

The post Firearms Incidents Are Not Accidents | Negligence, Safety & Training appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Many gun owners believe that if an officer learns there is a firearm in the vehicle, the officer automatically has the right to search the entire car. That is not exactly how the law works.

The better way to understand it is this:

Firearms, Traffic Stops, and Vehicle Searches

During a traffic stop, officers are concerned about safety. That part is real. Courts have recognized that officers may take reasonable steps to protect themselves during a lawful stop.

But there is a difference between an officer taking reasonable safety precautions and an officer having automatic authority to search the whole vehicle.

The Big Case: Michigan v. Long

In Michigan v. Long, the United States Supreme Court said officers may conduct a limited protective search of the passenger compartment of a vehicle when they reasonably believe the person may be dangerous and may gain immediate control of weapons.

That is not the same as saying, “There is a gun, so search everything.” The search must be tied to officer safety and areas where a weapon could be located.

Another Important Case: Arizona v. Gant

In Arizona v. Gant, the Supreme Court limited automatic vehicle searches after an arrest. If the person is already secured and cannot reach the vehicle, the police do not automatically get to search the car just because an arrest happened.

The Court allowed a vehicle search incident to arrest only when the person could access the vehicle or when it is reasonable to believe evidence related to the arrest offense may be found in the vehicle.

Read the Cases That Matter- Colorado Gun in Car Search Laws

Want to go deeper? Here are some of the sources discussed in this article:

• 
  Michigan v. Long (U.S. Supreme Court)
  
• 
  Arizona v. Gant (U.S. Supreme Court)
  
• 
  Colorado General Assembly
  
• 
  Colorado Firearm Summary – Handgunlaw.us
  

What About Lawful Gun Possession?

In many states, including Colorado, carrying or transporting a firearm may be completely lawful. That matters. If lawful possession were treated as automatic criminal suspicion, every lawful gun owner could be treated like a suspect simply for exercising a legal right.

Some lower federal courts have made this point clearly. In United States v. Ubiles, the court recognized that a report of a firearm alone did not automatically create reasonable suspicion where possession could be lawful.

What This Means for Colorado Gun Owners

Colorado gun owners need to understand both sides of this issue.

• No, a gun in the car does not automatically mean police can search everything.
• No, lawful firearm possession is not automatically a crime.
• Yes, officers may take reasonable safety steps during a traffic stop.
• Yes, your behavior, your statements, access to the firearm, and other facts can change the legal analysis.

Do You Have to Tell Police You Have a Gun in Colorado?

Colorado does not have a general legal duty requiring you to immediately volunteer that you have a firearm during every traffic stop. That said, this is not the place to be cute, argumentative, or reckless.

Keep your hands visible. Do not reach around. Do not touch the gun. Do not make sudden movements. If the officer asks, answer calmly and clearly.

Final Thought

The simple takeaway is this: a firearm in a vehicle does not automatically erase your Fourth Amendment rights. But it also does not mean the officer has to ignore safety concerns.

The real question is usually not, “Was there a gun?” The real question is, “What facts existed along with the gun?” Know the Colorado Gun in Car Search Laws.

That is the difference between lawful possession, reasonable suspicion, officer safety, probable cause, and an illegal search.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and court decisions can change. If you are facing criminal charges or a firearm-related legal issue, contact a qualified attorney.

The post Colorado Gun in Car Search Laws | Traffic Stops, Probable Cause & Firearms appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm FAQ

The Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) program begins August 1, 2026, and has already created questions, confusion, and rumors.

This page answers common questions about the new program, possible training paths, testing requirements, Hunter Education exemptions, and the purchase process as it is currently understood.

Information may change as Colorado Parks and Wildlife and state agencies continue implementation.

For a complete overview, see our main article:

Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Program: What Changes August 1, 2026?

Official updates and implementation information are available from
Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Students should verify current requirements because procedures may continue to change.

Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm FAQ

Do I need training if I already own one?

Current guidance indicates people who already legally possess qualifying firearms before August 1, 2026 are not affected by the new program.

Even if training is not required, additional firearms safety training may still be valuable for owners with limited experience.

Do all semiautomatic firearms require the course?

No.

Only firearms meeting the legal definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) are included.

Many firearms remain exempt.

Will my Glock require the course?

Many traditional recoil-operated handguns may be exempt under current guidance.

Always verify official state lists and classifications when released because implementation details may change.

Are AR rifles included?

Many detachable magazine semiautomatic rifles are expected to fall under the program.

AR pattern rifles, AK pattern rifles, AKM pattern rifles, and similar platforms may be included.

Always verify official guidance for specific models and configurations.

What if I already have Hunter Education?

Current implementation indicates Hunter Education holders are expected to qualify for the shorter 4-hour firearms safety pathway.

Final procedures should always be verified before registering.

Will my Hunter Education card replace the SSF course?

No.

Current guidance indicates Hunter Education may reduce required training time but does not completely replace the process.

What if I do NOT have Hunter Education?

You may need the extended 12-hour firearms safety course.

Current guidance indicates this training must be completed over multiple days.

Will I have to shoot?

Current understanding suggests there is no live-fire qualification requirement.

Students should still consider additional training to develop safe handling skills and proper gun operation.

Do I need permission before taking class?

Current information indicates applicants may first need eligibility approval through their local sheriff before attending training.

Implementation details may continue to change.

Can I take the class before sheriff approval?

Current understanding suggests students may need eligibility approval before attending training.

Always verify procedures before registering.

Will there be a written test?

Yes.

Current guidance indicates students must successfully complete testing as part of the course.

What score do I need?

Current guidance indicates students must obtain a minimum passing score of 90%.

Can any instructor teach this class?

No.

Only instructors approved and certified for the program may participate.

Will my Colorado concealed carry permit count?

At this time the concealed handgun permit system appears separate from the SSF program.

Possessing a concealed carry permit does not automatically replace SSF requirements.

Will there be fees?

Expect administrative fees associated with eligibility review, background checks, and processing.

Training costs may also apply.

Final details may change.

Is this a ban?

No.

The program establishes training and purchase requirements for certain future purchases and transfers involving qualifying firearms.

Which firearms appear exempt?

Examples currently expected to remain outside the program include:

• Many hunting shotguns
• Most rimfire firearms
• Bolt-action firearms
• Pump-action firearms
• Lever-action firearms
• Slide-action firearms
• Certain recoil-operated handguns
• Antique firearms

Always verify final state guidance.

Certain exemptions and firearm descriptions are contained in Colorado statute language.

See:
Colorado Department of Revenue

Where do I get official updates?

Official program information can be found at:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife SSF Program

Because implementation continues to evolve, always confirm current requirements before beginning the process.

The post Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm FAQ | SSF Training Questions Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Stop the Rumors First (Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Training)

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado changes the process for purchasing or transferring certain firearms classified as Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSF).

This law does NOT affect people who already legally possess affected firearms before August 1, 2026.

This law does NOT automatically apply to every firearm owner in Colorado.

The new process applies to future purchases and transfers involving qualifying firearms.

Possible Purchase Process Overview

Some implementation details are still developing, but the process currently appears similar to this:

Common Questions

Do I need training if I already own one?

Current understanding is that existing owners before August 1, 2026, are not affected.

Do all guns require this course?

No.
Only firearms meeting the SSF definition are included.

Will I have to shoot?

Current guidance indicates no live-fire requirement.

Do Hunter Education cards matter?

Yes.
Hunter Education holders qualify for the shorter 4-hour pathway.

Official program information and updates are available through

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife information is here

The SSF List (Specified Semiautomatic Firearm List) is here…..

Because implementation details may change, students should verify current requirements before beginning the process.

The post Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Training | Pueblo Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

The post Brandishing in Colorado | Displaying a Gun & Menacing Charges appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Most Americans can quote the first line of the Second Amendment, but a lot of people forget why it’s there in the first place. The founders didn’t list it as a government-issued privilege. They didn’t treat it as a license that comes and goes with political trends. They engraved it into the Bill of Rights—the same document that protects speech, religion, privacy, due process, and every other basic liberty we rely on every single day.

And here’s the problem:
The Second Amendment is the only right in the Bill of Rights that modern politicians, bureaucrats, and activists constantly try to restrict, regulate, and chip away at.

None of the other nine amendments get this kind of treatment.

Look at the Bill of Rights

• 1st: You don’t need a permit to speak your mind.
• 3rd: No one is forcing soldiers into your home.
• 4th: Police can’t search your property without a warrant.
• 5th–8th: Due process, fair trials, juries, protection from cruel punishment—none of these require yearly fees, background checks, or mandatory state classes.
• 9th–10th: Clear limits on government power.

But the 2nd Amendment? Suddenly you’re told it’s “different.” Suddenly it’s treated like a privilege you have to earn, negotiate, beg for, or hope your local politicians allow.

That’s backwards.

The Founders Weren’t Confused

The founders didn’t accidentally put the right to bear arms second on the list. They understood something modern society tends to ignore:

Every other right depends on your ability to defend it.
A right you cannot defend is a right you can lose.

The Second Amendment isn’t about deer hunting, shooting sports, or hobbies. It’s about the balance of power between the people and the government—something the founders had seen abused firsthand.

Why Only the Second Amendment Is Treated Like a Privilege

Because it has teeth.

Speech lets you complain.
The press lets you expose.
Religion lets you believe.
Privacy lets you live without interference.
Trials keep the system fair.

But the Second Amendment is a right not a privilege it ensures the government can’t ignore all the rest.

So when lawmakers add restrictions, fees, waiting periods, magazine bans, registration schemes, and “permission slips,” they’re not regulating a hobby—they’re undermining a constitutional right.

No other amendment gets this level of micromanagement.
No other amendment requires the average citizen to “justify” their rights.

Rights Don’t Require Permission

A right is something you already have.
A privilege is something the government lets you borrow.

If the government can take it away, ration it, or control it at will, it’s not a right anymore—it’s a regulated privilege.

The Bottom Line

The Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, not the “Bill of Government-Approved Activities.” It stands shoulder to shoulder with speech, religion, privacy, and due process.

If we allow one right to be downgraded to a privilege, the rest can follow.

Second Amendment is a right not a privilege-Defend all our rights.
Teach them.
Explain them.
Use them responsibly.
But never apologize for exercising them.

The post Second Amendment: A Right, Not a Privilege | Have Gun Will Train Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Last Updated: April 2026 – Current Colorado concealed carry renewal and training requirements.

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) has expired or is about to expire, you need to act quickly. Many people assume they can simply renew late—but that is not always the case under current Colorado law.

This guide explains what happens if your Concealed Carry Permit Expired Colorado, and what steps you need to take next.

Can You Renew an Expired Concealed Carry Permit in Colorado?

Is There a Grace Period After Your Permit Expires?

Colorado typically allows a limited grace period of up to 180 days after your permit expires, where you may still be able to renew instead of starting over.

However, there are important limitations:

• You may be required to pay a late fee
• You cannot legally carry concealed once your permit has expired
• Delays can still push you outside the renewal window

Waiting until after expiration creates unnecessary risk and inconvenience. The safest move is to complete your renewal before your permit expires.

This means more time, more training, and more expense compared to a standard renewal.

The 120-Day Renewal Window

Colorado allows you to renew your permit up to 120 days before your expiration date. This is your window to complete training and submit your renewal application.

If you wait until after your permit expires, you risk losing the ability to renew under the standard process.

What You May Have to Do If Your Permit Expires

If your permit has already expired, you may need to:

• Complete the full initial concealed carry class (typically 8 hours)
• Meet all current training requirements, including live-fire qualification
• Submit a new application instead of a renewal

This is one of the most common—and avoidable—mistakes permit holders make.

Can You Still Carry After Your Permit Expires?

No. Once your concealed carry permit expires, you are no longer authorized to carry concealed under that permit.

Carrying with an expired permit can expose you to serious legal consequences. If your permit has expired, you should stop carrying concealed until your permit is valid again.

What to Do If Your Permit Is About to Expire

If your permit has not expired yet, the best move is simple: get your renewal done now.

You can complete your training and stay within the legal renewal window by taking a concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo, Colorado.

Classes are offered most days of the week, making it easy to get your renewal handled before it becomes a bigger problem.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Expired Permits

• Waiting until the last minute to schedule training
• Not realizing the certificate is only valid for 6 months
• Assuming the renewal process is automatic
• Underestimating delays from the sheriff’s office

After working with thousands of students, these are the issues we see over and over again.

Colorado Concealed Carry Expiration FAQs

Can I renew my permit after it expires?

In most cases, no. You may be required to complete the initial application process again if your permit has expired.

How early can I renew my permit?

You can renew up to 120 days before expiration.

How long is my training certificate valid?

Your training certificate must be used within 6 months of the class date.

What happens if I let my permit expire?

You may lose the ability to renew and instead be required to complete the full application process again.

Don’t Let It Expire

The easiest way to avoid problems is to complete your renewal early. Waiting too long can turn a simple renewal into a much bigger process.

If you are still within your renewal window, schedule your training now:

View Renewal Class Schedule and Sign Up

Related Resources

• 
  Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Requirements (2026 Update)
  
• 
  Concealed Carry Renewal Class in Pueblo, Colorado
  

The post What Happens If Your Concealed Carry Permit Expires in Colorado? appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Practice vs Training Firearms: Why Most Gun Owners Get It Backwards

Practice is not the same as training.

I was listening to Tom Gresham on Gun Talk Radio the other day, and it reminded me of something I see all the time with students:

People practice—over and over—but they’re practicing the wrong things.

And that’s how bad habits get burned in.

What Happens When You Practice Without Training

Practice vs Training Firearms

In the firearms world, we call these mistakes training scars.

They’re habits that feel natural—because you’ve done them a thousand times—but they’re wrong, unsafe, or legally dangerous.

Common examples I see:

• Believing “down is always safe” (it isn’t)
• Thinking you need a thumb safety instead of proper handling
• Improper trigger finger placement during manipulation
• Sloppy loading and unloading procedures
• Unsafe or inconsistent draw strokes

None of those start as bad intentions.

They start as untrained practice.

Training Builds the Blueprint — Practice Reinforces It

Training is where you learn the correct method.

Practice is where you reinforce it.

If you skip the training step, you’re guessing.

And guessing with a firearm is a bad plan.

Drawing From the Holster: Where Things Go Wrong Fast

One of the biggest problem areas is the draw from a concealed holster.

It’s also one of the most dangerous things you can do with a handgun.

There’s a reason many ranges restrict or prohibit drawing from the holster:

• People muzzle themselves
• People sweep others
• People get on the trigger too early
• People rush the process

That’s not theory—that’s reality.

Now think about this:

If you practice the draw incorrectly…

You are literally training yourself to do something dangerous—faster.

What Proper Practice Should Look Like

Once you’ve been trained correctly, your practice should be:

• Slow and deliberate
• Focused on safety first
• Based on a proven process
• Consistent every time
• Built on correct fundamentals

Even 5 minutes a day of correct practice can dramatically improve your skills.

But only if the foundation is solid.

Recommended Training

• Handgun Fundamentals Training
• Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Class
• Concealed Carry Renewal / Refresher

The post Practice vs Training Firearms | Avoid Dangerous Bad Habits | Pueblo CO appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Your Car Is NOT Your Castle in Colorado

One of the most dangerous myths in gun culture is this: “My car is an extension of my home.”

In Colorado, that is not how the law works. If you rely on that idea after a defensive gun use, you may be explaining yourself to a prosecutor instead of going home.

The Simple Truth

Your home gets special legal protection under Colorado law.

Your car does not.

What the Law Actually Says

Colorado’s Castle Doctrine is found in C.R.S. 18-1-704.5, often called the
Make My Day law.

It applies when:

• You are inside a dwelling
• Someone unlawfully enters
• You reasonably believe they may commit a crime
• You reasonably believe they may use force

When those conditions are met, the law gives strong protection.

The Key Word: “Dwelling”

A dwelling means a place used for living — like your home.

A regular car, truck, or SUV is not a dwelling.

You may be sitting in it. You may own it. You may keep a firearm in it.

That still does not make it your castle.

Where Castle Doctrine Does NOT Apply

• Vehicles
• Parking lots
• Driveways
• Road rage incidents
• Public streets
• Businesses open to the public

You can still defend yourself in those places.
You just do not get the same legal protections.

No Duty to Retreat ≠ Castle Doctrine

Colorado generally does not require you to retreat.

But that does NOT give you Castle Doctrine protection.

Outside your home, deadly force is judged under standard self-defense rules:

• Was the threat immediate?
• Was deadly force necessary?
• Was your decision reasonable?

No immunity. No presumption. No shortcut.

Where This Myth Comes From

• Internet advice
• Other states’ laws
• Social media
• “I heard from a cop…”

None of that matters in court.

Colorado law is what matters.

Reality Check

If you use deadly force from inside a vehicle in Colorado:

• You are NOT under Castle Doctrine
• You are NOT automatically justified
• You are NOT immune

You are judged under standard self-defense law.

Train for Reality

Most people don’t get in trouble because they’re evil — they get in trouble because they believed bad information.

If you want to understand how Colorado law actually works, not how the internet says it works, get trained.

Have Gun Will Train Colorado
Pueblo, Colorado
719-821-3958

The post Your Car Is Not Your Castle in Colorado | Castle Doctrine Myth appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Concealed Carry Class in Pueblo, Colorado

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Training with Live-Fire Qualification

Have Gun Will Train Colorado offers concealed carry training in Pueblo for students applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit.

This is an 8-hour class covering handgun safety, Colorado law, defensive decision-making, written testing, and the required live-fire qualification.

Training Since 2010 • Pueblo’s Full-Time Firearms Training School

Reserve Your Seat

The post Concealed Carry Class Pueblo Colorado | CHP Training appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is about to expire, now is the time to act. At Have Gun Will Train Colorado, we offer a fast, no-nonsense concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo that meets current Colorado renewal training requirements.

If you are looking for concealed carry renewal training in Pueblo, Colorado, or searching for a concealed carry renewal class near you, we offer classes most days of the week with flexible scheduling to help you get it done without delay.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Colorado allows you to renew your permit up to 120 days before expiration, and your training certificate must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application.

Many students wait too long and get caught in delays. The smart move is to handle your concealed handgun permit renewal training early and avoid unnecessary headaches.

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Requirements (2026 Update)

If you want a full breakdown of the current renewal requirements, including training, deadlines, and what to expect, see our detailed guide:

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Requirements (2026 Update)

Looking for a Concealed Carry Renewal Class Near You?

If you are searching for a concealed carry renewal class near you in Pueblo or Southern Colorado, we offer convenient weekday classes with a live-fire qualification just minutes away.

Students regularly come to us from Pueblo, Canon City, Florence, Penrose, Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Junta, and surrounding areas because of our practical schedule, straightforward training format, and convenient location.

What the Renewal Class Includes

• Required live-fire shooting qualification
• Updated Colorado gun laws from the last 5 years
• Safe handling and handgun fundamentals review
• Written competency exam (open book)

This is not a beginner class. It is a focused, efficient renewal course built to help qualified students meet the training requirement and get back into compliance quickly.

What Most People Get Wrong About Renewal

After training thousands of students, one of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting too long to renew. Many people assume they can take care of it at the last minute, only to discover training delays or sheriff processing delays create problems.

Another issue is underestimating the live-fire requirement. While the class is straightforward, you still need to safely handle your firearm, complete the shooting qualification, and pass the written exam.

Our goal is to keep the process simple, efficient, and stress-free while making sure you understand exactly what is required.

Class Schedule

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We run classes most days of the week so you can train on your schedule.

Cost

• $75 per person
• $10 range fee for the shooting qualification

Why Train With Us?

• • Pueblo’s only full-time firearms training school
  • Serving Southern Colorado since 2010
  • Trained thousands of students
  • Range qualification just 5 minutes away
  • Fast, practical renewal training designed for experienced gun owners

Your Instructor for Class

Rick Sindeband has been teaching firearms training full-time since 2010 and has worked with thousands of students across Southern Colorado. That experience matters. You get a renewal class that is focused, efficient, and built around what students actually need to know to complete the process properly.

What to Bring

• Your handgun (or we can provide one if needed)
• Ammunition
• Eye and ear protection (available if needed)

Who Needs This Class?

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is expiring soon, this class is designed to meet the training requirement for renewal under current Colorado law. If you are not sure whether you need renewal training or have questions about timing, reach out and we will point you in the right direction.

Concealed Carry Renewal FAQs

Do I need a class to renew my concealed carry permit in Colorado?

Colorado requires renewal applicants to demonstrate continued competency with a handgun. That includes live-fire shooting, safe gun handling, and a written competency exam as part of the renewal training process.

How many rounds are required for the renewal qualification?

The renewal qualification requires a minimum of 50 rounds.

How early can I renew my permit?

You can submit your renewal application up to 120 days before your permit expires.

How old can my training certificate be?

Your training certificate must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application.

What happens if my permit expires?

If you let your permit expire, you may lose the ability to renew under the normal process and could be forced into meeting the requirements for a new application instead. That usually means more time, more hassle, and more expense.

Is this class for new shooters?

No. This class is intended for permit holders who are renewing and need to meet the current Colorado renewal training requirement.

Book Your Renewal Class Today

Spots fill quickly, especially as expiration dates approach. Do not wait until the last minute and risk missing your window.

Call or text: 719-821-3958
Website: havegunwilltraincolorado.com
Sign Up Online

Serving Pueblo and Southern Colorado

We regularly train students from Pueblo, Canon City, Florence, Penrose, Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Junta, and surrounding areas. If you need a concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo, Colorado or are searching for renewal training nearby, Have Gun Will Train Colorado is ready to help.

The post Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Class in Pueblo – CHP Training Near You, Fast & Simple appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

The post What Real-World Shooting Data Reveals About Defensive Gun Use appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Colorado Make My Day Law

Colorado’s Make My Day Law is one of the most talked-about self-defense laws in the state. It is also one of the most misunderstood.

Many people call it Colorado’s “Castle Doctrine,” but that is not really accurate. A traditional Castle Doctrine is usually used in states where there is a duty to retreat. It removes that duty when a person is inside their home.

Colorado generally does not have a duty to retreat. Because of that, Colorado does not need a traditional Castle Doctrine in the same way some other states do.

Instead, Colorado has CRS 18-1-704.5, commonly known as the Make My Day Law.

CRS 18-1-704.5 Use of Deadly Physical Force Against an Intruder

The Colorado statute recognizes that citizens have a right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.

Under Colorado’s Make My Day Law, an occupant of a dwelling may be justified in using physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when certain conditions are met.

The Basic Requirements

• The person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling.
• The occupant reasonably believes the person has committed, is committing, or intends to commit a crime in addition to the unlawful entry.
• The occupant reasonably believes the person might use physical force, no matter how slight, against an occupant.

When the requirements of the statute are met, the law may provide immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for the use of force.

Make My Day Is About the Home

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to apply the Make My Day Law everywhere.

The law is focused on an intruder entering a dwelling. Your yard, driveway, sidewalk, parking lot, business, or vehicle may involve different legal standards.

This is why I often remind students that your car is not your castle in Colorado.

Read more: Your Car Is Not Your Castle in Colorado

Be Sure of Your Target

Even inside your home, one of the most important firearm safety rules still applies:

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

You are responsible for every round that leaves your gun. A bad shot, a missed shot, or a round that goes through a wall may create legal, moral, and safety problems you did not intend.

Use the Right Ammunition

In home-defense situations, ammunition selection matters. Many people choose quality defensive ammunition, such as JHP — jacketed hollow point ammunition — to help reduce the risk of over-penetration compared to some range ammunition.

Read more about personal protection ammunition

Colorado Self-Defense Law Requires Judgment

Colorado’s Make My Day Law is broad when compared with many other states, but broad does not mean unlimited.

The facts matter. The location matters. The reasonableness of your belief matters, and what you knew at the time matters.

That is why self-defense training should include more than shooting. You need to understand safety, judgment, avoidance, legal boundaries, and the decisions that happen before a gun ever comes out.

Related Articles

• Your Car Is Not Your Castle in Colorado
• Personal Protection Ammunition
• Firearms Training Schedule

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. I am not an attorney. If you have specific legal questions, contact a qualified Colorado attorney.

The post Colorado Make My Day Law Explained | Home Defense Law Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Avoid an Assault Weapons Charge in Denver Colorado

Magazine laws and local ordinances can create problems for Colorado gun owners. Know the rules before you travel.

One of my clients recently came to me with a story about an assault weapons charge in Denver, Colorado. It is the kind of story every Colorado gun owner should hear, because it shows how fast a normal day at the range can turn into a criminal case.

This article is not legal advice. I am not an attorney. This is a training and awareness discussion from a firearms instructor who wants responsible gun owners to stay out of trouble.

The Traffic Stop

My client was driving home from a range in Northern Colorado when he was stopped in the Denver area for a traffic violation. He had been shooting a Glock 19 and an AK-style rifle. He also had magazines with him, including 17-round magazines for the Glock and 30-round magazines for the rifle.

The Glock 19 had a loaded 17-round magazine in it. The rifle was in the back seat in a case with no magazine inserted.

Trying to be responsible, he told the officers he had firearms in the vehicle. The officers asked him to step out of the vehicle. They examined the firearms and magazines, called supervisors, and at first made it sound like he would be on his way.

Instead, he was arrested.

Why the Glock Became the Problem

The charge centered on the Glock 19 with the 17-round magazine. The rifle, according to the information relayed to me, was not the basis of the charge because it did not have the 30-round magazine inserted at the time.

That is the part many gun owners do not understand. A handgun that seems ordinary in Pueblo, Fremont County, or other parts of Colorado may create a serious legal problem in Denver if it is paired with a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds.

Colorado’s 15-Round Magazine Limit

Colorado law generally treats a magazine that can accept more than 15 rounds as a large-capacity magazine. Under CRS 18-12-302, the sale, transfer, or possession of a large-capacity magazine can create criminal exposure unless an exception applies.

Do not make the common mistake of thinking, “I only loaded 15 rounds into it, so I’m fine.” The issue is generally what the magazine is capable of holding, not just how many rounds you placed in it that day.

If your magazine body is designed to hold 17 rounds, downloading it to 15 rounds does not magically turn it into a 15-round magazine.

Denver’s Assault Weapon Ordinance

Denver has its own local ordinance dealing with so-called assault weapons. Denver Municipal Code Sec. 38-130 includes definitions and restrictions that may be stricter than what gun owners expect under general Colorado law.

That is why I tell students this plainly: Denver is not Pueblo. If you travel into Denver with firearms or magazines, you need to know Denver’s rules before you go.

Get the Right Magazines

If you carry a handgun with factory magazines that hold more than 15 rounds, get smaller magazines for daily carry and travel inside Colorado. Many common handguns ship with 16-, 17-, or higher-capacity magazines. That does not mean those magazines are trouble-free under Colorado law or Denver ordinance.

For example, if you carry a Glock 19, consider using magazines that are actually manufactured to hold 15 rounds or fewer. Do not rely on downloading a larger magazine and hoping that solves the problem.

Keep Firearms Out of Sight During Travel

Colorado law allows lawful firearm ownership and transportation, but that does not mean every traffic stop will be simple. Keep your firearms properly secured, transported safely, and out of plain view when possible.

Also understand this: Colorado does not have a general legal requirement that every permit holder must immediately declare a firearm during an ordinary traffic stop. There may be situations where disclosure makes sense, and there may be situations where saying too much creates more problems. Use judgment, stay calm, and follow lawful commands.

The Law Is Being Challenged, But Do Not Bet Your Freedom on That

As of 2026, both Colorado’s magazine limit and Denver’s assault weapon ordinance have been the subject of federal legal challenges. That does not mean gun owners should ignore the law while cases work their way through court.

Until a court changes the practical reality, the safest course is simple: know the current rules, use compliant magazines, and do not assume that “everybody has these mags” is a defense.

Get Trained Before You Learn the Hard Way

Firearms training is not only about shooting better. It is also about understanding safe handling, transportation, storage, concealed carry responsibilities, and the legal issues that can wreck your life if you ignore them.

If you carry a handgun in Colorado, especially if you travel through Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or other cities, make sure your training is up to date.

Sources and Further Reading

• Denver Municipal Code Sec. 38-121 — Assault Weapons
• Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-302 — Large-Capacity Magazines
• Handgunlaw.us — Colorado Firearms Law Summary

The post Assault Weapons Charge Denver Colorado | Magazine Limit Warning appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Hollywood loves warning shots. Real life doesn’t.

In the movies, the hero fires a round into the air and the bad guy magically runs away. In Colorado, that same shot can get YOU arrested, prosecuted, sued, or sitting across from a judge wondering what went wrong.

There Is No Such Thing as a “Safe” Warning Shot

Once you press the trigger, you’ve launched a deadly projectile. It doesn’t care what you intended. It only cares where it lands.

A bullet fired into the air does not vanish. It comes back down somewhere — onto houses, cars, parking lots, or people. You are legally responsible for where that round lands, even if you never meant to hit anything.

Every year around the country, “celebratory” shots and so-called warning shots injure and kill people who weren’t even part of the original problem. Gravity is undefeated.

Firing a Gun = Using Deadly Force

There is no special legal category called a “warning shot.” If you fire a gun, you are using deadly force. Period.

That means you should expect your actions to be viewed the same way as if you had intentionally fired at a person. You don’t get a free pass because you say, “I only meant to scare him.”

If the situation does not justify deadly force, you should not be pressing the trigger at all.

If the situation does justify deadly force, then sending rounds off into space instead of actually stopping the threat is tactically and legally stupid.

Colorado Law: Real Charges, Real Consequences

Colorado does not give you a “warning shot exception.” Prosecutors have plenty of tools if you decide to send a round into the air, into the ground, or in some random direction:

• Illegal discharge of a firearm – knowingly or recklessly firing into a dwelling, building, occupied structure, or occupied vehicle is a felony under Colorado law.
• Reckless endangerment – creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.
• Menacing – placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury; it becomes a class 5 felony when it involves a firearm.
• Prohibited use of weapons / disorderly conduct / local ordinances – many cities and counties have additional rules against random gunfire.

On top of the criminal charges, you may be facing a civil lawsuit from anyone who was put at risk or harmed by that shot.

How a “Warning Shot” Makes Everything Worse

People think a warning shot will de-escalate a situation. In reality, it usually does the opposite.

When you fire a warning shot, you:

• Reveal your position and confirm you are armed.
• Escalate the encounter and may push the other person into full-on fight mode.
• Trigger panic in everyone nearby who hears gunfire.
• Increase legal scrutiny because you fired a round without a clear target.
• Endanger bystanders with a round that has no safe backstop.

Instead of solving the problem, you’ve turned a tense situation into a gun incident with you as the one who pulled the trigger.

Hollywood Is Not a Training Manual

Movies and TV are full of stupid gun behavior: warning shots, shooting locks off doors, blazing away with no idea what’s behind the target. That may look dramatic on a screen. In the real world it’s reckless, dangerous, and often criminal.

A firearm is not:

• A scare device
• A negotiation tool
• A noisemaker to “send a message”

A firearm is a deadly-force instrument. That’s how the law will treat it, and that’s how you should treat it.

The Rule Is Simple

Either the situation justifies deadly force, or it does not. There is no legally safe middle ground where you get to fire “just a little bit.”

• If deadly force is not justified, keep your finger off the trigger.
• If deadly force is justified, your shot needs a target, a backstop, and a clear legal reason — not the sky, the dirt, or a random wall.

Train Smart, Stay Out of Court

Warning shots are not taught by serious instructors and are not a smart strategy for any responsible gun owner in Colorado. You risk:

• Felony or misdemeanor criminal charges
• Losing your gun rights
• Massive legal bills and civil lawsuits
• Injuring or killing someone who was never a threat

If you carry a gun for self-defense, you need more than a permit and movie clips in your head. You need solid training on when you can use deadly force, when you cannot, and how to avoid putting yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Have Gun Will Train Colorado offers Colorado-focused training that covers the legal, tactical, and practical realities of armed self-defense — without the Hollywood nonsense.

If you’re carrying a gun in Colorado, stop believing in warning shots and start getting real training.

The post Warning Shots in Colorado: Why Firing “Into the Air” Can Destroy Your Life appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Last Updated: April 2026 – Reflects current Colorado concealed carry renewal training requirements.

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is coming up for renewal, it is important to understand the current requirements before you apply. Colorado law now requires updated training, a live-fire qualification, and a written competency test for most renewal applicants.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to renew your concealed carry permit in Colorado in 2026.

If you need to complete your renewal training, you can take a

concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo, Colorado
with flexible weekday scheduling.

When Can You Renew Your Concealed Carry Permit?

In Colorado, you can renew your concealed handgun permit up to 120 days before your expiration date.

Your training certificate must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application. If you take your class too early, you may need to retake it.

Waiting until the last minute can create problems due to class availability and delays at the sheriff’s office. Planning ahead is strongly recommended.

Colorado Renewal Training Requirements

To renew your concealed carry permit in Colorado, you must demonstrate continued competency with a handgun. This typically includes:

• Live-fire shooting qualification (minimum of 50 rounds)
• Safe handling and firearms fundamentals
• Updated Colorado gun laws from the last 5 years
• Written competency exam

These requirements are designed to ensure permit holders remain safe, knowledgeable, and capable of responsibly carrying a concealed handgun.

Live-Fire Qualification (What to Expect)

The live-fire portion of the renewal process requires you to handle your firearm and complete a shooting qualification safely.

Most students complete this without difficulty, but you should be comfortable with:

• Basic handgun operation
• Safe loading and unloading procedures
• Maintaining control of your firearm at all times

If you have not practiced recently, it is a good idea to spend some time at the range before your renewal class.

What Happens If Your Permit Expires?

If your concealed carry permit expires, you may lose the ability to renew under the standard process. In many cases, you will be required to complete the initial application process again, which involves:

• A longer class (typically 8 hours)
• More extensive training requirements
• Additional time and cost

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Do not let your permit expire if you can avoid it.

Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to schedule your class
• Taking the class too early (certificate expires)
• Assuming renewal requirements are the same as before
• Not preparing for the live-fire qualification

After working with thousands of students, these issues come up regularly. The best approach is to plan early and get your renewal completed ahead of time.

Where to Take a Concealed Carry Renewal Class in Pueblo

If you are located in Southern Colorado and need to complete your renewal training, you can take a concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo with flexible weekday scheduling.

Click here to view available renewal classes and schedule your training.

Who Needs Renewal Training?

Most concealed handgun permit holders in Colorado will need to complete renewal training that demonstrates continued competency. If you are unsure whether you need a class, it is best to verify with your local sheriff’s office or a qualified instructor.

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal FAQs

How many rounds are required for renewal?

Colorado requires a minimum of 50 rounds during the live-fire portion of the renewal process.

How early can I renew my concealed carry permit?

You can renew up to 120 days before your permit expires.

How long is my training certificate valid?

Your training certificate must be used within 6 months of the class date.

Is the renewal class difficult?

For most students, the renewal class is straightforward. It focuses on safe gun handling, current laws, and demonstrating basic competency.

Can I renew after my permit expires?

In many cases, no. You may be required to complete the initial application process again if your permit has expired.

Get Your Renewal Done Early

Do not wait until the last minute. Completing your renewal early helps you avoid delays, stay compliant with the law, and keep your permit active without interruption.

If you are ready to schedule your training, visit the link below:

View Class Schedule and Sign Up

Serving Pueblo and Southern Colorado

This renewal guide applies to permit holders across Pueblo, Canon City, Florence, Penrose, Walsenburg, Trinidad, La Junta, and surrounding areas.

The post Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Requirements (2026 Update) appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Not Every Gun Sign Means “No Guns Allowed”

Many permit holders assume every firearm sign means concealed carry is prohibited. That is not always true.

Some signs prohibit:

• Open carry only
• Unlicensed concealed carry
• Weapons inside secured facilities
• Entry beyond metal detector checkpoints
• Specific restricted government locations

Understanding what the sign actually says matters.

Open Carry Restrictions

Many Pueblo residents have seen signs stating:

“The Open Carrying of Firearms or Deadly Weapons Within This Building Is Prohibited”

This sign normally means:

Concealed carry may still be lawful

Open carry is prohibited

The firearm must remain concealed

This becomes confusing when similar signs appear at buildings that already prohibit possession entirely because of security screening or controlled entry points.

Always evaluate:

• Metal detectors
• Security screening
• Court facilities
• Jails
• Posted restrictions

Licensed Concealed Carry vs Open Display

Some signs contain two separate rules in one statement.

Example:

“Bringing concealed weapons that are not legally licensed or permitted, or openly displaying a weapon except by law enforcement officials is prohibited.”

Read carefully.

Part one:

Licensed concealed carry holders may be allowed.

Part two:

Open display is prohibited.

Many people stop reading after the first line and misunderstand the entire sign.

Places Where You Should Slow Down and Verify

Restrictions may apply in locations including:

• Courthouses
• Jails
• Federal facilities
• Post Offices
• Schools
• Airports
• Public transportation systems
• State Fair locations
• Controlled-entry government buildings

Do not rely on coffee-shop advice.

Verify the law.

Pueblo Ordinances Matter

Pueblo permit holders should review local ordinances and understand how city rules interact with state law.

Topics often discussed include:

• Weapons definitions
• Knife restrictions
• Prohibited conduct
• Local enforcement issues

Knowing Colorado law is important.

Knowing local rules matters too.

What About “No Guns” Signs?

Colorado handles posted signs differently than some states.

Some states give posted signs direct force of law.

Colorado is different.

A posted sign may not automatically create a criminal violation by itself, but refusing to leave after notification could create additional problems.

Carry permit holders should understand both state law and property rights.

Training Keeps You Current

Colorado concealed carry laws and training requirements changed significantly.

If your permit is approaching renewal, updated instruction may help you understand:

• • New training requirements
  • Restricted locations
  • Use of force law
  • Safe interactions
  • Current Colorado statutes

This article is educational information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and individual situations vary.

The post Restricted Concealed Carry Signs in Pueblo Colorado | HGWTC appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

The post Colorado Court Ordered Gun Safety Course | Virtual Colorado Firearm Safety Training appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Proper Handgun Grip Fundamentals

Improve Accuracy • Control Recoil • Build Better Shooting Habits

A proper handgun grip is one of the most important skills a shooter can develop. Bad grip habits reduce accuracy, increase recoil, slow follow-up shots, and can even create safety problems.

At Have Gun Will Train Colorado, we spend a lot of time correcting grip problems with handgun grip fundamentals- because many shooters unknowingly practice outdated or ineffective techniques.

Why Your Shooting Grip Matters

When a handgun fires, recoil begins immediately — before the bullet even exits the barrel. A poor grip allows the handgun to shift, twist, or rise excessively during recoil. That movement makes accurate shooting slower and more difficult.

A strong and consistent grip helps:

• Improve accuracy
• Reduce muzzle rise
• Speed up follow-up shots
• Improve recoil recovery
• Create safer gun handling habits
• Build consistency under stress

One of the biggest problems I see at the range is shooters constantly readjusting their grip after every shot. Once the gun settles firmly into your hands, changing your grip between shots often makes recoil control worse.

Step 1 — High Grip on the Backstrap

With your dominant hand, place the web of your hand as high as possible on the handgun backstrap without interfering with slide movement.

The handgun should line up naturally with the bones in your forearm. A high grip reduces leverage during recoil and helps control muzzle rise.

Keep your trigger finger straight and indexed along the frame until you are on target and ready to fire.

This is also one of the most common safety violations seen on public ranges — fingers entering the trigger guard too early.

Step 2 — Fill the Open Space

Once your dominant hand is in position, you will notice exposed space on the grip panel. That open area is where the heel of your support hand belongs.

Your support hand should aggressively fill that empty space to maximize contact with the handgun.

More skin contact generally equals more recoil control.

Step 3 — Wrap and Lock the Support Hand

Your support-hand fingers should wrap around the fingers of your dominant hand.

The support hand should apply firm rearward pressure while both wrists remain locked and stable.

Most shooters do not use enough support-hand pressure. Proper support-hand engagement is one of the keys to controlling recoil efficiently.

Common Handgun Grip Fundamentals Mistakes

• Using the outdated cup and saucer grip
• Holding the handgun too low on the backstrap
• Weak support-hand pressure
• Unlocked wrists during recoil
• Crossing thumbs behind the slide
• Trigger finger is entering too early
• Regripping after every shot
• Allowing gaps between the hands and the pistol grip

The post Proper Handgun Grip Fundamentals | Improve Accuracy & Recoil Control appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

The post Why Open Carry Is Legal but “Flashing” Your Concealed Gun Can Be Menacing in Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

If you’re looking for revolver training in Pueblo, Colorado, you’re in the right place. “This revolver training in Pueblo, Colorado, is designed to build real-world defensive shooting skill.”

Small-frame revolvers—especially 5-shot snub nose guns—are some of the most commonly carried firearms in Southern Colorado. They are simple, reliable, and easy to conceal.

They are also one of the hardest platforms to shoot well under pressure.

That’s where this class comes in.

Snub Nose Revolver Skill Builder

This is a hands-on training class focused specifically on the small-frame revolver. The goal is not just to shoot—it’s to build repeatable skill that you can continue to develop on your own.

You’re not here to burn ammo.
You’re here to learn how to run the gun correctly.

Why Train with a Revolver?

Many people choose a revolver for everyday carry because of its simplicity:

• Simple manual of arms – no safeties or magazines
• Extremely reliable platform
• Easy to carry and conceal
• Works well in close-contact situations

But there’s a catch.

• Heavy double-action trigger
• Short sight radius
• Increased recoil in lightweight guns
• Limited capacity (typically 5 shots)

These guns demand skill. This class builds it.

What You’ll Learn

This revolver training class in Pueblo, Colorado, focuses on real-world defensive skills:

Proper Grip & Recoil Control

Learn how to control a lightweight revolver and keep the gun on target.

Double-Action Trigger Mastery

The key to shooting a revolver well is trigger control. You will learn how to run it correctly.

Sight Management at Realistic Distances

Understand what matters at defensive distances—and what doesn’t.

Ball & Dummy Training

Proven method to eliminate flinch and improve shot consistency.

Practical Defensive Drills

Train for realistic use, not just standing still on a firing line.

Qualification Course

Every student completes a measurable course of fire, so you know exactly where you stand.

Small Group Training – 6 Students Maximum

This is not a large class.

It is limited to 6 students, so you get:

• Individual coaching
• Immediate feedback
• Real skill development

Most classes put you on a line and let you shoot.
This class focuses on building performance.

Who This Class Is For

This class is ideal if you:

• Carry a snub nose revolver for self-defense
• Own a revolver but have never trained it seriously
• Want to improve your shooting fundamentals
• Understand that 5 shots means accountability matters

The Reality of the Revolver

Most people carry these guns because they are simple.

Very few people train them properly.

5 shots. No mistakes.

If you are trusting a revolver for personal defense, you need to know what you can actually do with it.

Revolver Training in Pueblo Colorado – Get Started

This Snub Nose Revolver Skill Builder is offered in the Pueblo area through Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Phone: 719-821-3958
Website: havegunwilltraincolorado.com

Contact us today to reserve your seat. Class size is limited and fills quickly.

Final Thought

A revolver is easy to carry.

It is not easy to master.

If you can run a snub nose revolver well, you can run anything.

Train accordingly.

The post Revolver Training Pueblo Colorado | Snub Nose Skill Builder appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Why I No Longer Teach “Muzzle Down” as the Automatic Safe Direction

For years, most shooters were taught that “down” is the safest place to point a firearm.
I taught it too. It was tradition. It sounded simple. And in certain environments, it works.

But after years of training students, analyzing negligent discharges, and teaching in tight
indoor and urban environments, I’ve changed my position: “muzzle down is not always safe”

Down is not always safe — especially in urban environments.

A safe direction isn’t a slogan. It’s not automatic. It’s a decision based on reality.
If a gun fires unexpectedly, the only thing that matters is where that bullet goes.

The Urban Problem: Floors Don’t Stop Bullets

In the real world, pointing the muzzle down can still send a bullet into people.
Concrete, tile, packed dirt, and flooring systems don’t reliably stop handgun rounds.
And worse, hard surfaces can turn bullets into unpredictable ricochets.

• Concrete sidewalks and parking lots cause ricochets.
• Handgun rounds can pass through floors into occupied rooms below.
• Basements and multi-level homes often have people underneath you.
• Even soil can deflect rounds if rocks are present.

In cities and suburbs, people live above you, below you, and beside you.
“Down” doesn’t mean “safe.” Sometimes it means “into someone else’s apartment.”

“Muzzle Up” Isn’t Automatically Safe Either

Some people respond by saying, “Fine, just point it up.” But that creates its own risks.

• Stray rounds don’t disappear — they come down somewhere.
• Indoors, you may have family or neighbors above you.
• Outside, you don’t control what’s overhead.

The point isn’t that up is bad. The point is that there is no universal safe direction.

The Safer Rule I Teach Now

I no longer teach students to default to “muzzle down.”
I teach this instead:

“Point the muzzle toward a location where it is acceptable to launch a bullet.”

That means you evaluate your environment before you handle a firearm. Every time.

Ask yourself:

1. If this gun fired right now, where would the bullet land?
2. Is anyone in that path — even behind walls or floors?
3. Is the surface likely to cause a ricochet?
4. Is there a direction with a reliable backstop or empty space?

The correct safe direction changes depending on where you are. That’s reality.

Examples of Safe Direction by Environment

Indoor range

Downrange. Always. That’s your engineered backstop.

Urban home

Floors may be unsafe. Ceilings may be unsafe. A structural wall with no one behind it might be safest.
The answer depends on who is around you and what your home is built like.

Crowded public setting (classroom, store, training room)

Blindly pointing down can be dangerous. A safer angle may be toward an exterior wall or
another known safe backstop — not tradition.

Vehicle environment

“Down” inside a vehicle can skip rounds off asphalt or send them through the floor into traffic.
The safe direction is the one that avoids people and avoids ricochet surfaces.

Why This Matters to Concealed Carry Students

Concealed carry isn’t range shooting. It’s life in the real world.
Real-world gun handling requires thinking, not scripts.

When students only memorize “muzzle down,” they stop thinking.
When you teach environmental safe direction, they stay aware in every setting.

Final Thought

I changed how I teach because reality forced me to.

Safety is not a posture. It’s a mindset.
Your muzzle belongs where it can do the least harm if the gun fires — not just where tradition says to put it.

Train With Me

If you want practical, real-world firearms training that goes beyond slogans and teaches
you how to think like a safe and prepared armed citizen, I can help.

Have Gun Will Train Colorado
Rick Sindeband
Pueblo, Colorado
Phone: 719-821-3958
Email: rick@havegunwilltraincolorado.com

View Training Options

The post Why “Muzzle Down” Is Not Always Safe in Urban Environments appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

The post Thumb Safeties on Handguns for Concealed Carry in Colorado appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Most negligent discharges happen during loading and unloading a semi-auto pistol.
Not during shooting. Not during training drills. During administrative handling.

If you cannot load and unload your pistol correctly every single time, you are a danger to yourself and others. These procedures are not optional. They are mandatory.

The Four Rules of Firearm Safety that apply when

Loading and Unloading a Semi-Auto Pistol

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you intend to shoot.
4. Know your target and what is beyond it.

UNLOADING A SEMI-AUTO PISTOL

Step 1 – Point the firearm in a SAFE direction

A safe direction is any direction you are willing to launch a bullet.

• Not left
• Not right

Left and Right are mostly bad choices. There is always someone in the shooting booth next to you ,or someone at the end of the gun counter. Shooting is a social event you may be out with friends or family and you do not want to have a habit of pointing guns left or right at them.

• Not up
• Not straight down (ricochets happen)

Best practice: straight ahead, parallel to the ground, toward a known safe backstop.

Step 2 – REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FIRST

If the magazine is in the gun, the gun can reload itself.

Step 3 – Finger OFF the trigger

Index your finger high on the frame. Do not hover near the trigger guard.

Step 4 – Lock the slide open correctly

• Hold the slide firmly
• Drive the frame forward
• Press the slide stop UP with your dominant-hand thumb
• Lock the slide to the rear

Do not yank and hope. Control the firearm.

Step 5 – VISUAL and PHYSICAL inspection

Check the chamber and magazine well.

Look AND touch. Do not rely on vision alone.

Step 6 – Maintain safe direction at all times

Do not let the muzzle wander. Safety failures start with sloppy muzzle control.

Step 7 – Unload and separate the magazine

Remove all ammunition and keep the magazine separate from the firearm.

LOADING A SEMI-AUTO PISTOL

Step 1 – Point the firearm in a safe direction

Step 2 – Insert the loaded magazine firmly

Seat it. Tug it. Verify engagement.

Step 3 – Chamber a round

Rack the slide aggressively. Do not ride it forward.

Step 4 – Verify status (optional I do not recommend)

Press check . The goal is to move the slide back just enough to see the brass casing or the cartridge, but not so far that the extractor ejects the live round from the chamber. 

Step 5 – Engage safety if applicable

I prefer guns that have no manual thumb safety for self defense

Step 6 – Holster the firearm (A naked firearm is never safe unless you are holding it)

FINAL WARNING

Most “accidents” are procedural failures.

If your loading and unloading a semi-auto pistol process is sloppy, your shooting discipline is already broken.

Train process first. Train speed second.

The post How to Load and Unload a Semi-Auto Pistol Safely appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Shotgun Training Pueblo Colorado for Home Defense

Looking for shotgun training in Pueblo Colorado that is practical, legal, and focused on real-world home defense?
You’re in the right place.

At Have Gun Will Train Colorado, our shotgun training is designed for everyday homeowners who want to safely and effectively use a defensive shotgun with confidence. This is not a hunting class. This is a home-defense-focused shotgun program taught by an experienced local firearms instructor.

Why Choose a Shotgun for Home Defense?

A properly configured shotgun is still one of the most effective defensive tools available to homeowners. At realistic in-home distances,
a shotgun offers a combination of stopping power, simplicity, and reliability that is hard to beat.

• High-energy stopping capability at close ranges
• Simple manual operation compared to many semi-auto platforms
• Proven reliability in defensive and law enforcement roles
• Wide availability of effective defensive ammunition

In this class, we focus on using the shotgun inside and around your home, not on competition or bird hunting.

The “Racking the Shotgun” Myth

One of the most dangerous myths in home defense is the idea that the simple sound of racking a shotgun will make an intruder run away.
Relying on this belief is shortsighted and unsafe.

Violent encounters are fast, chaotic, and unpredictable. Sound alone does not stop a determined attacker.
You need:

• A functional, reliable shotgun
• Proper ammunition for the job
• Training in manipulation, loading, and safe operation
• A plan that fits the layout of your home and your household

Our Pueblo shotgun training class shows you what actually works and helps you break away from movie myths and bad internet advice.

Best Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense

Not all shotgun ammunition is appropriate for self-defense. During your training, we explain how different loads behave in real structures,
and why some common choices are a bad idea.

• Buckshot: The primary choice for defensive use in most situations. Offers multiple projectiles with
  strong stopping power at typical indoor distances.
• Slugs: Extremely powerful single projectiles. They behave more like a heavy rifle round and can
  over-penetrate walls and structures, which is often too much risk for in-home use.
• Birdshot: Designed for birds and small game. It is not recommended for reliably
  stopping a violent human threat.

In class you’ll learn how to choose the right load for your shotgun and your environment, and how to confirm those choices on the range.

What You Will Learn in Our Shotgun Training Pueblo Colorado

Our Pueblo shotgun training is built for the homeowner who wants practical skills, not theory.
Here’s what we cover:

• How to safely load, unload, and verify the condition of your shotgun
• Shotgun ready positions and safe handling in the home
• Patterning your shotgun at realistic distances
• Selecting and managing defensive ammunition
• Managing recoil and maintaining control under stress
• Basic malfunction clearing and problem-solving
• Cleaning, maintenance, and long-term reliability
• Colorado-specific legal considerations for defensive firearm use

You will leave with a clear understanding of what your shotgun can and cannot do, and how to integrate it
into a realistic home defense plan.

Limitations and Safety Considerations

Every firearm has trade-offs, and the shotgun is no exception. We address those honestly in class so you can make informed decisions.

• Limited ammunition capacity compared to many rifles
• Recoil management, especially for smaller shooters
• Potential over-penetration through walls depending on ammunition choices
• Need for realistic training to avoid unsafe assumptions

We emphasize safe storage, safe handling, and a clear understanding of when the use of
lethal force is legally justified under Colorado law.

Pueblo’s Trusted Shotgun Instructor

Shotgun training is taught by Rick Sindeband of Have Gun Will Train Colorado, a full-time
firearms instructor serving Pueblo and Southern Colorado.

Classes are designed for adults who want straightforward, no-nonsense information they can actually use. You will not be
sold tactics that only work in movies. You will learn methods that fit real homes, real people, and real stress.

How the Shotgun Class Works

• Location: Pueblo, Colorado (details provided upon registration)
• Format: Mini-course focused on defensive shotgun use
• Who It’s For: Homeowners, new shotgun owners, and responsible adults considering a shotgun for home defense
• Equipment: Your shotgun (if you own one), eye/ear protection, and recommended ammunition

If you don’t currently own a shotgun, we can discuss platform and configuration options so you don’t waste money on gear that doesn’t fit your needs.

Enroll in Shotgun Training in Pueblo, Colorado

Stop guessing about your defensive setup. Get trained and know what your shotgun can actually do.

Sign Up for Shotgun Training

Prefer a shorter introduction or want to start with the basics first?

Home Defense Shotgun Mini Course

Related Training in Pueblo, Colorado

• Colorado Concealed Carry Classes
• Handgun Fundamentals & Skills Training
• Home Defense Shotgun Mini Course

Shotgun training Pueblo Colorado does not have to be complicated. With the right instruction, the right
equipment, and the right mindset, you can turn a simple shotgun into an effective defensive tool to protect yourself and your household.

The post New Shotgun Training in Pueblo Colorado | Home Defense Shotgun Class appeared first on Have Gun Will Train Colorado.

Shooting Through a Door Is Not Self-Defense — Here’s What Colorado Law Actually Says

If you can’t clearly identify a threat, you can’t justify deadly force. This post explains the Whitestown, IN incident and clarifies how Colorado law works: no general “Stand Your Ground,” no duty to retreat, and a tightly limited “Make My Day” statute.

Why this matters

In a recent incident reported out of Whitestown, Indiana, a homeowner fired through a closed front door and killed a house cleaner who had arrived at the wrong address. Police later stated the victims never gained entry.

Firing through a closed door is reckless: you can’t see, identify, or articulate an imminent deadly threat.

Colorado — The Actual Rules (Plain English)

1) Colorado does not have a general “Stand Your Ground” statute

There’s no blanket immunity for using deadly force outside the home. You still have to justify necessity and reasonableness.

2) Colorado also does not impose a duty to retreat

You are not legally required to run away when facing unlawful force. But if you use deadly force, you must show it was immediately necessary to stop an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.

3) Reasonableness controls

Deadly force must be necessary, proportional, and based on a reasonable belief of an imminent deadly threat.

4) “Make My Day” is narrow and only inside your dwelling

• Applies inside your dwelling after an unlawful entry.
• You reasonably believe the intruder intends to commit a crime inside and may use physical force.
• Provides criminal/civil immunity if those conditions are met.

Important: Porches, yards, driveways, and shooting through a closed door from inside do not automatically qualify.

 

Translate It: Common Scenarios

Scenario	What Colorado Law Expects
Stranger knocks / wrong address	Not justification for deadly force.
Shooting through a closed door	Reckless. You cannot identify a threat; expect criminal liability.
Forced entry, person inside crosses threshold	May trigger Make My Day immunity if elements are met.
Person on porch/driveway jiggling handle	No Make My Day; standard self-defense rules and articulation required.
Outside your home	No Stand-Your-Ground immunity; no duty to retreat; reasonableness governs.

Key Takeaways

• You own every bullet you fire.
• If you can’t see the threat, you can’t justify the shot.
• Inside the home ≠ automatic immunity. Elements must be met.
• Training and legal understanding are part of responsible gun ownership.

Quick FAQ

Does Colorado have Stand Your Ground?

No general Stand-Your-Ground statute. Use of force must still be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

Do I have to retreat?

No. Colorado does not impose a duty to retreat. But the absence of a duty doesn’t make an unreasonable shooting lawful.

When does “Make My Day” apply?

Only inside your dwelling, after unlawful entry, with a reasonable belief the intruder intends a crime and may use force.

Is shooting through a closed door ever okay?

Practically speaking, no. You can’t positively identify a threat or articulate imminent danger through an opaque barrier.

 

Have Gun Will Train Colorado
Responsible armed citizens know the law and get training.
Enroll in a class •
719-821-3958 • Pueblo, CO

Educational content, not legal advice. Laws change and facts matter—consult an attorney for specific situations.

“Wanna or Hafta” by: Rick Sindeband

Decisions in a lethal-force encounter are made long before the moment.
This book gives responsible gun owners a clear framework to decide:
are you pulling the gun because you wanna… or because you hafta?

The law cares. So will a DA. And a jury. This book helps you make the right call—before it’s too late.

Wanna or Hafta Written by Colorado firearms instructor

Rick Sindeband,
Wanna or Hafta breaks down when deadly force is truly justified—and when it will land you in court or worse.

Download Instantly (PDF/eBook)

Order Hard Copy (Ships to you)

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