Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Colorado?

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All gun ranges in Colorado have rules and regulations that guide people who come to use them. When visiting these gun ranges for shooting practice, you will want to know what requirements you need to have to use the facilities. Among the questions you may ask is do you need a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Colorado.

Do You Need a Gun Permit To Shoot at a Gun Range in Colorado?

No, you do not need a gun permit to shoot at a Colorado gun range. This is because the state law allows open carry of weapons without acquiring of a permit. If you are above 18 years and do not have any legal restrictions to carry a weapon you will not require to obtain a gun permit.

Pistol

Such legal restrictions include:

  • felony conviction
  • serious mental issues
  • domestic violence related court orders

Additional Information to Note When Using Colorado Gun Ranges

Foreigners Using Colorado Shooting Ranges

Using your handgun at the shooting ranges is therefore more convenient especially if you are just starting out. Only foreigners from recognized countries are allowed to use the ranges without permit.

If you are a foreigner, check whether your country of origin falls under the permitted countries before using the range. These countries fall under the Visa Waiver Program and visitors from there do not require any gun permits to use firing ranges.

In some shooting ranges, non-immigrant foreigners wanting to use the range must have a gun permit or hunting license from relevant state or federal authorities before using the facilities.

If you fall under this category, it is good to see how you can acquire this permit, which you can usually do over the internet. This permits or licenses need not be from Colorado and any legal permit or license from other states is recognized.

Concealed Carry Permit Holders

These permit holders have permission to carry weapons in gun holsters within shooting ranges. Otherwise, you should carry all weapons in bags or secured gun cases as you come to or leave the range if you do not have this permit.

Person holding a gun not needing a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Colorado

If you have this license, you need to have your weapon correctly and securely holstered. You can acquire a concealed carry license from the local sheriff’s office. You need to complete a state-approved training course before acquiring this permit.

Colorado Reciprocity Agreement

Colorado has a reciprocity agreement with some states in regards to use of Conceal Weapon Permits from out of state. If you have a conceal weapon permit from such states, you can use it within the state. This is one other confirmation you need to check whether your out of state permit is admissible at the shooting range.

If you are a non-resident and hold permits from states outside the Colorado that are not under the Reciprocity Agreement, you may not qualify to get a CCW permit from the state. You will therefore need to carry your weapons in a bag or locked gun case as you will not be permitted to carry in a holster in the shooting ranges.

Conclusion

Knowing the gun laws and permits required when using firing ranges allows you to acquire them beforehand. Knowing that you do not need a gun permit to use a firing range in Colorado gives you the confidence of not breaking any laws when using the facilities. If you are a Colorado non-resident, you should find out what exemptions or permissions you have before using the ranges.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.