Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Safety Course

SB25-003 | CPW 4-Hour Basic Firearms Safety Course

Planning to purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm in Colorado? Make sure you have your required training completed!

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 established additional training and eligibility requirements for individuals purchasing or receiving certain semiautomatic firearms.

Guardian Skills Academy is offering the required 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course for individuals who have completed qualifying Hunter Education.

Whether you’re planning your next firearm purchase or simply want to understand Colorado’s new requirements, we’re here to help you navigate the process and complete your training.

Course Details

📅 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
📍 Location: Montrose Rod and Gun Club – Indoor Range
1211 6450 Rd, Montrose, CO
💰 Cost: $70

Register at GuardianSkillsAcademy.com

IMPORTANT: What Must You Complete BEFORE Taking This Class?

This is the 4-hour Basic Course, not the 12-hour Extended Course.

Students must complete the following steps BEFORE attending class.

Step 1: Complete Hunter Education

You must have qualifying Hunter Education credentials verified through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

If you have already completed Hunter Education, make sure your credentials are available for verification through CPW.

Don’t have Hunter Education? You will need the separate 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course instead. (If you are over 50 years of age, you can test out on Colorado Hunter’s Education.  Colorado will recognize any state’s Hunter’s Education.  Texas offers Hunter’s Education online.  Cameo Education and Shooting Complex in Palisade offers Hunter’s Education monthly)

Step 2: Apply Through the CPW Firearms Safety System

Visit ColoradoFSS.com to create your account and complete the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card application.

Enter your Hunter Education information when prompted.

Step 3: Complete Your Name-Based Background Check

This must be completed BEFORE going to your county sheriff’s office!

You must obtain a name-based criminal background check from a qualifying third-party provider.

TruDiligence offers a screening service specifically for Colorado SB25-003.

Complete your background check here:

https://www.trudiligence.com/sb25-003-specified-semiautomatic-firearms/

The required screening includes national and Colorado public criminal history and judicial database records.

Make sure you receive your completed results before proceeding to the sheriff.

Step 4: Complete the Sheriff’s Eligibility Process

Contact your county sheriff’s office for its application procedures.

You will need:

• Completed name-based background check results.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Completed CPW Firearms Safety System application.
• Payment of the applicable CPW and sheriff processing fees.

The CPW fee is $52, with additional sheriff fees varying by county.

Step 5: Receive Your Eligibility Card

Once your application is approved, your sheriff will issue your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

You must have your eligibility card BEFORE attending this class.

This card confirms your eligibility to participate in the required firearms safety training.

Please don’t wait until the day before class to begin your application. Processing times may vary!

What Firearms Are Covered Under SB25-003?

Colorado’s law identifies certain firearms as Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSF).

These generally include:

Semiautomatic Rifles

Semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, including many AR-15 and AK-style rifles.

Semiautomatic Shotguns

Semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines.

Certain Semiautomatic Handguns

Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines, including qualifying AR-style pistols and blowback-operated handguns.

Are ALL Semiautomatic Firearms Covered?

No! Certain firearms are excluded from the law’s definition, including:

• Qualifying .22-caliber-or-smaller rimfire firearms, subject to statutory exceptions.
• Firearms with permanently fixed magazines holding no more than 15 rounds.
• Recoil-operated semiautomatic handguns.
• Certain specifically exempted firearm models.

A firearm’s exact model and configuration determine whether it falls under the law.

For questions regarding a particular firearm, consult the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Specified Semiautomatic Firearms guidance.

What Will You Learn?

This instructor-led course covers Colorado’s required firearms safety topics, including:

• Safe firearm handling and responsible ownership.
• Semiautomatic firearm safety and operation.
• Ammunition and magazine safety.
• Safe firearm storage and child safety.
• Applicable Colorado firearm laws.
• Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
• Firearm-related mental health and suicide prevention awareness.
• Responsible firearm ownership and legal responsibilities.

Students must successfully complete the required examination and hands-on practical assessment with a minimum passing score of 90%.

No live-fire shooting is required for this class.

What to Bring

• Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Notebook and pen.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

A Few Important Reminders

Your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit does not replace the specific eligibility and training requirements established under SB25-003.

Your Hunter Education certification qualifies you for the 4-hour Basic Course but does not eliminate the requirement to complete the course.

The eligibility card and firearms safety training are separate requirements, and both must be completed before a qualifying firearm purchase or transfer, unless a statutory exception applies.

Your $70 course fee does not include the third-party background check, CPW application fee, or sheriff processing fees.

Ready to Get Your Training Completed?

Get the paperwork out of the way, secure your seat, and join Guardian Skills Academy for professional, straightforward firearms safety instruction.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9 AM – 1 PM

Montrose Rod and Gun Club – Indoor Range
1211 6450 Rd, Montrose, CO

Course Fee: $70

Register today at GuardianSkillsAcademy.com

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