Colorado has limited firearm preemption, letting Denver enforce DRMC chapter 38 rules. The Denver assault weapon ban under DRMC 38-130 was upheld in court. Colorado SB23-169 raised the purchase age to 21 statewide for most firearms.
Colorado generally permits local firearm regulation; SB21-256 (2021) repealed broad state preemption and explicitly allows cities to pass stricter rules than the state. Denver enforces a longstanding assault weapons ban under DRMC 38-130, upheld in Robertson v. Denver and reaffirmed against Second Amendment challenges. DRMC 38-117.5 governs places where carry is prohibited, and DRMC 38-130 restricts large-capacity magazines. Statewide, SB23-169 (2023) raised the minimum purchase age for most firearms to 21, and HB23-1219 set a three-day waiting period. Background checks under C.R.S. 18-12-112 cover private transfers. Denver Police and the Department of Public Safety enforce; conflicts default to the stricter rule.
Possessing a banned assault weapon under DRMC 38-130 is a municipal offense with fines up to nine hundred ninety-nine dollars per item and up to three hundred days in jail. State firearm crimes carry separate felony penalties.
Denver, CO
Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms, but Denver bars open and concealed carry in many designated places under DRMC 38-117.5. Posted city buildi...
Denver, CO
Concealed handgun permits in Denver are issued by the Denver Sheriff Department under C.R.S. 18-12-201. Applicants need training, background checks, and the ...
Denver, CO
Colorado C.R.S. 18-12-105 lets non-permit holders carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property. Long guns must be unloade...
See how Denver's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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