Colorado Concealed Carry Laws: Is Printing or Exposure Illegal?

One of the most common questions from Colorado CCW/CHP students is whether it is illegal to “print” or accidentally expose a concealed handgun. The short answer is:

No — printing or brief accidental exposure of a concealed handgun is not illegal in Colorado by itself.

However, context matters. Depending on how a firearm is displayed, conduct that begins as accidental exposure can cross the line into a criminal offense under certain circumstances. Here is how Colorado law actually treats this issue.

Is There a Law That Makes Printing Illegal in Colorado?

No. There is no Colorado statute that makes it illegal to:

Print through clothing
Accidentally expose a concealed handgun
Briefly reveal a holstered firearm

Colorado law does not require perfect concealment.

In fact, in many parts of Colorado, open carry is legal, which makes it clear that simply being able to see a firearm is not automatically a crime.

What the Law Actually Focuses On

Colorado law focuses on conduct, not concealment quality.

The two statutes that matter most in this discussion are:

CRS § 18-3-206 — Menacing
CRS § 18-9-106 — Disorderly Conduct (in limited situations)

CRS § 18-3-206 — Menacing (What the Law Actually Says)

Under Colorado law, a person commits menacing if they:

“knowingly place or attempt to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.”

Menacing is normally a misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony when committed with a firearm.

This is where confusion happens.

Printing or accidental exposure does not meet this standard. The law requires intent to cause fear, not accidental visibility.

What About “Brandishing” or “Flourishing”?

A lot of people use terms like “brandishing” or “flourishing,” but Colorado does not have a specific statute using those terms.

In Colorado, what people call “brandishing” is usually charged under:

CRS § 18-3-206 — Menacing, or
CRS § 18-9-106 — Disorderly Conduct (in certain situations)

The difference comes down to intent and behavior.

Not Criminal:

Your shirt lifts while grabbing something at the store
Wind exposes your holstered firearm
Printing through clothing
Brief, unintentional exposure

Potentially Criminal:

Intentionally exposing your firearm during an argument
Lifting your shirt to intimidate someone
Touching or referencing your firearm during a confrontation
Using the presence of the firearm to control or threaten someone

At that point, it is no longer about concealment — it becomes threatening conduct under Colorado law.

What About Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon? (CRS § 18-12-105)

Another common misconception is that printing could violate concealed carry laws.

That is incorrect.

CRS § 18-12-105 regulates who can legally carry concealed, not how well the firearm is concealed.

If you are lawfully carrying:

Printing is not illegal
Accidental exposure is not illegal

This statute does not require perfect concealment.

Law Enforcement Reality

In the real world, most law enforcement officers are not concerned with printing.

Calls about firearms are often made by individuals who are unfamiliar with Colorado carry laws. When officers respond, they typically evaluate:

Your behavior
Whether the firearm is holstered
Whether any threats were made
Whether a crime is actually occurring

If you are calm, cooperative, and not acting in a threatening manner, these encounters usually end quickly without enforcement action.

Instructor Perspective: Legal vs. Smart

Just because something is legal does not mean it is smart.

Good concealed carry practice includes:

Using a quality holster designed for the handgun
Keeping your firearm properly concealed when possible
Avoiding unnecessary attention
Not adjusting or handling your firearm in public
Maintaining a low-profile presence

The goal of concealed carry is not just legality — it is control, discretion, and awareness.

Q&A: Printing and Concealed Carry in Colorado

Is printing illegal in Colorado?

No. There is no law that makes printing illegal.

Can I get arrested if someone sees my concealed handgun?

Not by itself. Visibility alone is not a crime.

What if my shirt lifts up in a grocery store?

That is not illegal. Brief, accidental exposure happens and is not a violation of Colorado law.

Can someone call the police if they see my firearm?

Yes. Anyone can call the police. However, officers will evaluate your behavior and legality. Printing alone is typically not a crime.

Should I explain myself if someone notices?

No. Stay calm, act normal, and disengage. There is no requirement to explain yourself unless law enforcement is involved.

When does exposure become illegal?

When it is done intentionally to threaten, intimidate, or place someone in fear — which may qualify as menacing.

Does Colorado require complete concealment?

No. Colorado law does not define or require perfect concealment.

Bottom Line

Printing or accidentally exposing your concealed handgun is not illegal in Colorado.

What matters is your behavior.

If your firearm remains holstered and you are not acting in a threatening manner, you are within the law. But if exposure is intentional and used to intimidate or escalate a situation, it can quickly turn into a serious criminal charge.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for or renewing a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.