Colorado’s SB25-003 “Firearm Ban List” Explained: What Gun Owners Need To Know Before August 1, 2026

Colorado firearm owners were hit with a major development this week after the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) released a draft guidance document tied to Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003). According to the guidance, hundreds of specific firearm models could soon fall under Colorado’s new restrictions beginning August 1, 2026.

The document reportedly contains approximately 900 makes and models of firearms, along with frames, receivers, and parts kits that the state intends to regulate under the new law.

For many Colorado gun owners, this is exactly what they feared would happen when SB25-003 was signed into law.

Read The Full Bill & State Information

Colorado SB25-003 Bill Page: Colorado Legislature – SB25-003
Colorado Parks & Wildlife SSF Information Page: CPW Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Information
Full Bill Text (PDF): SB25-003 Full Bill PDF
Colorado Department of Revenue’s current draft “Specified Semiautomatic Firearms” guidance document here: DOR Draft Specified Semiautomatic Firearms List (PDF).

You can review the official state materials directly to understand how Colorado plans to implement the law and the upcoming firearm safety eligibility process.

What Is SB25-003?

SB25-003 is Colorado’s new law creating additional restrictions and permitting requirements surrounding certain semiautomatic firearms. The law has been heavily criticized by firearm owners, instructors, gun stores, and Second Amendment organizations throughout Colorado.

Opponents argue the law creates a backdoor firearm ban by making the process expensive, time-consuming, and burdensome for ordinary citizens.

Under the law, many firearms may require additional eligibility requirements, permits, or state approval processes before purchase after August 1, 2026.

Why The New DOR Guidance Is Controversial

The biggest controversy surrounding the DOR guidance is that many firearm owners believe the state has expanded the law far beyond what was publicly represented during debate and litigation.

According to reports surrounding the draft guidance:

Rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22 are reportedly included, despite many believing rimfire firearms would not be targeted.
Common striker-fired 9mm handguns similar to the Glock 19 and other defensive firearms allegedly appear on the list.
Certain pump-action shotguns, bolt-action hunting rifles, ranch rifles, and firearm parts kits were also reportedly identified.
Frames and receivers may also be regulated independently.

If accurate, this would impact a massive portion of the most commonly owned firearms in Colorado.

What This Could Mean For Colorado Gun Owners

If the guidance takes effect as currently written, many Coloradans may face:

Additional permitting requirements
Mandatory training processes
Higher purchase costs
Waiting periods or approval delays
State tracking and registration concerns
Reduced firearm availability through dealers

Critics argue this disproportionately impacts working-class firearm owners who may not have the time or money to navigate additional state requirements.

Supporters of the law argue the regulations are intended to increase oversight and reduce access to certain firearms.

Firearms Potentially Affected

While the full list is extensive, reports indicate the guidance may include categories such as:

Semiautomatic rifles
Semiautomatic pistols
Shotguns
Certain rimfire firearms
Frames and stripped receivers
Firearm parts kits
Some manually operated firearms depending on configuration

This has caused confusion because many firearm owners believed the law would only apply to a narrow category of firearms.

Why This Matters Beyond Colorado

Colorado has increasingly become a testing ground for aggressive firearm legislation. Many Second Amendment advocates believe laws like SB25-003 could eventually influence legislation in other states.

This situation also highlights an important legal issue: administrative agencies interpreting laws more broadly than many lawmakers or citizens initially understood.

Several lawsuits challenging SB25-003 are already ongoing, and additional legal action may follow depending on how the final guidance is implemented.

Should You Buy Before August 1, 2026?

Many Colorado firearm owners are now considering purchasing firearms before the August 1 deadline to avoid future restrictions.

That decision is ultimately personal and depends on your individual circumstances, budget, and legal eligibility.

However, many firearm dealers across Colorado are already seeing increased interest from buyers concerned about future availability and restrictions.

If you are considering purchasing a firearm, it is important to:

Verify current Colorado law
Ensure you are legally eligible to possess firearms
Follow all state and federal transfer requirements
Purchase through lawful dealers or legal transfers
Stay updated as the DOR guidance evolves

Training Courses For SB25-003 & Colorado Firearm Eligibility Requirements

As Colorado continues implementing SB25-003 and the upcoming firearm eligibility requirements, US Firearms Training Academy will also be offering training courses related to the new law and firearm safety eligibility requirements.

These courses are expected to cover topics such as:

Colorado firearm laws
Safe firearm handling
Firearm storage requirements
Use-of-force laws
Eligibility requirements
Firearm safety fundamentals
State-required curriculum as it becomes finalized

As additional guidance is released by the State of Colorado, we will continue updating our training programs to help Colorado residents remain informed and compliant with current law.

If you are considering purchasing a firearm that may later fall under Colorado’s new restrictions, it may be wise to begin researching the upcoming requirements now rather than waiting until the last minute before the August 1, 2026 implementation date.

Training Matters More Than Ever

With Colorado firearm laws changing rapidly, lawful firearm ownership now requires more than simply buying a firearm.

Understanding:

Colorado use-of-force laws
Safe storage laws
Magazine restrictions
Restricted carry locations
Transportation laws
Permit requirements
Upcoming SB25-003 changes

…is becoming increasingly important for responsible firearm owners.

At US Firearms Training Academy, we continue monitoring Colorado firearm law changes and educating students on how to remain compliant while exercising their rights responsibly.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of where someone stands politically, the release of this draft guidance is significant.

When common defensive handguns, rimfire rifles, hunting firearms, and parts kits begin appearing on regulatory lists, many Colorado gun owners view that as far more than a narrow firearm restriction.

The next several months will likely involve:

Additional legal challenges
Clarification from the DOR
Potential revisions to the guidance
Increased firearm purchases
Ongoing public debate

Colorado firearm owners should stay informed, verify information directly from official sources, and pay close attention to updates as August 1, 2026 approaches.

FAQs

Is SB25-003 already in effect?

The law has been signed, but many of the major restrictions and regulatory processes are tied to implementation dates beginning August 1, 2026.

Does this affect handguns?

According to reports surrounding the DOR guidance, certain semiautomatic handguns may be included.

Are rimfire rifles included?

Reports indicate some rimfire rifles, including popular .22 LR platforms, appear in the draft guidance.

Could the list change?

Yes. The guidance is reportedly still in draft form, and the DOR may continue modifying or expanding the list.

Are lawsuits already challenging SB25-003?

Yes. Multiple legal challenges surrounding the law are already ongoing.

Will there be training classes available for the new law?

Yes. US Firearms Training Academy plans to offer courses covering Colorado’s new firearm eligibility and safety requirements as additional state guidance becomes available.

Firearms Safety Course Classes

Colorado’s new SB25-003 law will require additional firearm safety training and eligibility requirements for many firearm purchases beginning August 1, 2026. US Firearms Training Academy will be offering Colorado firearm safety courses designed to help residents understand the new law, firearm safety fundamentals, and upcoming state requirements.

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

Other Related Articles:

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational 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.