Most handguns are exempt under Colorado’s new firearms law.

The short answer is: No—most handguns do not require a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC).

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado law requires purchasers of certain gas-operated semiautomatic firearms to first obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. However, the vast majority of handguns sold today are not affected by this requirement.

Understanding which firearms are covered—and which are not—can save you time, money, and confusion before making your next firearm purchase.

Why Most Handguns Are Exempt

Most modern defensive handguns use either a short-recoil operating system or another recoil-operated design. These firearms are not gas-operated, meaning they generally do not require a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card under Colorado law.

Examples include many popular:

• Glock pistols
• SIG Sauer P320 and P365 series
• Sig Sauer P226
• Smith & Wesson M&P series
• Springfield Armory Hellcat
• Walther PDP
• CZ P-10 series
• HK VP9
• Most traditional hammer-fired pistols, including many 2011 & 1911-style pistols, Beretta 92 series, and CZ 75 variants

Whether the handgun is striker-fired or hammer-fired does not determine whether the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is required. The determining factor is how the firearm operates.

What Handguns May Require the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?

While most handguns are exempt, some semiautomatic pistols utilize a gas-operated action.

Examples include:

• Desert Eagle (gas-operated models)
• Certain specialty competition pistols
• Limited-production gas-operated handgun designs

Because these firearms use a gas-operated operating system, they may fall within Colorado’s Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirements.

Fortunately, these firearms represent only a very small percentage of the handgun market.

What About Revolvers?

Revolvers are not semiautomatic firearms and therefore are not subject to the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement.

Popular revolvers from manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt, Taurus, and Kimber remain unaffected by the law.

Does Striker-Fired vs. Hammer-Fired Matter?

No.

A common misconception is that striker-fired handguns require the card while hammer-fired pistols do not—or vice versa.

That is incorrect.

Colorado’s law focuses on the firearm’s operating system, not its firing mechanism.

Whether the handgun uses:

• Striker-fired ignition
• Single-action hammer
• Double-action/single-action
• Double-action only

is generally irrelevant to determining whether the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is required.

The key question is:

Is the firearm gas-operated?

If not, it will generally not require the card.

Why Does the Law Focus on Gas-Operated Firearms?

Colorado’s Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card law primarily applies to specified semiautomatic firearms that utilize a gas-operated action.

Most modern semiautomatic rifles, such as many AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles, use a gas-operated system and are therefore commonly affected by the new requirements.

By comparison, the overwhelming majority of handguns sold for personal protection, concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting use recoil-operated designs instead.

How Can You Tell if Your Handgun Is Gas-Operated?

If you’re unsure whether a handgun requires the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card:

• Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Review the owner’s manual.
• Ask your local federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL).
• Contact the manufacturer directly.

Most handgun owners will discover their firearm does not utilize a gas-operated action.

Should You Still Take a Firearms Safety Course?

Even if your handgun does not require a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, quality firearms training remains one of the best investments you can make.

A professional firearms safety course helps students develop:

• Safe firearm handling
• Proper storage practices
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Marksmanship fundamentals
• Colorado firearms laws
• Defensive firearm safety principles

Proper training builds confidence while promoting responsible firearm ownership.

Final Thoughts

For most Colorado residents, you do not need a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to purchase a handgun.

The new law primarily affects specified gas-operated semiautomatic firearms, while the vast majority of modern handguns—including most striker-fired and hammer-fired pistols—remain unaffected.

If you’re ever unsure whether a particular firearm falls under Colorado’s requirements, verify the firearm’s operating system before purchasing or speak with a knowledgeable firearms dealer or qualified instructor.

If you live in Colorado and plan to purchase a firearm covered under the state’s new law, you may be required to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) before completing your purchase. Colorado law requires eligible applicants to successfully complete an approved Firearms Safety Course and meet all state requirements before applying for the card.

View upcoming Colorado Firearms Safety Course classes and register here: Colorado Firearms Safety Course

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:

• New Colorado Firearms Safety Law Starts August 1: What Gun Owners Need to Know
• Can You Shoot Someone for Breaking Into Your Car?
• What Happens If Your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Expires?
• Can You Carry a Firearm at a Protest or Political Rally in Colorado?
• Colorado’s SB25-003 “Firearm Ban List” Explained: What Gun Owners Need To Know Before August 1, 2026
• Can You Carry a Firearm Into a Bank in Colorado?
• Can You Legally Carry a Firearm in a Hospital in Colorado?
• How To Become a Firearms Instructor in Colorado
• Top 3 Recommended Self-Defense Cartridges (Duty-Proven & Trusted)
• What Type of Ammo Should You Carry Every Day for Self-Defense?
• CPW Outlines New Firearms Safety Course Requirements in April 2 Public Meeting
• Do I Need Self Defense Insurance?
• How To Get Your Colorado CCW
• Colorado Safety Courses & Classes

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.