Professional firearms training for beginners, CCW applicants, renewals, youth, and court-ordered instruction.

Whether you are new to firearms, applying for a Colorado concealed carry permit, renewing an existing permit, or completing court-ordered or safety-focused training, we offer structured, in-person instruction designed to meet real-world needs and legal requirements.

Our courses are taught with clear expectations, practical instruction, and a strong emphasis on safety, responsibility, and compliance.

Why Choose Us

We’ve trained 2,500+ students across Colorado with a focus on safety, professionalism, and real-world responsibility. Our instruction is backed by 275+ five-star reviews on Google, reflecting consistent student satisfaction and trust, and we maintain a strong rating with the Better Business Bureau. From first-time firearm owners to CCW applicants, renewals, youth, and court-ordered students, our reputation is built on clear standards, respectful instruction, and doing things the right way—every time.


Safety-First, No Shortcuts

Our training is built around safe firearm handling and responsible decision-making, not rushing students through a checklist. We maintain clear standards in every course, and completion certificates are issued only when those standards are met.

Colorado-Focused, Practical Instruction

We teach firearms safety and carry concepts as they actually apply in Colorado, not generic or out-of-state material. Students leave understanding their responsibilities, expectations, and how to stay compliant—not guessing.

Professional Instruction for Real People

Our courses are designed for everyday citizens, not tactical operators. Whether you’re a first-time firearm owner, renewing a permit, completing court-ordered training, or enrolling youth, instruction is clear, respectful, and structured.

This Training Is For:

  • First-time firearm owners
  • Individuals seeking Colorado CCW / CHP training or renewal
  • Parents or guardians seeking firearm safety training for youth or teenagers
  • Individuals completing court-ordered or probation-ordered firearms safety training
  • Shooters who want professional, structured instruction

This Training Is Not For:

  • Online-only or self-paced courses
  • Anyone looking to bypass legal requirements
  • Individuals unwilling to follow safety rules or instructor direction

This course is for individuals applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP / CCW) for the first time. It meets the state’s minimum training requirements and is taught in a structured, in-person classroom environment with a strong emphasis on safety, responsibility, and lawful carry.

This is not a tactical course and not a “check-the-box” class. Instruction focuses on what it actually means to carry a concealed firearm responsibly in Colorado.

Course Topics Include:

  • Firearm safety and safe handling
  • Concealed carry fundamentals and holster safety
  • Situational awareness and decision-making
  • Colorado-specific carry considerations
  • Live-fire qualification standards and expectations (when applicable)

Expectations:

  • Active participation and safe conduct are required
  • Certificates are issued at the instructor’s discretion
  • No student is automatically entitled to a certificate

Outcome:

Upon successful completion, students receive the training documentation required to apply for a Colorado CCW / CHP through their county sheriff’s office.

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This course is for current Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP / CCW) holders who are renewing an existing permit. It satisfies the training requirement for renewal and is conducted in a structured, in-person classroom environment.

The renewal class is focused on maintaining safe carry habits, reinforcing responsibilities of permit holders, and ensuring students remain compliant with current standards. This course assumes prior experience with lawful concealed carry.

Course Topics Include:

  • Firearm safety refresher and safe handling review
  • Responsible concealed carry practices
  • Common renewal issues and mistakes that delay permits
  • Situational awareness and decision-making reminders
  • Shooting qualification requirements and expectations (when applicable)

Expectations:

  • Safe conduct and participation are required
  • Certificates are issued at the instructor’s discretion
  • No student is automatically entitled to a renewal certificate

Outcome:

Upon successful completion, students receive the training documentation required to renew a Colorado CCW / CHP through their county sheriff’s office.

View Class Schedule

(Handgun Safety & Fundamentals)

This course is designed for new firearm owners and anyone seeking a strong foundation in safe handgun handling. It is a classroom-based fundamentals course focused on safety, responsibility, and proper operation—not concealed carry or tactical use.

Basic Pistol 101 is ideal for students with little to no prior experience who want to build confidence before moving on to CCW training or live-fire instruction.

Course Topics Include:

  • The four firearm safety rules
  • Safe loading, unloading, and storage
  • Handgun parts and basic operation
  • Clearing common malfunctions
  • Range etiquette and safe habits

Expectations:

  • No prior experience required
  • Safety and attention are mandatory
  • This course does not authorize concealed carry

Outcome:

Students leave with a clear understanding of safe handgun handling and a solid foundation for future training.

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(Introductory Rifle Safety & Fundamentals)

Best for: New rifle owners or shooters transitioning from handgun to rifle.

This course covers:

  • Rifle safety rules and safe storage
  • Rifle types, parts, and basic operation
  • Loading, unloading, and clearing procedures
  • Fundamentals of stance, trigger control, and recoil management
  • Rifle-specific range rules

Outcome:
A solid foundation in safe rifle handling and operation.

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Best for: Students who want individualized coaching or additional live-fire instruction.

Includes:

  • One-on-one or small-group instruction
  • Grip, trigger control, and accuracy coaching
  • CCW qualification preparation
  • Skill development at your pace

Contact for Private Training

(Introductory Rifle Safety & Fundamentals)

This course is designed for new rifle owners and shooters who want a solid foundation in safe rifle handling and operation. Instruction is classroom-based and safety-focused, with an emphasis on responsible ownership—not tactical or advanced use.

Rifle 101 is appropriate for students with limited or no prior rifle experience and for those transitioning from handgun to rifle platforms.

Course Topics Include:

  • Rifle safety rules and safe storage
  • Common rifle types and components
  • Safe loading, unloading, and clearing procedures
  • Fundamentals of stance, trigger control, and recoil management
  • Rifle-specific range etiquette

Expectations:

  • No prior rifle experience required
  • Strict adherence to safety rules
  • This course does not authorize concealed carry

Outcome:

Students leave with a clear understanding of safe rifle handling and a foundational skill set for future rifle training.

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(One-on-One or Small Group)

Private range instruction is designed for students who want individualized coaching and additional live-fire time beyond standard classes. This training is tailored to the shooter’s experience level and goals, with a strong focus on safety, accuracy, and confidence.

Private instruction is ideal for new shooters, CCW applicants seeking extra preparation, or experienced shooters looking to improve fundamentals under professional supervision.

Training Focus May Include:

  • Safe firearm handling during live fire
  • Grip, trigger control, and recoil management
  • Accuracy and consistency development
  • CCW qualification preparation (when applicable)
  • Addressing individual shooting issues

Expectations:

  • Strict adherence to all safety rules
  • Training pace is set by the instructor
  • This instruction does not replace required CCW classroom training

Outcome:

Students receive focused, practical coaching designed to improve safe firearm handling and shooting performance at the range.

Contact for Private Training

Basic Pistol · Rifle 101 · CCW · CCW Renewal

Private group training is designed for organizations, families, churches, and small groups who want to train together in a private setting. Courses are structured, instructor-led, and tailored to the needs and experience level of the group.

This option provides consistent instruction, flexible scheduling, and a focused learning environment without mixing with public classes.

Available Group Training Options:

  • Basic Pistol 101 (handgun safety and fundamentals)
  • Rifle 101 (introductory rifle safety)
  • Colorado CCW / CHP new applicant classes
  • Colorado CCW / CHP renewal classes

Expectations:

  • Minimum group size may apply
  • All participants must follow safety rules and instructor direction
  • Certification is issued at the instructor’s discretion when applicable

Outcome:

Groups receive professional, organized training aligned with their goals, with clear documentation provided when required.

Request a Group Class

Eligibility Card Required Starting August 1, 2026

Best for: Individuals required to complete firearms safety training to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

Important:
This course is separate from CCW / CHP training and does not authorize concealed carry.

This course covers:

  • Safe firearm handling and storage
  • Firearm operation fundamentals
  • Legal responsibilities of firearm ownership
  • Required safety instruction under Colorado law
  • Completion documentation for eligibility card application

Outcome:
Completion satisfies the firearms safety training requirement tied to eligibility card issuance beginning August 1, 2026.

Learn More / Register

Judge-Ordered · Probation-Ordered · Diversion-Related

Best for: Individuals ordered by a court, probation officer, or diversion program to complete firearms or handgun safety training.

This course covers:

  • Core firearm safety rules
  • Safe handling and storage requirements
  • Legal responsibilities related to firearm possession
  • Risk awareness and decision-making

Documentation Provided:

  • Certificate of completion
  • Attendance verification
  • Instructor contact information (for court or probation verification)

Notes:

  • Course length and content vary by court order
  • Students must bring court paperwork
  • This course does not authorize concealed carry

Contact for Court-Ordered Training

(Personal Safety & Crime Prevention — Non-Firearm Course)

Best for: Anyone seeking practical personal safety training without firearms instruction.

This course covers:

  • Situational awareness
  • Risk recognition and avoidance
  • Home, travel, and workplace safety
  • Criminal behavior patterns
  • Personal safety planning

Outcome:
Practical tools to reduce risk and improve everyday personal safety.

Learn More / Register

(Safety-Focused · Age-Appropriate · Parent-Approved)

Best for: Parents or guardians seeking professional firearms safety training for youth or teenagers.

Training focus:

  • Firearm safety rules
  • Safe handling and storage concepts
  • Age-appropriate operation fundamentals
  • Range behavior and responsibility
  • Legal considerations for minors and parents

Important Notes:

  • Parent or guardian consent required
  • Instruction is safety-first, not tactical
  • This training does not authorize carry

Contact for Youth Training

Two Locations In Metro Denver

Denver: 2186 S. Holly St, Unit 101-A, Denver, CO 80222

Thornton: 2090 E. 104th Ave, Unit 304, Thornton, CO 80233

Important Distinction

  • CCW / CHP courses are for concealed carry.
  • Firearms Safety Courses are for purchase eligibility and compliance.
  • Court-ordered and youth courses are instructional only.
  • These are separate legal tracks under Colorado law.

Get Trained the Right Way

Clear instruction. Professional standards. No shortcuts.

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Contact for Private or Group Training


Service Areas – Metro Denver, North Denver & Northern Colorado

Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Northglenn, Commerce City, Brighton, Broomfield, Federal Heights, Wheat Ridge, Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Glendale, Sheridan, Edgewater, Mountain View, Parker, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Gunbarrel, Dacono, Firestone, Frederick, Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, Wellington, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Laporte, Estes Park


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.


Additional firearms training information is available below.