Colorado just crossed a constitutional line. Gov. Jared Polis has signed SB25-003 into law—a sweeping new measure that bans the sale of semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns capable of accepting detachable magazines unless residents first obtain a permit-to-purchase from their county sheriff.
Translation? Law-abiding Coloradans now need a government permission slip to exercise a constitutional right.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) isn’t holding back. Calling the bill “unconstitutional on its face,” NSSF Senior VP and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane blasted the law as a political stunt fueled by gun control groups, saying it targets law-abiding gun owners while doing “nothing to hold criminals accountable.”
Arbitrary Roadblocks for the Most Popular Rifles
At the heart of SB25-003 is a bureaucratic chokehold on the sale of America’s most popular rifle—the AR-15 and similar Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs).
With more than 30 million in circulation, these firearms are used daily for hunting, sport shooting, and personal protection. Yet under this law, anyone wanting to buy one will need to:
- Seek sheriff approval based on vague, subjective criteria
- Complete an undefined “firearm certification course”
- Undergo a federal NICS background check
And if your local sheriff simply believes you might be a future danger? Your right to buy a firearm can be denied or revoked.
Not About Safety. About Control.
As the NSSF points out, not a single piece of this legislation targets criminals or addresses actual misuse of firearms.
Instead, it criminalizes lawful sales and imposes layers of red tape on people who already follow the rules. It’s a political move wrapped in “public safety” packaging—and it treats every gun owner like a potential threat.
Final Thoughts on Colorado’s Gun Ban
The Second Amendment doesn’t come with strings attached, and it certainly doesn’t require permission from a local bureaucrat. Colorado’s SB25-003 is an assault on fundamental rights, plain and simple.
It hands law enforcement unchecked power to gatekeep the Second Amendment, replacing objective legal standards with feelings and hunches.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
Colorado has beautiful scenery but their politicians are idiots!
Does anything in the so to be declared unconstituional law prevent a CO resident from going to another state to buy one of the weapons from another individual.
just thumb your noses at the constitution!