Sheriff-Verified · CPW-Certified · Colorado SB25-003

Colorado's SSF CourseTaught by a Decorated SWAT Veteran.

Since August 1, 2026, Colorado law has required an eligibility card and an in-person firearms safety course before you can purchase or receive a specified semiautomatic firearm. Ragnar Tactical teaches both the 12-hour Extended Course and the 4-hour Basic Course — classroom only, no live fire.

View Class Dates & Register What Is SB25-003?
Classes in Lakewood, CO.
12-Hr or 4-Hr Course
Classroom Only, No Live Fire
90% Exam To Pass
The Law, Plainly

What You Need To Know

Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 was signed into law on April 10, 2025. Beginning August 1, 2026, anyone purchasing or receiving a “specified semiautomatic firearm” (SSF) in Colorado must first hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card issued by their county Sheriff and complete an in-person firearms safety course. This requirement applies to future purchases and transfers only — it does not affect firearms you already own, and it does not restrict how you use them.

Now in effect

you cannot buy or receive a specified semiautomatic firearm in Colorado without a valid Eligibility Card and a completed course.

What Counts As an SSF

  • Semiautomatic rifles with a detachable magazine
  • Semiautomatic shotguns with a detachable magazine (most hunting shotguns are exempt)
  • Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with a detachable magazine

Not Affected

  • Firearms you already own — only future purchases/transfers require this course
  • Traditional recoil-operated pistols and revolvers. Not sure about your firearm? Check the Colorado Department of Revenue's SSF list.
  • Manually operated firearms (bolt, lever, pump)
  • Active LE, military, and prison guards, for duty weapons only
  • Inheritance after an owner's death, transfers to a licensed dealer, and transfers to out-of-state residents.
Legal status — please read. SB25-003 took effect August 1, 2026. A federal challenge, Del Toro v. Polis (brought by the Colorado State Shooting Association), has a pending motion for a preliminary injunction. As of October 1, 2026, no court has blocked the law, so the card and course are required for covered purchases. We'll update this page if that changes. This page is training and scheduling information, not legal advice. If a court blocks the law before your class date, you get a full refund.
In This Order — Not Interchangeable

The Path To Purchase

This is a strict sequence set by the state. Skipping ahead just means a wasted trip — you cannot enroll in a course without a card, and you cannot buy without the course.

1

Get your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card

Apply through Colorado Parks & Wildlife at coloradofss.com, then submit your application, ID, and background check results to your own county Sheriff’s Office. Card costs are separate from your class and paid to the state, your sheriff and a background-check vendor, not to Ragnar: a $52 CPW record fee, your county sheriff's processing fee (it varies widely by county), and a third-party name-based background check. This must be done before you can register for a class. In September, cards were issued in about 11 days on average after a completed application." This is CPW's own figure from the court filing, and it answers the "how long?

2

Complete your course with Ragnar Tactical

Choose the 12-hour Extended Course or the 4-hour Basic Course, based on whether you hold a current CPW hunter education certificate. Both are in-person, classroom-only — no live fire — and end with a state-required written exam (90% minimum to pass).

3

Purchase from your FFL dealer

Once you pass, your instructor enters your completion into the state Firearms Safety database within 3 business days. Your dealer verifies your eligibility at the time of sale.

Pick The Right Track

Choose Your Course

Most Students

Extended Course

12 Hours: three 4-hour sessions.

$225 / person

  • For anyone without a CPW hunter education on file.
  • Requires a valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card
  • Classroom only — no live fire, no range time
  • Taught by a sheriff-verified, CPW-certified instructor
Reserve Your Seat

Basic Course

4 Hours · Single Session

$75 / person

  • For students holding a valid CPW hunter education certificate
  • Requires a valid Eligibility Card + hunter education certificate
  • Same required subject areas, condensed format
  • Ends with the same 90%-minimum written exam
Reserve Your Seat
100% Classroom

What The Course Covers

Both courses use CPW’s standardized curriculum. There is no live fire and no range time in this class — every student must pass a written exam with a score of 90% or higher, the same bar CPW already uses for hunter education.

Safe Handling

Safe handling of semiautomatic firearms and detachable magazines.

Secure Storage

Child access prevention and secure storage practices.

Risk Awareness

Firearm-related injury and fatality risk factors.

Colorado Law

State law applicable to SSF purchase, transfer, and ownership.

Why Ragnar

Why Train With Ragnar Tactical

Ragnar Tactical is already Colorado’s trusted name in state-compliant firearms training. Our lead instructor, Graham Dunne, is a former Marine, law enforcement officer, SWAT officer, and police academy instructor with 20+ years of experience and 5,000+ students trained. Ragnar Tactical has held sheriff-verified instructor status for Colorado’s concealed carry law (HB 24-1174) since it took effect, and now brings that same compliance-first approach to SB25-003. Your instructor, Graham Dunne, is a former Marine, law enforcement officer, SWAT officer, police academy instructor. He's a recipient of the Police Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, and he has taught pistol, rifle and shotgun since 1999, with 5,000+ students trained. Ragnar has held sheriff-verified status under Colorado's CCW law (HB 24-1174) since the day it took effect, and brings the same standard to SB25-003.

Sheriff-Verified CPW-Certified 5,000+ Students Trained Instructing Since 1999
Straight Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take?

Card first (CPW reported about 11 days on average in September), then your class. Book as soon as your card is approved.

My sheriff isn't issuing cards. What now?

A few sheriffs have said they won't participate. Contact CPW's Firearms Safety Program for your options, then book with us once you have a card.

Does my Glock (or other pistol) count?

Only gas-operated semi-auto pistols with a detachable magazine are covered, and most common carry pistols are recoil-operated. Check the state's SSF list to be sure.

I'm buying from a friend or family member. Does this apply?

Yes, in most cases. The requirement covers transfers, not just dealer sales.

Do I need this course if I already own a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun?

No. SB25-003 applies only to future purchases and transfers. It does not require any course, card, or registration for firearms you already own.

Can I register for this class before I have my Eligibility Card?

No. State law requires you to hold a valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from your county Sheriff before you enroll in a course. Apply at coloradofss.com first.

Does my CCW class count toward this requirement?

No. CPW has stated that concealed carry training is not reciprocal with the SB25-003 requirement. This is a separate course with its own process.

Is there any live fire in this course?

No. Both the Extended and Basic courses are entirely classroom-based, with no shooting involved.

Is the 12-hour Extended Course one long day?

No. It's split into three 4-hour class days. All three sessions are required to complete your certification and sit for the exam. There are no partial-day makeups, so clear all three dates before you book.

How long does my course completion stay valid?

Per the statute, course completion is valid for 5 years from your completion date, provided your purchase happens within that window. The Eligibility Card itself is valid for 5 years from issuance.

What do I need to bring?

A valid photo ID, your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, and (for the Basic Course) proof of your CPW hunter education certificate.

Reserve Your Seat for 3 Day 4-Hour courses

12-Hour Extended Course Dates

Select a course and date below. Registration confirms once your Eligibility Card information is verified.

Reserve a 4-Hour Basic seat

4-Hour Basic Course Dates

Select a course and date below. Registration confirms once your Eligibility Card information is verified.

Ragnar Tactical

Colorado firearms training by police and military veterans. Sheriff-verified instruction for CCW, SB25-003, and beyond.

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© 2026 Ragnar Tactical. This page is informational and not legal advice. Sourced from leg.colorado.gov, cpw.state.co.us & weldsheriff.com