Possible Move

[The Trickster]

So there's a possibility that I may be moving to Colorado sometime in the next year or two. More than likely, it would be in the Denver area; probably one of the 'burbs and not actually Denver itself. I don't know much about Colorado gun laws, other than that apparently OC is illegal in the actual City of Denver. I currently live in Arizona and have a lot of time under my belt both OCing and CCing, and currently have my State of Arizona permission slip for reciprocity reasons.

Can anyone offer some basic insight as to what I should expect if I do move to your fine state (concerning OC/CC)?

How is LE out there? Are they pretty laid back as far as carry goes, or are they ball busters?

Also, I like to keep a CC permission slip active for the sake of inter-state reciprocity. Would I be required to take any classes or training in order to get a CO CCW permit, or would my AZ CCW count for anything towards that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mobiushky]

So there's a possibility that I may be moving to Colorado sometime in the next year or two. More than likely, it would be in the Denver area; probably one of the 'burbs and not actually Denver itself. I don't know much about Colorado gun laws, other than that apparently OC is illegal in the actual City of Denver. I currently live in Arizona and have a lot of time under my belt both OCing and CCing, and currently have my State of Arizona permission slip for reciprocity reasons.

Can anyone offer some basic insight as to what I should expect if I do move to your fine state (concerning OC/CC)?

How is LE out there? Are they pretty laid back as far as carry goes, or are they ball busters?

Also, I like to keep a CC permission slip active for the sake of inter-state reciprocity. Would I be required to take any classes or training in order to get a CO CCW permit, or would my AZ CCW count for anything towards that?

Thanks in advance.

It might help to start with the State Constitution which makes OC legal without a permit. There are exceptions. The standard federal buildings etc. Denver City/County has a local ordinance that was ruled to be legitimate. So OC is illegal in Denver city/county. That is the only city where OC is illegal. Local municipalities can adopt a no OC ordinance, but only for city owned properties and it must be clearly posted at all entrances. Obviously there is the whole private property thing too. Denver also has a minor version of the "assault weapons" ban. No magazines over 21 rounds. Etc.

CC is also defined by the State Constitution. In this case, local municipalities cannot make any law that supersedes. The requirement for CC is the standard can't be a BG. You also have to provide proof of experience with firearms. In general that means a military or police ID. A certificate from a class. Or an affidavit from an instructor verifying your are experienced. One thing I don't know is if the permit you have from AZ would qualify for that requirement. You'd have to ask your local Sheriff that one.

Regarding vehicle, Colorado views your vehicle as an extension of your home. You can OC or CC all you like, no permit needed. Handguns can be in any state you choose (loaded or not). Long guns and shotguns cannot have a round in the chamber. That's a function of the hunting laws. You can drive through Denver without any issues and their laws do not apply. But if you live in Denver limits, you have to abide by the laws.

Cops are going to be more fidgety in the higher crime and more anti-gun areas. Denver, Boulder, Aurora all tend to be a little less friendly. Partly because of the crime (Aurora) and partly because of the anti-gun attitude (Boulder). Colorado Springs just got in trouble recently for arresting an OC'er in a park. They got their hands slapped. So they are less likely to repeat that.

My suggestion, don't live in Denver limits. You'll be fine.

 

[The Trickster]

Thank you for your response. I noticed that Denver County is actually rather small and is surrounded by many other counties, so I would definitely prefer to live in one of those surrounding counties as opposed to Denver and for many reasons.

A few more questions if I may...

As far as state laws are concerned, what do you folks from Colorado see for the future of gun ownership and carry in your state's future?

Any chance for Constitutional Carry?

How about the removal of the OC ban in Denver?

 

[mobiushky]

Thank you for your response. I noticed that Denver County is actually rather small and is surrounded by many other counties, so I would definitely prefer to live in one of those surrounding counties as opposed to Denver and for many reasons.

A few more questions if I may...

As far as state laws are concerned, what do you folks from Colorado see for the future of gun ownership and carry in your state's future?

Any chance for Constitutional Carry?

How about the removal of the OC ban in Denver?

With Democrat majorities in both branches of the Legislature and a Democrat Governor, I don't see anything easing up. My guess is it will pretty much stay unchanged for the near future. Of course, with a push from some in Washington to reenact the "Assault Weapons" ban, it may not matter. The Colorado constitution was amended in 2006 and that's what gave us the system we have now. I don't see a real push from anyone to make further changes. But at least it's a "shall issue" state.

Denver will only get worse, not better. They fought the State in court to maintain their ban on OC and won. They also have stricter rules regarding firearms in general. A mini-AWB if you will. My guess is, they will get stricter and more anti-gun. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Chicago style full ban in the near future.

 

[The Trickster]

With Democrat majorities in both branches of the Legislature and a Democrat Governor, I don't see anything easing up. My guess is it will pretty much stay unchanged for the near future. Of course, with a push from some in Washington to reenact the "Assault Weapons" ban, it may not matter. The Colorado constitution was amended in 2006 and that's what gave us the system we have now. I don't see a real push from anyone to make further changes. But at least it's a "shall issue" state.

Denver will only get worse, not better. They fought the State in court to maintain their ban on OC and won. They also have stricter rules regarding firearms in general. A mini-AWB if you will. My guess is, they will get stricter and more anti-gun. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Chicago style full ban in the near future.

I see. Well, that's too bad. Although I already had my CCW permit here in AZ at the time, I was ecstatic when Constitutional Carry came about. Like you said, at least CO is "shall issue."

Do you think it would be legal for me to simply just maintain my valid AZ CCW permit if I move to CO? AZ issues out of state and CO honors it, plus AZ has more states that honor it via reciprocity vs. the CO permit. Certainly would be less expensive, too.

 

[PikesPeakMtnMan]

If you move to CO you would have to get a CO permit if you want to conceal. CO reciprocity is good for traveling only.

 

[The Trickster]

If you move to CO you would have to get a CO permit if you want to conceal. CO reciprocity is good for traveling only.

Damn.

Until I become a bona fide CO resident (however long the residency requirement is), I could still in theory, CC off of my AZ permit, right?

 

[PikesPeakMtnMan]

Damn.

Until I become a bona fide CO resident (however long the residency requirement is), I could still in theory, CC off of my AZ permit, right?

I believe you could...in theory.

 

[Kingfish]

Damn.

Until I become a bona fide CO resident (however long the residency requirement is), I could still in theory, CC off of my AZ permit, right?

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1177024843160

Looks like as soon as you get a job the considers you a resident....Or 90 days.

 

[The Trickster]

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1177024843160

Looks like as soon as you get a job the considers you a resident....Or 90 days.

Thanks for that link.

 

[Anubis]

Damn.

Until I become a bona fide CO resident (however long the residency requirement is), I could still in theory, CC off of my AZ permit, right?

CO recognizes AZ permits only for AZ residents, and requires a driver license (or similar ID) with an AZ address. So you are fine until you have an ID with a non-AZ address.

Meanwhile, no permit required for vehicle carry of loaded handgun, or OC outside Denver.

 

[The Trickster]

CO recognizes AZ permits only for AZ residents, and requires a driver license (or similar ID) with an AZ address. So you are fine until you have an ID with a non-AZ address.

Meanwhile, no permit required for vehicle carry of loaded handgun, or OC outside Denver.

Thanks