DENVER (KDVR) — Firearm owners who are usually on the teaching side of things went to class themselves on Monday. Colorado firearm instructors were in Denver for a conference, aiming to clear up some confusion around a newly implemented state law.
A concealed carry law that just took effect last month has instructors and gun owners alike seeking clarity.
“It’s more business for them, you get to teach more classes, you can bring in more revenue, more revenue for gun ranges. I have heard there is a backlog, but I know the instructors themselves are pretty happy to get the extra business,” said U.S. Law Shield President Kirk Evans.
Colorado lawmakers have passed several new gun laws over the past two years. One of those laws changed the requirements to obtain or renew a concealed carry permit, requiring applicants to complete handgun training, including a live fire exercise and a written exam, from a verified instructor.
“In the past, there was no requirement for live fire shooting to get your renewal permit. So the argument is maybe you have someone elderly or has a physical disability or something like that; something has changed in their life. The argument is that they should have to demonstrate they are still proficient with that firearm before getting their renewal permit,” Evans explained.
Each shooting instructor in the state has to become verified by their county sheriff and because Colorado is a local control state, that verification looks different depending on where you live.
“It’s different in every county, so for example, here in Denver, the instructor can be an instructor recognized in any county. But a couple of counties over, the instructor has to be recognized in that particular county, and then there is other counties in the state where not only do you have to be in that county, recognized by that county, but you have to physically teach the class in that county,” said Evans.
“For many counties, it’s entirely online,” Evans continued. “You can do an entire online application. In other counties, you can’t do anything online. You get a paper, mail-in form that you have to stick in the old-fashioned U.S. mail. And other ones take appointments by walk in only. So nothing online, and nothing by mail- you have to walk in. Then, others, you can’t walk in at all; you have to get an appointment before you even show up. So there are just different rules in every county that have created a ton of confusion, and delays, even folks getting their applications denied.”
With all the questions about the law, U.S. Law Shield held a conference in Denver, offering resources to all instructors who needed help implementing it.
“We are trying to get it so that anyone who wants to get certified literally in any county, we will help them here through one: with the basic rule so they understand the basics, but then we will go county by county and help these folks. If we can do it here today, get them certified in any county they want to be certified in. If not, we will just follow up and keep up with them through that process to make sure if you want to teach this renewal class, we can help you do that the right way and have your students get that renewal without as many headaches,” Evans said.
The law passed last year but went into effect this July. If you need clarity on the process, be sure to reach out to your county sheriff’s office.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
