There were nearly three times as many firearm background checks last month in Colorado than in July 2025 amid a steep increase of gun purchases ahead of a new permit-to-purchase law going into effect.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported about 59,500 background checks last month, compared to about 20,200 in July 2025. Those background checks are required by law for firearm purchases and transfers. The most background checks occurred on July 25, with 3,710 submitted on that Saturday, according to CBI data. Daily numbers in July 2025 rarely surpassed 1,000.
One of the biggest shifts to gun sale regulations in Colorado history went into effect Saturday, affecting the sale of many semiautomatic firearms that accept detachable magazines. Colorado already has a ban on magazines that accept more than 15 rounds of ammunition. To buy those types of weapons, Coloradans must now obtain an eligibility card from their county sheriff, complete a multi-hour safety course and pass a written test. Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists 376 verified instructors for the course on its website.
— Sara Wilson in Colorado sees big uptick in gun background checks ahead of new purchasing law