Hundreds of firearms swept up in Colorado licensing scheme

In a recent episode of  Independence Institute’s public affairs tv show, Devil’s Advocate, host Jon Calda sits down with Ray Elliott, president of the Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA), to look at sweeping new Colorado gun rights restrictions taking effect August 1. The two zero in on Senate Bill 25-003, which slaps heavy new burdens on purchasing many commonly owned firearms, including the popular AR-platform rifle.

Elliott lays out the new licensing scheme: prospective buyers of certain firearms must first obtain approval from their county sheriff, pay multiple fees, complete a state-approved firearms training course, and navigate what he describes as an increasingly burdensome financial and logistical barriers for law abiding gun owners.

The two also explore the state’s list of hundreds of firearms swept up by the new law, with more expected to be added through future rulemaking. Elliot questions the criteria used to determine which guns fall under the law, arguing that some are clearly inconsistent with the legislation’s stated intent.

The interview also highlights several legal challenges being pursued by CSSA, including lawsuits targeting new regulations affecting firearms dealers and privacy concerns related to inspections and record access.

You can see the entire episode on You Tube, or watch it below.