CIVIL RIGHTS UPDATE: Critics blast scope of Colorado’s semi-auto gun licensing list.

In the run-up to Colorado’s semi-automatic gun licensing scheme, going into effect on August 1, the Colorado Department of Revenue released guidelines which includes approximately 900 firearm makes and models that will be heavily regulated by the looming new law, many of which have gun-rights advocates calling foul.

As previously reported by Complete Colorado, the Democrat-backed Senate Bill 003, passed during the 2025 legislative session, heaps a long list a list of new burdens on potential gun buyers prior to purchasing a semiautomatic firearm.

Among other things, the law requires Coloradans complete a 12 hour, in person, firearms course through their local sheriff’s office, after a background check and application fee is collected. A final exam must be completed with a 90% minimum passing score.

After course completion, all personal information will be uploaded into a course record system granting them five years of eligibility to purchase a semiautomatic gun.

Earlier this month, The Colorado Department of Revenue released their ‘Specified Semi-Automatic Firearms Guidance’ which included 152 pages worth of firearms regulated under SB-003.

Plus: “Kopel continues that the gun rights prohibitionists behind this law lied about its regulatory reach.”

Well, yeah.

I’d just add that when it comes time to renew, previously law-abiding CCW holders might decide that it’s “better to be judged by 12 men than be carried by six” rather than comply with the new law’s time-wasting rules and high compliance costs.

Or just move elsewhere, which is what’s on my radar.