Colorado sees big uptick in gun background checks ahead of new purchasing law

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.

CBI anticipated a surge in demand ahead of Aug. 1, the agency said in a news release Monday. That included cross-training 20 more staff members to help with background check processing and having flexible work and overtime schedules as demand shifted.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone in the InstaCheck Unit for coming together to tackle this challenge,” CBI Director Armando Saldate III said in a statement. “Their dedication, flexibility, and hard work were vital to our success, and I am grateful for your continued commitment to this team and the mission.”

Many gun stores and shooting organizations in Colorado encouraged people to buy guns before July 28. Because of Colorado’s three-day waiting period, it was the last day someone could buy one of the affected guns without the new training requirements.

Meanwhile, Democrats who in 2025 passed the new law, Senate Bill 25-3, celebrated its implementation.

“When semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines get into the wrong hands, it presents a major threat to the health and safety of our communities,” Rep. Andy Boesenecker, a Fort Collins Democrat, said in a statement last week. “With this law going into effect soon, we’re taking another step to prevent senseless violence in our communities and save countless lives.”