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Colorado Carry Questions

logan

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
433
Location
Greeley, CO
I'm taking a quick vacation to Colorado this week. I have a 2nd job interview in Greeley, and for a couple days after that we will be visiting the mountains.

I have non-resident permits for a few states, but I know they aren't any good in Colorado. I looked up the laws, but have a few more questions that I'd like clarified:


I know I can OC carry in a vehicle without my permit, but can I OC anywhere else?

How long does it normally take to get a permit? I think I read they have 90 days to issue or deny the permit, but how long does it normally take?

If a business has a "no firearms" sign, is it enforceable? Or can I legally still carry there but just leave immediately if they see it and ask me to leave? (I tried looking for this and didn't get a clear answer)

As far as OC goes, it is legal in the state, but some local ordinances ban it correct? Can they do that or is there a preemption law that overrides it?



I think that's all I got for questions. Colorado law seems to be pretty good. I also yesterday read something about the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, and went to their website to learn more. Seems like a great organization and I would probably join that pretty quick if I move to Colorado.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to visiting Colorado again (but I was like 8 at the time), and excited about possibly being able to move out there!
 

ZackL

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
340
Location
Calhan, Co.
You can legally open carry anywhere that doesn't have security/metal detection capabilities and other federally banned buildings. However, Denver city and county (as well as the park systems owned by them) are also off limits due to a court ruling after state preemption.

You could apply, however, because you're not a resident you will likely be denied for a permit. There is actually an ongoing lawsuit against Denver because of their OC ban and the fact that Colorado doesn't offer permits for people who aren't residents of Colorado already.

Generally speaking, if a business has a "no firearms" sign they will enforce it by calling the cops, not asking you to leave. If you are asked, or escorted out, you must leave or be charged with trespassing.

The only municipality that has a legal OC ban is Denver City/County and all things owned by them. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that you won't be hassled in other parts of Colorado. Castle Rock has had some issues and I believe that Telluride believes they can legally ban OC, but to the best of my knowledge, there have been no test cases.

RMGO is a great organization that truly fights for the rights of gun owners. They also offer many different tools that are very useful to people who carry, concealed or openly.
 

logan

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
433
Location
Greeley, CO
You could apply, however, because you're not a resident you will likely be denied for a permit.

I was asking the permit question in case I get a job there and move to Colorado. I'd assume it couldn't apply for a permit until I have an address there and get my drivers license updated to a Colorado license.

Thanks for the information! I open carry here and altho it's not generally accepted, people just don't even notice it. If they do, they probably think I'm a cop and don't ask any questions.
 

logan

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
433
Location
Greeley, CO
We visited Colorado back in April...http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?72315-My-unlicenced-open-carry-Colorado-trip. I was OC almost the whole time (without a permit) and had an amazing time. We stayed mostly in the Colorado Springs area and up in the mountains a bit.

We cannot wait to get back.

Sounds like you had a good time, and congrats on getting married!

I will probably end up not carrying on this vacation. I'm going with my mom and my fiance. My mom is like terrified of guns and my fiance doesn't like me to OC because she thinks it will draw too much attention. If it was only me and her, I'd probably go ahead. But my mom is paying for most of the trip, so I will probably leave it at home.

But should we move out there, at least I can carry until I get my permit. I OC in WI when I can, so I'm not new to OCing.
 

ZackL

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
340
Location
Calhan, Co.
I'm not saying to disrespect your mother, but in Colorado, most people at least have a gun. Whether they carry or not is a different story, but most people disregard a gun on a hip. Those that don't will generally be polite and will be pretty okay with it. The few instances where there are issues it is generally resolved quickly and easily without too much of an incident. I carry pretty much all day, every day and I have only had a couple of negative run ins. Should you want to carry, you're good. As for the issue drawing more attention, I think most people ignore it and those that don't generally ask "what caliber you got there?" or something to that effect.

The permit can take up to ninety days and some municipalities will use the full amount of time before they call you to come get it.

In any event, I hope you have a good stay and good luck with the move, should you want to.
 

logan

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
433
Location
Greeley, CO
As for the issue drawing more attention, I think most people ignore it and those that don't generally ask "what caliber you got there?" or something to that effect.

Open carrying in WI has really only taken off in the last year. Since we can't carry in a vehicle, and I can't carry at work, I don't carry all that often. But when I can carry, I do, and I haven't yet had a single person say anything about it. Maybe a few looks, but normally people don't notice. People really don't pay attention to their surroundings. Eventually my fiance will have to come around to the fact that I carry. If I move to CO, then my mom will have to get used to the fact that I'll be armed while she's visiting me.

Thanks for your response. I'm really considering carrying for the trip. I would feel a lot safer with a gun while on vacation. Especially nice since I can carry in national parks now.
 

Gunslinger

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2008
Messages
3,853
Location
Free, Colorado, USA
Colorado Springs is one of the most gun friendly cities in the country. OC --way from Denver, in the rest of CO is generally a non-issue. You can conceal the handgun in your car legally anywhere in CO, including Denver. If your family is uncomfortable, leave it in your car. How long it takes to get a 'shall issue' CCW depends on where you apply, El Paso Country (Colorado Springs) being about a month these days as opposed to two weeks when I got mine back in '06. Small counties are probably quicker, but even Denver doesn't take all that long. Enjoy our great state!
 

Gunslinger

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2008
Messages
3,853
Location
Free, Colorado, USA
That was a bad joke, right? Denver and Jeffco take 90 days because they Can- not because it takes 90 days. The main deterrents are the 3 month wait and the $100 + 152 + class

Thought I'd read on Concealedcarry.com recently a guy got his in 45 days from Denver. Of course, your results may vary.
 

logan

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
433
Location
Greeley, CO
Well I got job in Greeley. Will be moving to Loveland or Greeley (wherever we find an apartment) in the next few weeks. Looks like I will OC until I can get my concealed carry permit.

Is OC in the RMNP fine? Guess I don't see why it wouldn't be if it's legal everywhere else.
 

Kingfish

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
1,276
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Well I got job in Greeley. Will be moving to Loveland or Greeley (wherever we find an apartment) in the next few weeks. Looks like I will OC until I can get my concealed carry permit.

Is OC in the RMNP fine? Guess I don't see why it wouldn't be if it's legal everywhere else.
Congratulations. I hope to be joining you in a few months.
 
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