Colorado Sheriff Refuses to Run State's New AR-15 Permit Scheme
A Colorado sheriff has announced he will not enforce the state's new permit-to-purchase requirement that took effect August 1, 2026. The law forces prospective buyers to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from their county sheriff before purchasing certain firearms, including AR-15s. Buyers must complete either a four-hour or 12-hour firearms training course, depending on prior hunter education credentials. The refusal marks the first known law enforcement pushback against Colorado's new licensing scheme.
Key Details
- Colorado's permit-to-purchase law became effective August 1, 2026, creating a mandatory sheriff-issued eligibility card requirement for firearm purchases.
- Training requirements depend on buyer history: four hours for those with recent hunter education; 12 hours for those without.
- The eligibility card is a prerequisite—buyers cannot proceed to purchase AR-15s or other affected firearms without it.
- At least one county sheriff has publicly stated non-compliance with the mandate.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Colorado buyers now face a two-step barrier to purchase: first, obtain sheriff approval and complete training; second, pass the actual point-of-sale transaction. This extends the buying process from days to weeks and creates a de facto permitting system that 2A advocates argue functions as an unconstitutional licensing scheme. The sheriff's refusal is significant—if local law enforcement won't issue cards, the system breaks down at the county level. Gun owners in non-compliant counties may find purchasing windows open wider, though legal status remains uncertain. Those in compliant counties face real delays and training costs before acquisition. This also sets precedent: sheriffs in other states with similar laws may follow Colorado's model of non-enforcement.
DownRange Analysis
The Colorado scheme will almost certainly face Bruen challenges. Requiring sheriff discretion for eligibility cards resurrects the permitting model that New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) explicitly rejected. The 12-hour training mandate also appears disconnected from historical tradition—colonial militia laws never required government-mandated civilian courses before firearm possession. If this case reaches federal court, the sheriff's non-compliance may actually undercut Colorado's defense by demonstrating the law's impracticability. Gun owners should document any delays or denials in getting eligibility cards for potential litigation. Expect federal injunctions within 12-18 months if a test case is filed.
