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Teaching Colorado Since 1993

Colorado Concealed Carry & Firearms Training

Concealed carry permits, the new state-required firearms safety course, and one-on-one instruction — taught across the Denver metro by a Douglas County verified instructor. More than 30,000 students since 1993.

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Classes & Prices

Next scheduled class

Saturday, November 7

Basics of Pistol Shooting — Colorado CCW
Aurora  ·  8:30 AM to about 5:00 PM  ·  $199 per person, range fee included  ·  limited to 14 students

This is the 8-hour, in-person class that satisfies Colorado’s concealed carry permit training requirement. Taught by John Rader — Douglas County verified instructor #25037, teaching since 1993. The exact location is sent with your seat confirmation.

Reserve your seat →  or call 720-464-SHOT (7468)

Class full? Sign in to the member portal and join the waitlist — you are emailed the moment a seat opens.

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Christmas gift certificates

Give the training, not just the gear.

Any amount from $25 to $500, good toward any class or private lesson. Print it to wrap, or have it emailed on Christmas morning. It never expires, and no account is needed to buy one.

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Basics of Pistol Shooting

The 8-hour in-person class that meets Colorado’s concealed carry permit requirement. Taught by a sheriff-verified instructor, as the law requires. $199, range fee included.

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Intermediate Course

Goes beyond the basics: clearing malfunctions, magazine exchanges, and cover versus concealment. Acquire targets faster and more accurately, without hesitation. $225.

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Two Colorado Tactics instructors with two students at an indoor range, the students holding up their shot targets. All four wearing eye and ear protection.
About Us

One Instructor. Since 1993. More Than 30,000 Students.

Colorado Tactics is training only — we are not a range and we do not sell firearms. Instruction is all we do, and every class is taught by John Rader personally.

Our mantra is “Slow is smooth… and smooth is fast.” Practice something correctly enough times and speed arrives on its own. Chase speed first and you build habits that fail under stress. That is why we do not take shortcuts, and why classes run long enough to actually cover the material.

Douglas County Verified Firearms Instructor #25037 · NRA Certified Instructor · United States Marine Corps, ten years infantry · Colorado Tactics founded 2013.

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Our Services

Every Class. Every Price. No Guessing.

From $89 to $450, every class we teach is listed with what it costs. Call us and we will tell you which one you actually need — including when the cheaper one is the right answer.

Concealed Carry

The class that satisfies Colorado’s CCW permit requirement, plus a 2-hour refresher if you are renewing. $199 and $124.99.

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Self Defense

Awareness, distance and practical technique — plus what Colorado law actually allows. No firearm required. $125.

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Personal Safety for Women

Built around the situations women actually face. Threat recognition, escapes and personal safety. No experience needed. $125.

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See All Classes & Prices
Woman practicing a two-handed pistol grip at an outdoor Colorado range

Two Classes Colorado Now Requires

The rules changed twice. Concealed carry training must now be within one year of applying, not ten. And since August 2026 a separate safety course is required before buying certain semiautomatic firearms. We teach both, and we will tell you plainly which one applies to you.

Student practicing pistol shooting in an indoor range lane
Classroom set up for firearms instruction with training firearms laid out
See What’s Required

Common Questions

Answers Before You Call

The six we get asked most. If yours is not here, call and we will tell you what you actually need — including when the cheaper class is the right one.

Which class do I need for a Colorado permit?
Basics of Pistol Shooting — 8 hours, in person, $199. It satisfies the state training requirement, taught by a sheriff-verified instructor as the law now requires.
I’m renewing. Do I need the full 8 hours?
No. Colorado allows renewal applicants a 2-hour refresher — $124.99, range fee included — covering the law updates, the live-fire qualification and the written exam.
I have a carry permit. Doesn’t that cover the new gun-buying law?
No. The Firearms Safety Course (SB25-003) is a separate law with separate requirements, and your permit does not exempt you or shorten the course. It is the most common mistake we hear.
Do I need to own a gun?
No. Ask about a rental when you book. If you are new and do not own one yet, take the class first and buy second — you will make a far better decision afterward.
What do I need to bring?
For the pistol classes: your handgun and holster, eye and ear protection, roughly 100 rounds, and closed-toe shoes. Rentals and loaner eye and ear protection are available. The safety course is classroom only, so there is nothing to bring.
Where are classes held?
Parker and Aurora, serving the Denver metro and all of Colorado. You get the exact address by email before class.
Students together after finishing a Colorado Tactics firearms safety class

Testimonials

Students say the same two things often enough that they show up in nearly every review: patient, and thorough.

    Jan B

    Client

    John Rader is an excellent instructor. I took a private Concealed Carry course from him. I was very impressed with his knowledge of weapons and gun laws also he has a very patient personality. He also talked about personal protection in your home, and car beyond just carrying a gun.

      Sharmaine N

      Client

      The BEST in COLORADO. John is extremely Knowledgeable, Personable, and Patient. Me and my husband to his CCW class last year and my son just took it last week. He was so thankful and happy that John took extra time to explain and help him. John Rader is THE BEST! Go take his class and invite your family and friends. You will love it.

        Heather M.

        Client

        I Highly recommend Colorado Tactics! John is extremely knowledgeable about all firearms and teaches you to be safe with them. He is extremely patient and kind, and he watches everything you do from the way you stand to the way you hold the gun and shows you how to be the best you can be. Having him as a teacher was the best choice I could have made!

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        Ready to Train?

        Tell us what you need and we will point you to the right class. Proudly serving the Denver Metro area and all of Colorado. Classes in Parker and Aurora, Monday to Saturday.

        Call 720-464-SHOT
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        Colorado Gun Law & Training Notes

        Law changes, training guidance and straight answers for Colorado shooters.

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