A Colorado Tactics Summer Briefing

There is a lot happening in our world this summer—a major new law here in Colorado, a fresh crop of firearms hitting the shelves, and as always, the fundamentals that keep you alive if the
worst day of your life ever finds you. At Colorado Tactics, we believe an informed shooter is a safe and capable shooter. So let’s walk through what you need to know, one thing at a time.

1. Colorado’s New Firearms Safety Law (SB25-003)—And Why I’m Proud to  Be a Certified Instructor

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado’s SB25-003 takes effect and changes how certain firearms are purchased in our state. Here is the plain-English version.
What it covers: The law applies to what it calls “specified semiautomatic firearms”—a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that accepts a detachable magazine, and gas-operated
semiautomatic handguns that accept a detachable magazine. It does NOT affect most handguns, firearms with fixed magazines, most common hunting rifles, or shotguns. If you’re picturing a standard AR-pattern rifle, that’s the category we’re talking about.

What’s now required: To purchase one of these firearms on or after August 1, you’ll need to obtain a firearms safety course eligibility card through your county sheriff’s office (that involves a valid state ID, a background check, and a fee), and you’ll need to complete a state-approved firearms safety course.

The course: If you’ve already completed a CPW-certified hunter education course, you qualify for a shorter four-hour Basic Course. Everyone else takes the twelve-hour Extended Course.
Both are in person and end with a final exam requiring a minimum score of 90%. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) built the curriculum, and the courses are taught by privately certified
instructors who are verified through their local sheriff.

Here’s the part I’m genuinely proud to share: I will be one of the certified instructors authorized to teach this new course. That means when the requirement takes effect, the folks in our
The community won’t have to scramble to find qualified instruction—you’ll be able to train with someone you already know and trust. If you’re planning a purchase after August 1, reach out early so we can get you scheduled before the rush.

A quick, honest note: This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice. The rules are still being finalized, and the state’s Firearm Safety System application is expected to come online in late July. Always confirm the current requirements directly with CPW or your county sheriff before you act.

2. What I’m Seeing Right Now — Current Trends
Walk any range in 2026 and a few things jump out. The biggest is that the red dot has officially won. Optics on carry pistols used to be a novelty; now they're the expectation. Manufacturers are shipping optics-ready slides as the standard, not the upgrade—the "naked" pistol with iron sights only is effectively a thing of the past.

Micro-compacts still rule concealed carry. High-capacity, slim 9mm pistols continue to dominate everyday carry. Ten-plus rounds in a gun you can genuinely hide is no longer a
Compromise—it’s the norm.
Lights and training culture are up. More students are carrying weapon-mounted lights and, just as importantly, investing in real training and consistent dry-fire practice at home. That’s the trend I’m happiest about. Gear is easy to buy; skill has to be earned.

3. New Iron Worth Watching in 2026

A few standouts from this year’s releases, whether you’re a first-time buyer or just window-shopping:

• Glock Gen 6—Launched in January, it brings refined ergonomics, a factory flat-face trigger, and optics-ready slides as standard across the line. A safe, familiar choice done a little
  better.
• HK CC9—Heckler & Koch’s micro-compact 9mm, running 12+1, slim and easy to conceal with the build quality HK is known for.
• Taurus TX9—A budget-friendly modular design with interchangeable frame sizes and an optics-ready (TORO) slide. Impressive value for the price point.
• Staccato HD C4X and CZ Shadow 2 Carry — For the enthusiast willing to spend, both are superbly accurate, optics-ready platforms built for people who shoot a lot.

My standing advice hasn’t changed: don’t buy before you train. The right firearm depends on your hand size, your lifestyle, and how you’ll actually carry it. Come to a class, put a few options
in your hands, and save yourself an expensive mistake.

4. Cover vs. Concealment — Know the Difference

This one isn’t optional knowledge. In a lethal-force encounter, confusing these two can cost you your life.

Concealment hides you. It breaks the line of sight so a threat can’t see you—a bush, a car door, drywall, or a trash can. It does nothing to stop a bullet. Concealment buys you a moment and
the element of surprise, and that’s all.

Cover stops bullets. It physically protects you from incoming rounds—an engine block, a brick wall, a concrete pillar, a steel dumpster. Cover is what you move to when rounds are actually
flying.

The trap is that they often look identical. That car you’re crouched behind? The sheet metal of the door is concealment; the engine block and the wheels are cover. Same vehicle, very
different protection. Train yourself to look at every environment and instantly ask, “Will this hide me, or will this actually stop a round?” Then remember the golden rule—concealment is a place
to think and move from, not a place to stand and fight. When you can, get to cover, and keep moving toward better cover.

Train With Us

Whether you're preparing for the new SB25-003 requirement, shopping for your first carry gun,or sharpening skills you already have, we're here for you. Reach out to get on the schedule — spots for the new certification course will fill quickly.

John Rader
Colorado Tactics, LLC
Slow is smooth… Smooth is FAST!
720-464-SHOT | 720-464-7468