The SB25-003 course
Do I need the course?
Only to buy a specified semiautomatic firearm (SSF) in Colorado: most semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with a detachable magazine, and gas-operated semi-automatic handguns with a detachable magazine. Bolt, lever and pump guns, most semi-automatic pistols, revolvers and suppressors aren’t covered. Anything you owned before August 1, 2026 is grandfathered. Our SB25-003 guide has the full list.
What’s the difference between the Basic and Extended course?
Basic is 4 hours and is for students whose Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) hunter-education credential is verified in CPW’s system. Extended is 12 hours over at least two days, for everyone else. Both are in person and passed at 90%.
Does my hunter-education card exempt me?
No. It qualifies you for the shorter 4-hour course instead of the 12-hour one.
Do I need my eligibility card before class?
Yes. The instructor checks your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card in class, and a student without one can’t be passed. You get the card from your county sheriff. Here’s how to get it.
Can I take any of it online?
No. The state requires the course in person, with the instructor in the room. Nothing online counts toward the hours.
Is there any shooting?
Not in the Colorado SSF safety course. It’s a classroom course with hands-on handling and no live ammunition. The NRA Basic Pistol class does include range time.
How does the state find out I passed?
Your instructor enters your result in the state’s Firearms Safety System within 3 business days of class.
How long is the course good for?
Five years, the same as the eligibility card.
When is the next class, and what does it cost?
No date or price is set yet. The schedule lists every open date, and the interest list hears first.
Refunds
What if a court blocks the law before my class?
We refund your tuition in full. That’s our Injunction Guarantee.
What if you cancel or move a class?
We refund your tuition in full.
What if I need to cancel?
More than 7 days before class, we refund your tuition in full. Within 7 days of class, your tuition becomes a credit toward a later class; it isn’t refunded in cash.
What if I don’t have my eligibility card by class day?
You can’t be passed without it, so we’ll move you to the next class rather than seat you.
How do I ask for a refund?
Call the shop at (970) 879-7565 or email [email protected]. Refunds go back to the card you paid with, usually within 7 days.
The pistol class
Is the pistol class the same as the SB25-003 course?
No. NRA Basic Pistol is a pistol skills course. The SB25-003 course is the Colorado SSF safety course.
When is the pistol class?
The first one is planned for the weekend of December 5 at the Routt County Rifle Club. That date is tentative. Get on the pistol class list to hear when it’s set.
Do I need my own pistol?
No. We have loaner pistols for the class. Call the shop at (970) 879-7565 if you’re not sure what to bring.
Nothing on this page is legal advice. For the law itself, see Colorado Parks and Wildlife and your county Sheriff’s Office.