Colorado’s Latest Gun Law Sparks Backlash from Firearms Advocates

Introduction: A Dangerous Step Toward Eroding Second Amendment Rights

Colorado’s latest legislation requiring a permit to purchase semi-automatic rifles has created a firestorm among gun rights advocates—and for good reason. This new measure, passed by Democratic lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Jared Polis, is not just an overreach; it’s a direct attack on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights. The thin veil of “public safety” that often accompanies restrictive gun laws can no longer mask the true agenda: incremental disarmament of Americans under the guise of regulation.

Now, the Colorado-based gun rights organization, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO), is taking a bold stand. The group has filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of this new law, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025. That’s right—beginning next year, anyone in Colorado under 21 will be unable to legally purchase a semi-automatic rifle without first jumping through government-imposed hoops.

What the Law Actually Says

Under this new legislation, individuals looking to purchase semi-automatic rifles must first obtain a state-issued permit. This involves:

• Completing firearms safety training
• Submitting fingerprints
• Undergoing a background check—again
• Paying additional fees

These steps may seem “reasonable” to those unfamiliar with firearms, but for seasoned gun owners and those who value constitutional freedoms, this is just another bureaucratic barrier meant to discourage gun ownership.

What’s Really at Stake

The implication of this law stretches beyond Colorado’s borders. It sets a dangerous precedent that could influence similar legislation in other states, including those that still value individual freedoms and the God-given right to self-defense.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we understand that ownership of semi-automatic rifles is not just about sport or hobby—it’s about security, family protection, and a fundamental American liberty. When one state infringes upon that liberty, we all feel the ripple effects.

The Second Amendment Is Not a Suggestion

RMGO’s lawsuit is based largely on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022). That ruling emphasized that gun rights are an individual right protected under the Second and Fourteenth Amendments, and any restriction must align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Colorado’s law doesn’t align with any such tradition.

Instead, it represents a modern, progressive push to control the populace by restricting their access to firearms—particularly semi-automatic rifles, which are often demonized in media narratives but in truth are a common and effective self-defense tool.

Age Discrimination Cloaked in “Safety”

One glaring issue in Colorado’s law is its explicit age-based discrimination. It flat out bans residents under 21 from exercising their Second Amendment right to purchase semi-automatic rifles. RMGO said it best in their lawsuit: this kind of age-based ban denies people the constitutional protection they are entitled to as adults under federal law.

If an 18-year-old man or woman can serve in the military, be trusted with the nation’s arsenal, and vote in federal elections, why should they be prohibited from owning a semi-automatic rifle at home for personal defense?

Misguided Legislation with Little Impact on Crime

The backers of this law justify it by citing gun violence rates and potential mass shooting scenarios. But far too often, these tragic events are exploited to further political agendas, rather than address root causes like mental illness or criminal enforcement failures.

Here’s what this law won’t do:

• It won’t stop criminals, who routinely obtain firearms through illegal means.
• It won’t make communities safer, as law-abiding gun owners are not the threat.
• It won’t honor the Constitution, trampling instead on foundational rights granted at America’s inception.

Banning or limiting access to certain types of arms under the pretense of safety only penalizes those who seek to abide by the law. Criminals aren’t applying for permits—they’re finding guns through illicit markets while good citizens are left waiting on red tape and approval stamps.

Why Firearms Training Is More Critical Than Ever

As laws like this emerge, it becomes increasingly important that we as Americans focus on education, not restriction. At Fortress Firearms Training, we equip responsible citizens with the tools they need to be safe, skilled, and vigilant gun owners.

Our courses are designed to go beyond target practice. We focus on:

• Defensive strategies with both handguns and rifles
• Legal knowledge that helps protect you before and after a defensive incident
• Situational awareness and how to respond in high-stress environments

That’s the kind of knowledge that makes a society safer—not forcing responsible citizens to beg the state for permits.

What Can You Do?

If you’re a South Carolinian, don’t assume your rights are immune to this type of legislation. Stand firm, get trained, stay aware, and support organizations that are fighting back.

Here are practical steps to protect your rights:

• Join a reputable gun rights advocacy group in your area
• Get educated and trained through a certified instruction facility like Fortress Firearms Training
• Vote for lawmakers who refuse to capitulate to anti-gun hysteria
• Talk to your community about the value of the Second Amendment

Closing Thoughts: Liberty Requires Vigilance

Colorado’s semi-automatic rifle permit law isn’t about safety—it’s about control. RMGO is doing what more citizens and organizations should be doing: standing up and saying “enough”. Freedom must be defended, not debated, and every step toward firearms regulation must be met with a louder voice for liberty.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we believe in the power of preparation and the responsibility of every American to defend their home, family, and freedoms. Don’t wait until legislation like Colorado’s comes to your doorstep. Arm yourself with knowledge and prepare for tomorrow—today.