New Colorado Gun Law: Why South Carolinians Should Pay Attention

Liberty-minded Americans have long warned of the slow creep of gun control measures—and now, the latest legislation out of Colorado should make supporters of the Second Amendment across the nation sit up and pay close attention. As of January 1, 2024, Colorado will become one of the first states to require a permit just to purchase a semiautomatic rifle. This concerning move echoes a growing trend to sidestep constitutional freedoms under the guise of “public safety.”

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, we uphold the belief that the right to keep and bear arms is not only sacred—it’s essential. This new Colorado regulation undermines that principle and sets a dangerous precedent. Let’s unpack why this matters, and why training, education, and steadfast defense of our rights are more important than ever.

What Colorado’s New Law Means

The Colorado General Assembly passed SB23-169, a bill that will require law-abiding citizens to complete a firearm safety training course, undergo a background check, and obtain a discretionary permit before they are even allowed to purchase a semiautomatic rifle. This is not a concealed carry or open carry permit—this is just to buy the rifle.

What’s most troubling is the discretionary nature of the permit system. This process allows authorities to decide whether or not an applicant is “suitable” to own a rifle. Historically, whenever arbitrary “suitability” standards are applied, they open the door to abuse, subjectivity, and a trampling of fundamental rights.

Highlights of the Colorado Law Include:

• A mandatory permit for all semiautomatic rifle purchases, regardless of purpose
• Completion of a firearm safety training course
• Background checks tied directly to the issuance of the permit
• Valid for only 10 years, after which the permit must be renewed
• Exemptions for law enforcement and military personnel

It’s important to point out that there is little to no evidence supporting the notion that these kinds of bureaucratic delays or training mandates reduce crime. Criminals, by definition, do not follow the law. Meanwhile, responsible gun owners—like those who come through our courses at Fortress Firearms Training—are further burdened, penalized, and stigmatized for exercising their rights.

Why South Carolina Should Take Note

Although this legislation is confined to Colorado—for now—it sets a dangerous example that anti-gun lawmakers in other states may try to replicate. South Carolinians have enjoyed a much freer approach to firearm ownership, but that could change quickly if we become complacent.

Gun control laws have a pattern. They often begin in states like California, New York, or Colorado, and then trickle across the country in the form of federal initiatives or copycat state laws. As more states adopt “permit-to-purchase” restrictions, the federal government could be encouraged to take similar action—threatening our core rights at a national level.

That’s why Fortress Firearms Training is more committed than ever to providing top-tier firearms education. The better trained and equipped we are as citizens, the more we can demonstrate responsibility and show how arbitrary legislation like Colorado’s latest move does nothing but erode liberty.

The Problem With Discretionary Permits

“Discretionary” permit systems put too much power in the hands of government officials, who may consciously or unconsciously allow ideology to inform their decisions. It places the availability of rights into the hands of bureaucrats who may not share the values and legality of the Second Amendment.

History has shown us what happens when governments become gatekeepers of freedom:

• Licenses can be delayed or denied without clear reason
• Political bias can influence the issuance of permits
• Law-abiding citizens are forced to ‘prove’ they deserve their rights

This is where the narrative must be corrected. The Constitution is not a privilege granted by government—it is a restriction on the government to protect citizens’ liberties. We don’t need permission to exercise our rights; permitting implies we do.

What Fortress Firearms Training Believes

At Fortress Firearms Training, our mission is steeped in the belief that every law-abiding citizen has not only the right but the responsibility to be trained, equipped, and prepared to defend themselves and their families. We believe that education—not regulation—is the solution to firearm misuse.

We offer a range of courses designed for all experience levels, from beginner pistol and rifle classes to advanced tactical and concealed carry training. By teaching proper safety, discipline, and responsibility, we empower South Carolinians to be confident and capable gun owners.

Unlike what the Colorado law implies, firearms education does not require legislation—it requires commitment, community, and proper instruction. The government should encourage voluntary training, not mandate it through the threat of denying fundamental rights.

Protecting the Second Amendment: What You Can Do

This new Colorado law reminds us that freedom requires constant vigilance. Whether or not you live in Colorado, it is critical to stay involved and informed:

• Support pro-2A organizations working at state and federal levels
• Regularly contact your legislators to oppose any proposed gun control laws
• Get trained and help educate others on responsible firearm ownership
• Vote wisely—your voice matters in every election

The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting or sport shooting—it’s about ensuring that Americans are never at the mercy of tyrants, criminals, or incompetence. The requirement for permits to purchase a semiautomatic rifle in Colorado is just another attempt to whittle away at that freedom, one regulation at a time.

Final Thoughts

Colorado’s new law signals a broader trend of legislative overreach targeting lawful gun owners. It’s a slippery slope with real consequences for those who value independence and self-defense. At Fortress Firearms Training, we stand firm in our belief that the best path forward is education, personal responsibility, and unwavering defense of the Constitution.

We welcome all South Carolinians and like-minded Americans to join us in promoting safe and lawful gun ownership. Now more than ever, we must stand together to ensure that arbitrary laws like Colorado’s do not spread unchecked.

To learn more about our firearms training programs or to schedule a class, visit https://www.fftcwp.org.