Colorado background checks surge ahead of new gun law

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported a record 59,452 firearm background checks in July 2026, a 195% increase over the same month the previous year. The spike came as buyers rushed to purchase guns before the August 1 implementation of Senate Bill 25‑003, which adds an eligibility card, a multi‑hour safety course and a written test for purchases of semiautomatic firearms and high‑capacity magazines.

CBI Director Armando Saldate III praised the InstaCheck Unit for processing all checks within Colorado’s 72‑hour waiting period despite the surge. Gun stores and shooting organizations encouraged purchases before the deadline, and state officials highlighted the law as a step to reduce gun violence.

The agency added extra staff and overtime to handle the demand, and it confirmed that the background‑check system remains fully operational.