Colorado sheriffs and NRA oppose firearm training mandate

Colorado law enforcement officials and gun rights organizations are challenging a new state law that mandates training and certification for purchasers of semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices. The National Rifle Association has joined a lawsuit against the governor regarding the enactment of the bill.

Several county sheriffs have expressed opposition to the law's implementation. The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Steven Nowlin, announced it will not participate in managing or issuing the training certificates required through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife program for specific restrictive semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, or handguns.

Other pro-gun groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation and Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, have opposed the legislation on constitutional grounds. Additionally, DCF Guns, a large Colorado firearm retailer, has pledged $400,000 to litigate against the bill and subsidize firearm safety classes required by the new mandate.